Understanding Marriage
-
Explore the links below to find out more about the sacrament of marriage:
-
What is Marriage
The matrimonial covenant, by which a man and 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
-Catechism of the Catholic Church 1601
-
-
What Does it Mean to Say Marriage is a Sacrament
Marriage is a sacrament through which we encounter Christ and, through grace, we can love as he does. The grace of the sacrament enables us to love more deeply than we can by our own power. Only with Jesus’ help can we fulfill his commandment “love one another as I have loved you.” (John 13:34) This is why the Church calls married couples to receive the Sacrament of Marriage, so that they might receive this help.
Once we understand the meaning of the Sacrament of Matrimony (also referred to as Marriage), it becomes easier to understand why the Church goes to so much trouble to help couples receive the sacrament. It changes everything for a married couple. It transforms a contract between two people into what Archbishop Sartain describes as "a way of discipleship and conversion." -
For Your Marriage Resources
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) offers excellent and detailed resources for those who want to better understand marriage and live it out more effectively. Click this link to go to the USCCB For Your Marriage website to learn more.
-
Archdiocese of Seattle Matrimony Policies
-
Explaining the Sacrament of Matrimony
-
-
-
Everything I Have is Yours a book on marriage by Archbishop Emeritus Sartain
"Marriage is a way of discipleship and conversion." This is a sample of the wisdom provided by Archbishop Emeritus J. Peter Sartain in his thoughtful booklet Everything I have is yours. Click the link below to read this booklet by Archbishop Sartain that helps to explain the meaning of marriage.
Everything I have is yours
If your parish would like copies of this booklet, contact our office at eric.paige@seattlearch.org