A Sacrament of Vocation and Service
Sacred Scripture begins with the creation and union of man and woman and ends with “the wedding feast of the Lamb” (Rev 19:7, 9). Scripture often refers to marriage, its origin and purpose, the meaning God gave to it, and its renewal in the covenant made by Jesus with his Church. Man and woman were created for each other.
“The Sacrament of Marriage is a covenant, which is more than a contract. Covenant always expresses a relationship between persons. The marriage covenant refers to the relationship between the husband and wife, a permanent union of persons capable of knowing and loving each other and God. The celebration of marriage is also a liturgical act, appropriately held in a public liturgy at church. Catholics are urged to celebrate their marriage within the Eucharistic Liturgy.” United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
We believe St. Mary of Gostyn Church is a wonderful place for your wedding. Please allow 6 to 8 months for ample preparation for this Sacrament. To start your wedding process and to set up your first appointment, please contact the Deacon’s Office at (630) 737-9637.
“A man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. So they are no longer two but one flesh.” Mark 1:7-8
Liturgical
The Sacrament of Matrimony signifies the union of Christ and the Church. It gives spouses the grace to love each other with the love with which Christ has loved his Church; the grace of the sacrament thus perfects the human love of the spouses, strengthens their indissoluble unity, and sanctifies them on the way to eternal life.
“Father, you have made the union of man and wife so holy a mystery that it symbolizes the marriage of Christ and his Church.” (Nuptial Blessing, USCCB)
Convenant
The Sacrament of Marriage is a covenant, which is more than a contract. Covenant always expresses a relationship between persons. In reality, then, a good marriage is a covenant between three people: the man, the woman and God.
Unlike the other six sacraments which are all administered by a bishop, priest, or deacon, the Sacrament of Matrimony is administered by the husband and wife to each other; the priest or deacon is merely the Church’s witness who blesses the union created by the exchange of consent.
The marriage bond, created only by those who are truly free by God’s law to marry, is an irrevocable covenant which binds the spouses to each other for life, and the Sacrament of Matrimony conveys the special grace necessary to strengthen them for lifelong fidelity and growth in holiness.
“Let marriage be honored among all.” (Hebrews 13:4a)
Sacramental
Marriage is not just about sharing a physical life together, but calling each other on to holiness. It is not always easy to keep Christ at the center of your marriage, so pray for the grace to help your spouse to heaven. Love wants the best for the other; the Sacrament of Marriage endows the couple with the grace to desire holiness for the other. Marriage, as a sacrament instituted by Christ, reflects the exchange of love between the three persons of the Blessed Trinity.
“The LORD God said: It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suited to him.” (Genesis 2:18)
Sacrificial
It is easy to say that marriage must be about giving 100% without expecting in return, but it is a lot harder to do this in practice. Sacramental marriage is sacrificial in its nature. While movies and romance novels peddle a watered down version of love and marriage, at the heart of sacramental marriage is self surrender and a full personal commitment. Marital love works when it doesn’t expect anything back in return.
“Intense love does not measure it just gives.” (Saint Theresa of Calcutta)
“Now, not with lust, but with fidelity I take this kinswoman as my wife. Send down your mercy on me and on her, and grant that we may grow old together. Bless us with children. They said together, “Amen, amen!”” Tobit 8:7-8
Considerations and practical suggestions “Find Out If You’re Really in Love” from Jackie and Bobby Angel (Ascension Presents).
Log into our parish FORMED.org account to view the whole series. “Beloved” from Augustine Institute.
“We don’t need a piece of paper to show that we love each other.” Fr. Mike Schmitz explores the depth, and beauty, of the Church’s teaching on this Sacrament.
