The Sacrament of Marriage is a lasting commitment of a man and a woman to a lifelong partnership, established for the good of each other and their children. ... Through the sacrament of Matrimony, the Church teaches that Jesus gives the strength and grace to live the real meaning of marriage.
The purpose of the sacrament is to help the couple in this life as they work to live in faithfulness to God. Their love for each other is a reflection of the enduring love between Christ and his Church, and it provides them with a foretaste of the divine love that awaits them in paradise.
In the Sacrament of Matrimony, a man and a woman are united in such a way that they become one flesh, each belonging to one another. Matrimony is a celebration of a lifelong commitment of faithful love. Living together in marriage is not the only way in which people love one another, but marriage is certainly the best example of human love and committment.
In the exchange of promises during the marriage ceremony, the couple administers the sacrament to each other. There must by an official Church witness present, either a priest or a deacon, because Matrimony is an act of public worship, a community prayer, bringing God’s blessing to the couple. Once the couple is married, their home becomes a domestic church.
UPDATED POLICY FOR MARRIAGES CELEBRATED AT OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL AND OUR LADY OF LORETO PARISH
There is a one-year preparation for weddings.
At least one partner must be a registered member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Our Lady of Loreto Parish. Otherwise, written permission must be obtained from the parties’ proper pastor(s) for them to celebrate marriage at Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Our Lady of Loreto Parish.
Recently issued certificates of baptism and confirmation must be obtained.