The Sacraments of Holy Orders and Matrimony are the two sacraments at the service of communion.  Matrimony is a life long communion of love and service between a man and woman.  It is this sacramental union that gives a family the spiritual, physical, and emotional foundation upon which to build a future.  If the family unit is strong and rooted in Jesus Christ, then the larger culture and society will thrive too. 

The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that "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 "good of the spouses" refers to both temporal and spiritual matters.  The spouses  enter into a relationship that is full of joy, happiness, wonder, and shared experiences.  More importantly, matrimony gives both spouses the opportunity to grow in virtue and holiness through lifelong service and love of each other.  When a man and woman put the needs of the other before themselves in good times and in bad, they learn to imitate and embrace the example of Jesus Christ and His spouse, the Church.

The quotation from the Catechism also talks about the other purpose of matrimony, "the procreation and education of offspring".  Children are the greatest blessing that God can give a couple.  Psalm 127:3-5 says, "behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb are a reward.  Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth.  Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them!" 

God's plan and wisdom for marriage is that it be open to life.  That can be challenging to understand, let alone embrace, in a world that encourages selfishness and egotism.  Nevertheless, there are countless examples of marriages that have rejected the lies and temptations of the world, put faith in God's plan for marriage and the family, and received untold - and irreplaceable - measures of joy and grace in their children.

If you would like to be married at St. Catherine of Siena, please contact Fr. Chris at the parish office at least 6 months before your wedding date.  
 

It is our sincere desire to strengthen and support couples in their vocation of marriage, because we know that life presents us all with constant challenges to reject selfish desires, grow in holiness, and serve others in pure love.  For that reason, we would be happy to talk to you and your spouse about our various groups and classes where couples, both engaged and married, can seek information, direction and encouragement for their marriage. If we don't have what your looking for, we'll help direct you somewhere that does!