Marriage
That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh. Genesis 2:24
The sacrament of marriage is a celebration of a lifelong commitment to faithful love in which a man and a woman declare their love for each other and are united in such a way that they become one flesh and belong to one another. This sacrament is unique in that the ministers of the sacrament are the bride and groom, not the priest. The couple minister to each other! The priest acts as a witness on behalf of the community to the solemn promises which are made by the couple.
Marriage in a Catholic church is different; it has an additional dimension in that Christ blesses or consecrates this lifelong union. The Church frequently refers to Jesus' presence at the wedding at Cana which she sees as confirming the goodness of marriage and the proclamation to the parish and wider community that this union will bring blessings to the bride and groom, to their family and friends, and will be a sign to us all of the love of which Jesus spoke. Marriage is often described as a reflection of the love that Jesus has for his Church.
And then there is the wedding, often an opportunity for a large number of guests to celebrate their love for the newly married couple. Just as there are long-term preparations for the wedding, so we ask couples intending to marry to contact Father John at least six months in advance; You’ll need to do this anyway to reserve your date and time.
All couples intending to marry in church are expected to join with a small number of other couples to prepare for their marriage. Details of these sessions are available when you register your intended marriage date. In the first instance, speak to Father John after Mass or email parish@st-catherines-didsbury.co.uk.
Marriage in a Catholic church is different; it has an additional dimension in that Christ blesses or consecrates this lifelong union. The Church frequently refers to Jesus' presence at the wedding at Cana which she sees as confirming the goodness of marriage and the proclamation to the parish and wider community that this union will bring blessings to the bride and groom, to their family and friends, and will be a sign to us all of the love of which Jesus spoke. Marriage is often described as a reflection of the love that Jesus has for his Church.
And then there is the wedding, often an opportunity for a large number of guests to celebrate their love for the newly married couple. Just as there are long-term preparations for the wedding, so we ask couples intending to marry to contact Father John at least six months in advance; You’ll need to do this anyway to reserve your date and time.
All couples intending to marry in church are expected to join with a small number of other couples to prepare for their marriage. Details of these sessions are available when you register your intended marriage date. In the first instance, speak to Father John after Mass or email parish@st-catherines-didsbury.co.uk.
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 1 Peter 4:8