About Marriage

In the Sacrament of Marriage, a man and woman are united in a lifelong covenant of love that reflects Christ’s love for His Church.

Christian marriage forms a domestic church where faith is lived, nurtured, and passed on to future generations of disciples.

The Sacrament of Marriage in the Catholic Church

The Sacrament of Marriage (Holy Matrimony) is a sacred covenant established by God in which a man and a woman freely give themselves to one another in a lifelong union of love and fidelity. Through their vows, the couple becomes a visible sign of Christ’s faithful love for His Church and receives the grace to live out their vocation as husband and wife.

Marriage is one of the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church and is ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of children.

What Does the Church Teach About Marriage?

The Catholic Church teaches that marriage is:

A lifelong covenant between one man and one woman.
A partnership of mutual love, fidelity, and self-sacrifice.
Open to the gift of children.
A sacrament that strengthens the couple with God’s grace.
A vocation—a unique calling to holiness through married life.

Jesus affirmed the permanence of marriage when He said:

“So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, no human being must separate.”
— Matthew 19:6

Who Can Receive the Sacrament of Marriage?

To celebrate the Sacrament of Marriage in the Catholic Church:

Both parties must freely consent to the marriage.
At least one person must be a baptized Catholic.
Both must be legally free to marry (not bound by a previous valid marriage unless a declaration of nullity has been granted or the prior spouse has died).
They must have the intention of entering a lifelong, faithful, and fruitful marriage.

Preparing for Marriage

Here at St. Michael the Archangel, Catholic couples are asked to begin preparation at least six months before their anticipated wedding date.

Marriage preparation typically includes:

Meeting with the priest or deacon.
Completing the required marriage paperwork.
Providing recently issued baptismal certificates for Catholics.
Participating in a marriage preparation program or retreat (such as Pre-Cana or an approved diocesan program).
Completing a premarital inventory (often FOCCUS) to help discuss important aspects of married life.
Learning about the Church’s teaching on marriage, family life, and Natural Family Planning.

Requirements for a Valid Catholic Marriage

For a Catholic marriage to be valid, the following are generally required:

1. Free Consent

Both bride and groom must freely choose marriage without coercion or serious fear.

2. Capacity to Marry

Each person must be capable of understanding and accepting the responsibilities of marriage.

3. Proper Form

Unless a dispensation has been granted by the bishop, Catholics must marry:

Before a Catholic priest or deacon.
In the presence of two witnesses.
In a Catholic church or another location approved by the bishop.

4. Lifelong Commitment

The couple must intend marriage to be permanent.

5. Fidelity

The spouses promise exclusive faithfulness to one another.

6. Openness to Children

The couple must be open to welcoming children according to God’s plan, even if they later experience infertility.

Marriage Between a Catholic and a Non-Catholic

The Church recognizes that many Catholics marry Christians of other denominations or those who are not baptized.

A mixed marriage is between a Catholic and another baptized Christian and generally requires the permission of the diocesan bishop.
A marriage between a Catholic and an unbaptized person requires a dispensation from disparity of cult before the marriage can be validly celebrated.

In both situations, the Catholic promises to continue practicing the faith and to do all in his or her power to have any children baptized and raised in the Catholic Church.

Marriage After Divorce

The Catholic Church believes that a valid sacramental marriage lasts until the death of one spouse.

A civil divorce does not end a sacramental marriage. If someone who has been divorced wishes to marry again in the Church, the previous marriage must first be examined by a diocesan marriage tribunal. If the tribunal determines that a valid marriage was never established, it may issue a Declaration of Nullity (Annulment). An annulment does not erase the relationship or declare that children are illegitimate; rather, it states that a valid sacramental marriage was not brought into being due to circumstances present from the beginning.

The Wedding Liturgy

A Catholic wedding normally includes:

The Liturgy of the Word.
The Exchange of Consent (Marriage Vows).
The Exchange of Rings.
The Nuptial Blessing.

If both the bride and groom are Catholic, the marriage is usually celebrated within the Mass. If one party is not Catholic, the marriage is often celebrated outside of Mass, although this can vary depending on pastoral circumstances.

The Effects of the Sacrament

The Sacrament of Marriage:

Unites husband and wife in a lifelong covenant.
Gives them grace to love as Christ loves.
Strengthens them to remain faithful throughout life.
Helps them build a holy Christian family.
Enables them to be witnesses of God’s love in the world.

Canon Law

The Church’s law regarding marriage is found primarily in the Code of Canon Law, canons 1055–1165. These canons address:

The nature and purpose of marriage.
Marriage preparation.
Consent.
Canonical form.
Mixed marriages.
Impediments to marriage.
Convalidation and declarations of nullity.

We Are Here to Help

If you are engaged, considering marriage, or have questions about your marital status in the Church, we encourage you to please contact Christina in the parish office at parishoffice@stmikes.us or 989-967-3520. Father Mike Alber, our pastor would be honored to meet with you, answer your questions, and help you prepare for a joyful and faith-filled marriage rooted in Christ.

“Love is patient, love is kind… Love never fails.” (1 Corinthians 13:4, 8)