The sacrament of marriage is the “matrimonial covenant, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life… ordered towards the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring” (CCC 1601). Christ raised marriage to the dignity of a sacrament, which “signifies the union of Christ and the Church. It gives spouses the grace to love each other with the love with which Christ has loved his Church; the grace of the sacrament thus perfects the human love of the spouses, strengthens their indissoluble unity, and sanctifies them on the way to eternal life” (Council of Trent: DS 1799).
The marriage between a man and woman reflects the love held between the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, in which there is an outpouring of love, marriage reflects this through the “procreation and education of the offspring” (CCC 1652). While the union between man and woman is most realised in having children, for those who are not granted children, their “marriage can radiate a fruitfulness of charity, of hospitality, and of sacrifice” (CCC 1654).

Couples planning to marry should make an appointment to see Fr Mike Maguire at least six months before the proposed wedding date, as a great deal of administration must be completed before a Catholic marriage can take place. They will also attend a course on Marriage Preparation, led by married parishioners. This focuses on their relationship and their hopes, gives an understanding of the Sacrament of Matrimony and a deeper awareness of their future, life-long, commitment.