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."
Whether you are dating, engaged, or currently married, For Your Marriage is a wonderful site that offers excellent and detailed resources on topics ranging from relationships, discernment for marriage, wedding preparation, parenting, and more.
Download this flyer produced by the USCCB to learn more about how couples can grow in Christian discipleship through the Sacrament of Marriage.
Click this link to review the Archdiocese of Seattle's policies related to Matrimony.
A free marriage preparation booklet by Archbishop Emeritus J. Peter 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. This booklet is meant to be read together by couples preparing for marriage. Each chapter includes reflection questions and a simple prayer. This is a wonderful way to learn more about and prepare for the Sacrament of Matrimony.