Marriage
“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” Mark 10: 7
It is through the sacrament of marriage, that a man and a woman express their faith in Christ and what He has revealed through the Church and their love for each other. When couples exchange theirs vows, they publicly proclaim their love for God in Christ, for each other and their commitment to remain together for life.
When the church says marriage is a sacrament, it means that your love and faithfulness to one other becomes a witness, a living icon and an effective sign of God’s love for his bride, the Church.
Marriage is a sacramental sign not just to one other, but to all. A wedding liturgy reflects one’s faith in Christ, in the Church and in each other, and this is expressed in the prayers and scriptural readings.
“I, take you to be my lawful wife/husband. I promise to be true to you in good times, and bad, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, I will love and honour you all the days of my life.”
In the Catholic Tradition the Sacrament of Marriage takes place in the presence of a priest, who witnesses on behalf of God and the Church.
The Catholic understanding of marriage sees a couple as cooperating with God in creating new life, and so when they express their love, they are to always be open to the gift of new human life.
Prior to marriage, we strongly recommend couples attend the Diocesan Marriage Preparation course, as the course sets the foundation for a deeper understanding of the commitment each will be making to another for life. It also gives greater meaning to the sacrament of Marriage, and the Church’s teachings.
Getting married at St Michael’s
St Michael’s is a beautiful historical church that is a popular setting for weddings. St Michael’s Church is only available for Catholic weddings.
If you wish to book your wedding at St Michael’s, please contact the Parish Office.