Matrimony
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United as One
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The matrimonial covenant, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life, is by its nature 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)
The bond of Christian marriage cannot be dissolved by any human power. The effects of the Sacrament of Matrimony are:- To sanctify the love of husband and wife
- To give them grace to bear with each other´s weaknesses
- To enable them to bring up their children in the fear and love of God
To receive the Sacrament of Matrimony worthily it is necessary to be in the state of grace, and it is necessary also to comply with the Laws of the Church. The Church alone has the right to make laws concerning the Sacrament of Marriage, though the state also has the right to make laws concerning the civil effects of the marriage contract. Christians should prepare for a holy and happy marriage by receiving the Sacraments of Penance and Holy Eucharist, by asking God to grant them a pure intention, and to direct their choice by seeking the advice of their parents.
Biblical references: Matt 19:5; Mark 10:7-12; Eph 5:22-32; 1 Thess 4:4; Mal 2:14-16; Matt 5:32-33; Matt 19:4-6,9; Mark 10:11-12; Lk 16:18; Rom 7:2-3; 1 Cor 7:10-11Matrimony signifies the union of Christ and the Church. The attendance of Jesus at the wedding at Cana is recognized as conveying an important sign. It is a confirmation of the goodness of marriage and proclaims marriage to be an efficacious sign of Christ's presence.
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Receiving the Sacrament of Matrimony
No wedding can be scheduled in the parish calendar without consulting one of our parish priests to ensure that marriage within the Church can indeed take place in the time period desired. It is always wise, therefore, to ensure your date in the parish calendar prior to confirming a date with your social hall or caterer.
If you are seeking to be married in Mary Queen of Saints Parish, you must contact a priest at least six months in advance of the anticipated wedding date. No other arrangements should be made until you have spoken with the priest. Father will first ask some questions to be sure that the two are free to contract marriage before reserving any dates. The couple must also arrange to meet with Father so that he may inform the two of all that is needed to prepare for the wedding and marriage. All couples will be required to participate in a pre-marriage program. Recognized pre-marriage programs are available. Before enrolling, please discuss the matter with our pastor. Marriage preparation sessions must be completed before the wedding.
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Marriage Preparation Programs
Every couple to be married in the Diocese of Pittsburgh is required to participate in a diocesan-approved marriage preparation program which should be taken at least six months prior to your wedding.
A pre-marriage program is offered here at Mary, Queen of Saints Parish. This program, referred to as the Pre-Cana Classes, is comprised of a set of sessions offered twice a year, normally scheduled for Fall and Spring. The cost is a non-refundable $15 per couple. For more detailed information, the current class schedule, and a registration form, CLICK HERE.♦ ♦ ♦
If you are unable to attend the Pre-Cana Classes offered within our parish, you are free to make use of any Pre-Cana Program offered throughout the Pittsburgh Diocese. This would include other parish-sponsored programs (including the Renew the 'I Do' Marriage Preparation program); the Engaged Encounter weekend retreat; or online formation through Catholic Marriage Prep. (This is the only Diocesan-approved online pre-marriage program.) For information on what is avaiable to couples through Diocesan channels, visit the 'Marriage Preparation' page on the Diocese of Pittsburgh website by CLICKING HERE.
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Marriage
Explore how the love between spouses mirrors the Divine love of the Blessed Trinity, thoughts on the Theology of the Body, and the theological virtues.
(The video is part of a service from the Sophia Intstitute for Teachers.)
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On Marriage &
RelationshipsA video from Word on Fire commenting on marriage and relationships.
Fr. Robert Barron is the founder of Word on Fire Catholic Ministries.
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