Matrimony
Matrimony - Introduction“Matrimony is the covenant, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership.... ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring; this covenant between baptized persons has been raised by Christ the Lord to the dignity of a sacrament” (CCC, ¶ 1601). “It
is ordinarily understood that the spouses, as ministers of Christ's grace,
mutually confer upon each other the sacrament of Matrimony by expressing their
consent before the Church” (CCC, ¶ 1623). The theology of Matrimony notes the elements of fidelity, permanence, and life giving. Fidelity includes faithfulness to one’s spouse, an exclusive relationship with only one person, and both spouses making the marriage a priority in their life. Permanence describes the indissoluble and irrevocable commitment a couple make to each other and to a life long marriage relationship. Life giving refers to the procreative and generative aspects of marriage that include openness to having children, as well as sharing beyond the couples the gifts of the marriage with society through the neighborhood or church community. The Sacrament of Marriage confers a grace proper to the Sacrament of Matrimony intended to perfect the couple's love and to strengthen their indissoluble unity. By this grace they “help one another to attain holiness in their married life and in welcoming and educating their children” (CCC, ¶ 1641). Matrimony
- Catechesis
Catechesis for marriage can be denoted as remote, proximate, and immediate preparation. Remote preparation begins at birth and much of remote preparation or catechesis for marriage takes place within the family. As children observe the dynamics of their parents' marriage, they begin to form impressions and expectations of how marriage is lived out. As they grow, young people begin to develop an understanding of what elements and skills are necessary to maintain a healthy marriage relationship. Parish education programs further the understanding gained in the family by illustrating the Christian elements of patience, tolerance, forgiveness, honesty, and kindness, and by helping young people learn how to share, how to empathize, and how to listen to others. Remote preparation also involves learning values and ethics for life. Proximate preparation generally takes place during the engagement period. Parishes may offer programs or processes to help couples during this time of discernment which help the couple learn and mature in their understanding of oneself, of one’s partner, and of the true essence of a sacramental marriage. The engagement period is a time to emphasize the theology of marriage – faithfulness, commitment, and life giving – and to provide education in skills for good communication, moral decision making, and conflict resolution. Proximate preparation may be provided by married couples, who are invited to witness to their sacrament by sharing their married experience with couples who are preparing to marry. Immediate preparation assures that a valid marriage can be entered into by both partners, that the couple can meet the expectations of the church, and that proper liturgical considerations are being met for the wedding ceremony. MATRIMONY
- POLICIES
Due to the volume and breadth of the following policies for marriage and for weddings, the location or source of the policy information is listed below: Policies for marriage preparation can be found by referring to the Wisconsin Pastoral Guidelines for Marriage Preparation in every parish office or by consulting the Office of Family Ministry. Policies for Matrimony can be obtained by contacting the parish pastor or the Office of the Moderator of the Curia. Policies for arranging the wedding liturgy or ceremony are coordinated by meeting with the parish priest or by contacting the Office of Worship. MATRIMONY
- ISSUES
Issues to be recognized or addressed when planning to enter a sacramental marriage are the baptismal status of the perspective spouses, the freedom of both partners to consent to a valid marriage, and the maturity level or ability of the partners to make a permanent commitment. The reception of baptism is necessary for the valid reception of the sacrament of matrimony. Canon law (1065) recommends that, “If they can do so without grave inconvenience, Catholics who have not received the Sacrament of Confirmation are to receive it before being admitted to marriage” and also strongly recommended that those to be married approach the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist. Failure to be confirmed does not affect the validity of the marriage, but Confirmation, Penance and Holy Eucharist are urged for the faith dimension of marriage.
Marriage plans of partners of different faith backgrounds or traditions may require additional attention for canonical dispensation. Partners who are seeking to enter a second marriage may need to apply for an annulment in order to enter a valid Catholic marriage. |