The Lord God said: "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a suitable partner for him." So the Lord God cast a deep sleep on the man, and while he was asleep, he took out one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. The Lord God then built up into a woman the rib that He had taken from a man. When he brought her to the man, the man said: "This one, at last, is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; This one shall be called woman, for out of 'her man' this one has been taken." That is why a man leaves his father and mother and clings to his wife, and the two of them become one body. . . . . Genesis 2:18, 21-24
Congratulations on your engagement!!! We share in your joy as you begin this process of preparing a life together as husband and wife. The Catholic Church celebrates this sacrament with you as a tangible sign of God's presence and unconditional love in the world. The Sacrament of Marriage is your witness to Christ in your lives.
Love is the fundamental and innate vocation of every human being. God's love for us is continually proclaimed in the love of spouses for each other. Together, they help each other to attain holiness in their married life and in the upbringing and education of their children - thus to become the "domestic church".
Matrimony is the sacrament that sanctifies the contract of a Christian marriage and gives a special grace to those who receive it worthily. This union is marked by love, respect, care and concern, and a commitment to share responsibility in the raising of a family if God should bless the couple with children. A good marriage is a holy covenant involving three persons whereby the couple is joined on their life's journey by Jesus Christ who promises to bless, sustain, and rejoice in their union.
The sacrament of marriage is not just a one-day affair. It blossoms over the years as the husband and wife live out their mutual relationship with each other and the Lord. Through their daily love and faithfulness, they will meet the Lord who lives within them by the power of the Holy Spirit. The celebration of Christian marriage is "till death do us part."
Engaged couples are asked to make arrangements at least 1 year prior to the date of marriage. All couples are required to participate in a Pre-Cana Retreat & God’s Plan for a Joyfilled Marriage, sponsored by the Archdiocese of Newark. Please call the parish center & speak with Fr. Leo so that together you may begin to plan your celebration of the Sacrament of Marriage.