Pastor's Page:
True Statements about the Sacrament of Marriage
September 5,2010
"Marriage is a lifelong commitment."- "A man leaves his father and mother and joins himself to his wife, and the two become one flesh."
"What God has joined together no one can divide."
"Marriage is a sacrament, a calling from God, a vocation. The marriage bond has been established by God himself, and cannot be dissolved."
“Marriage contributes to the good of society."
“Married love reveals God, the God of love."
“Married love is imperfect yet holy. Husband-and-wife help one another to attain holiness in their married life, and in welcoming and educating their children."
"Married love brings husband and wife closer together and therefore closer to God."
"The Catholic spouses in marriage are ministers of the grace of Christ to each other, and confer upon each other the sacrament of matrimony by expressing their consent before the church."
Marriages are public events. For two Catholics they must be celebrated in a Catholic Church- the holy place, while the community gathers in prayer.
The priest or deacon who assists at the celebration of a marriage represents the church universal, receives the consent of the spouses in the name of the church and gives the blessing of the church."
"In the nuptial blessing conferred by the priest or deacon, husband-and-wife receive the Holy Spirit as the communion of love of Christ and the church. They receive the Holy Spirit as the seal of their covenant.
"The Spirit of love is the ever available source of their love and the strength to renew their fidelity. A married couple is called to prayer in order to actualize the power of the Spirit within them."
"Children bring the husband and wife closer together and therefore closer to God."-"Children are the supreme gift of marriage and contribute greatly to the good of the parents themselves." (Vat. II)
"The sacrament of marriage extends beyond the wedding day."
"Married love helps the couple care for others beyond their family."
"The sacrament of marriage is an unbreakable bond that reflects God's love for all."
"A marriage where coercion or grave external fear is involved can be annulled."
"Openness to children is essential to marriage."
"A non-Catholic spouse no longer needs to promise to raise children Catholic."
The sacrament of marriage is between a man and a woman. Children are the product of their love: "… fill the Earth and subdue it." (Genesis 2) Their lifetime commitment reflects the covenant of love between God and the human race.
Peace and love,
Father Bruce
Peace,
Father Bruce
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