Marriage: The Sacrament of Matrimony
The Sacrament of Marriage reveals the very heart of God’s plan for humanity: a covenant of love and communion. As Pope Francis teaches, the union of man and woman in marriage is not just a human agreement—it is “the image of God,” a reflection of divine love itself. “God created man... male and female he created them... and the two shall become one flesh” (Gen 1:27; 2:24).
In Matrimony, husband and wife are called to mirror God’s faithful, life-giving love. Their covenant reflects God’s covenant with His people and the communion of the Trinity itself. Marriage, then, is far more than a legal or emotional bond—it is a sacred sign, a living icon of God’s love in the world.
When a man and woman receive the Sacrament of Matrimony, God impresses on them the features of His own love: unity, fidelity and permanence. As Pope Francis puts it, “God makes of the two spouses one single life.” This mystery is expressed in the biblical phrase “one flesh”, emphasizing how deeply the couple are united—not only physically but spiritually.
In this sacrament, the love of spouses becomes a path to holiness and a witness of God’s love for all. Created in love, we are called to love. Marriage is one beautiful way God fulfills that call—through the daily, mutual gift of self that binds husband and wife together in grace.
(based on Pope Francis, General Audience, 2 April 2014)
Celebrating the Sacrament of Marriage at St.Gerard
It is a duty and privilege of all Catholics to get married in the Church. Baptism and free marital status is the basic requirement for engaging in the sacrament of marriage in the Catholic Church. The Catholic party must be a registered member of the parish and show some sort of engagement in parish life. Six months is considered the minimum amount of preparation time before a couple can get married. Marriage preparation includes: meetings with the pastor, a pre-marriage inquiry, meetings with a married couple for premarital course, and a course on Natural Family Planning. No commitment to a date for marriage is to be set before meeting with our pastor.