HOLY MATRIMONY

"The matrimonial covenant, by which a man and a 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." (CCC 1601)

The bond of Christian marriage cannot be dissolved by any human power. The effects of the Sacrament of Matrimony are:

1. To sanctify the love of husband and wife
2. To give them grace to bear with each others' weaknesses
3. To enable them to bring up their children in the fear and love of God

To receive the Sacrament of Matrimony worthily, it is necessary to be in the state of grace, and it is necessary also to comply with the Laws of the Church. The Church alone has the right to make laws concerning the Sacrament of Marriage, though the state also has the right to make laws concerning the civil effects of the marriage contract. Christians should prepare for a holy and happy marriage by receiving the Sacraments of Penance and Holy Eucharist, by asking God to grant them a pure intention, and to direct their choice by seeking the advice of their parents. 

Biblical references: Matt 19:5  |  Mark 10:7-12  |  Eph 5:22-32  |  1 Thess 4:4  |  ​​​​​​​Mal 2:14-16  |  ​​​​​​​Matt 5:32-33  |  ​​​​​​​Matt 19:4-6,9  |  ​​​​​​​Mark 10:11-12  |  ​​​​​​​Lk 16:18  |  ​​​​​​​Rom 7:2-3  |  ​​​​​​​1 Cor 7:10-11

No wedding can be scheduled on the parish calendar without consulting one of our parish priests to ensure that marriage within the church can indeed take place in the time period desired. It is always wise, therefore, to ensure your date on the parish calendar prior to confirming a date with your social hall or caterer.

If you are seeking to be married at Saint Luke the Evangelist Parish, you must contact a priest at least six months in advance of the anticipated wedding date. No other arrangements should be made until you have spoken with the priest. Father will first ask some questions to be sure that the two are free to contract marriage before reserving any dates.  The couple must also arrange to meet with Father so that he may inform the two of all that is needed to prepare for the wedding and marriage.  All couples will be required to participate in a pre-marriage program before the wedding. Classes available around the Diocese can be found at diopitt.org/marriage-preparation