Helping Couples Create Great Marriages
Prepare for a Lifetime of Love: Watch This Catholic Marriage Prep Video Series!
Are you preparing for the Sacrament of Marriage? Dynamic Catholic’s 12-season video series is designed to guide engaged couples through the beauty and challenges of Catholic marriage.
Gain valuable insights, practical advice, and faith-centered tools to build a strong, Christ-centered marriage. Don't miss this essential resource for a lifetime of love and unity in the Sacrament of Matrimony!
Start your journey today with Dynamic Catholic’s Marriage Prep Series!
BETTER TOGETHER
Are you preparing for the Sacrament of Marriage? Dynamic Catholic’s 12-season video series is designed to guide engaged couples through the beauty and challenges of Catholic marriage.
Gain valuable insights, practical advice, and faith-centered tools to build a strong, Christ-centered marriage. Don't miss this essential resource for a lifetime of love and unity in the Sacrament of Matrimony!
Start your journey today with Dynamic Catholic’s Marriage Prep Series!
BETTER TOGETHER
The Fundamentals of Catholic Marriage: A Sacred Covenant Rooted in Scripture and TraditionMarriage, as understood by the Catholic Church, is far more than a social contract or a mere agreement between two individuals. It is a holy and lifelong covenant that reflects God’s love for His people and Christ’s union with His Church. Rooted in Sacred Scripture and upheld by Tradition, Catholic marriage calls for mutual love, faithfulness, and openness to life. To prepare for this sacred vocation, engaged couples are encouraged to immerse themselves in the spiritual, emotional, and practical dimensions of marriage, guided by the teachings of the Church and the wisdom of the Fathers.
1. Marriage: Instituted by God from the Beginning
The Catholic understanding of marriage begins with the account of creation in the Book of Genesis. God’s design for human relationships is beautifully revealed in Genesis 2:18-24. After creating Adam, God says, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.” This shows that marriage is part of God’s original plan for humanity. He creates Eve, and when Adam sees her, he declares, “This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh.”
Marriage is therefore a communion of persons—man and woman becoming "one flesh"—not simply in physical union but in a deep, spiritual bond. As Jesus reiterates in the Gospel of Mark, "What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate" (Mark 10:9). This underscores the indissolubility of marriage, affirming that it is not merely a human agreement but a divine institution.
2. Marriage as a Reflection of Christ’s Love
In the New Testament, marriage is elevated to a sacrament—a visible sign of Christ’s love for the Church. St. Paul writes in his letter to the Ephesians: “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the Church and gave himself up for her” (Ephesians 5:25). In this way, the relationship between husband and wife becomes a living witness of Christ's sacrificial and redemptive love.
For this reason, the Church teaches that marriage is a lifelong commitment and a partnership of the whole of life. This is why divorce and remarriage are not permitted in the Catholic faith; they violate the indissoluble bond established by God. St. Augustine reflects on the permanence of marriage, saying, "What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate. It is not by human law, but by divine law, that the two are made one in marriage."
3. The Fathers of the Church on Marriage
The early Church Fathers provide us with profound insights into the sanctity of marriage. St. John Chrysostom, in his Homily on Marriage, emphasizes that marriage is a "mystery" that signifies Christ’s relationship to the Church. He highlights the importance of mutual respect, love, and forgiveness within the marital relationship, urging husbands and wives to imitate Christ’s humility and patience.
St. Augustine also speaks of the three “goods” of marriage: fidelity, offspring, and sacrament. Fidelity refers to the exclusive commitment between the spouses. Offspring emphasizes the procreative purpose of marriage, where children are welcomed as blessings from God. The sacrament refers to the indissoluble nature of marriage, making it a sacred covenant that reflects the eternal love of God for His people.
4. Psalm 128: The Blessedness of Family Life
Psalm 128 offers a poetic reflection on the blessings of a God-centered family life. “Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table” (Psalm 128:3). This imagery captures the joy and flourishing that comes from a marriage rooted in faith. The psalmist describes how the family, united in love and faith, becomes a source of blessings not just for the spouses, but for the wider community as well.
5. Preparing for a Catholic Wedding: A Path to Holiness
Engaged couples preparing for the sacrament of marriage are called to approach their wedding day not merely as an event, but as the beginning of a lifelong journey toward holiness. To help couples prepare spiritually, emotionally, and practically, the Church offers several avenues:
a. Sacramental Preparation
Catholic couples are encouraged to participate in Pre-Cana, a marriage preparation program that helps them understand the sacramental nature of marriage. These sessions typically cover topics like communication, conflict resolution, the theology of the body, and the responsibilities of parenthood. The goal is to equip couples to live out their vows with fidelity and joy.
b. Frequent Reception of the Sacraments
A strong marriage is built on a strong relationship with Christ. Engaged couples should make frequent use of the sacraments, especially Confession and the Eucharist, as they prepare for their wedding. The grace received in these sacraments strengthens the couple to love selflessly and remain faithful to one another.
c. Prayer and Discernment
It is essential for engaged couples to develop a life of prayer, both individually and together. Praying for God’s guidance in their relationship, asking for the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Joseph, and meditating on Scripture help couples discern God’s will for their marriage.
d. Counsel from the Church
Couples should also seek spiritual direction from a priest or counselor, particularly in navigating any challenges or concerns that arise during their engagement. Spiritual guidance ensures that they are grounded in the Church’s teachings on marriage and ready to embrace their vocation fully.
6. Living Out the Sacrament of Marriage
Once married, couples are called to continue nurturing their relationship through ongoing prayer, communication, and participation in the sacraments. As Pope St. John Paul II famously said, "The future of humanity passes by way of the family." A strong marriage not only blesses the spouses but serves as a witness to God's love in the world, showing others the beauty of faithful and sacrificial love.
A Holy Covenant for Life
Marriage in the Catholic Church is a holy and lifelong covenant, reflecting the union of Christ and His Church. Rooted in Scripture, enriched by the reflections of the Church Fathers, and supported by the sacramental life, Catholic marriage invites couples to live out their vocation with faith, love, and openness to God’s grace. By preparing for marriage with prayer, discernment, and active participation in the Church, engaged couples can build a firm foundation for a life of love, joy, and holiness.
As St. Paul encourages in Colossians 3:14, "And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony." This love, grounded in Christ, is the bedrock of Catholic marriage and the path to true fulfillment in the sacrament of matrimony.
1. Marriage: Instituted by God from the Beginning
The Catholic understanding of marriage begins with the account of creation in the Book of Genesis. God’s design for human relationships is beautifully revealed in Genesis 2:18-24. After creating Adam, God says, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.” This shows that marriage is part of God’s original plan for humanity. He creates Eve, and when Adam sees her, he declares, “This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh.”
Marriage is therefore a communion of persons—man and woman becoming "one flesh"—not simply in physical union but in a deep, spiritual bond. As Jesus reiterates in the Gospel of Mark, "What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate" (Mark 10:9). This underscores the indissolubility of marriage, affirming that it is not merely a human agreement but a divine institution.
2. Marriage as a Reflection of Christ’s Love
In the New Testament, marriage is elevated to a sacrament—a visible sign of Christ’s love for the Church. St. Paul writes in his letter to the Ephesians: “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the Church and gave himself up for her” (Ephesians 5:25). In this way, the relationship between husband and wife becomes a living witness of Christ's sacrificial and redemptive love.
For this reason, the Church teaches that marriage is a lifelong commitment and a partnership of the whole of life. This is why divorce and remarriage are not permitted in the Catholic faith; they violate the indissoluble bond established by God. St. Augustine reflects on the permanence of marriage, saying, "What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate. It is not by human law, but by divine law, that the two are made one in marriage."
3. The Fathers of the Church on Marriage
The early Church Fathers provide us with profound insights into the sanctity of marriage. St. John Chrysostom, in his Homily on Marriage, emphasizes that marriage is a "mystery" that signifies Christ’s relationship to the Church. He highlights the importance of mutual respect, love, and forgiveness within the marital relationship, urging husbands and wives to imitate Christ’s humility and patience.
St. Augustine also speaks of the three “goods” of marriage: fidelity, offspring, and sacrament. Fidelity refers to the exclusive commitment between the spouses. Offspring emphasizes the procreative purpose of marriage, where children are welcomed as blessings from God. The sacrament refers to the indissoluble nature of marriage, making it a sacred covenant that reflects the eternal love of God for His people.
4. Psalm 128: The Blessedness of Family Life
Psalm 128 offers a poetic reflection on the blessings of a God-centered family life. “Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table” (Psalm 128:3). This imagery captures the joy and flourishing that comes from a marriage rooted in faith. The psalmist describes how the family, united in love and faith, becomes a source of blessings not just for the spouses, but for the wider community as well.
5. Preparing for a Catholic Wedding: A Path to Holiness
Engaged couples preparing for the sacrament of marriage are called to approach their wedding day not merely as an event, but as the beginning of a lifelong journey toward holiness. To help couples prepare spiritually, emotionally, and practically, the Church offers several avenues:
a. Sacramental Preparation
Catholic couples are encouraged to participate in Pre-Cana, a marriage preparation program that helps them understand the sacramental nature of marriage. These sessions typically cover topics like communication, conflict resolution, the theology of the body, and the responsibilities of parenthood. The goal is to equip couples to live out their vows with fidelity and joy.
b. Frequent Reception of the Sacraments
A strong marriage is built on a strong relationship with Christ. Engaged couples should make frequent use of the sacraments, especially Confession and the Eucharist, as they prepare for their wedding. The grace received in these sacraments strengthens the couple to love selflessly and remain faithful to one another.
c. Prayer and Discernment
It is essential for engaged couples to develop a life of prayer, both individually and together. Praying for God’s guidance in their relationship, asking for the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Joseph, and meditating on Scripture help couples discern God’s will for their marriage.
d. Counsel from the Church
Couples should also seek spiritual direction from a priest or counselor, particularly in navigating any challenges or concerns that arise during their engagement. Spiritual guidance ensures that they are grounded in the Church’s teachings on marriage and ready to embrace their vocation fully.
6. Living Out the Sacrament of Marriage
Once married, couples are called to continue nurturing their relationship through ongoing prayer, communication, and participation in the sacraments. As Pope St. John Paul II famously said, "The future of humanity passes by way of the family." A strong marriage not only blesses the spouses but serves as a witness to God's love in the world, showing others the beauty of faithful and sacrificial love.
A Holy Covenant for Life
Marriage in the Catholic Church is a holy and lifelong covenant, reflecting the union of Christ and His Church. Rooted in Scripture, enriched by the reflections of the Church Fathers, and supported by the sacramental life, Catholic marriage invites couples to live out their vocation with faith, love, and openness to God’s grace. By preparing for marriage with prayer, discernment, and active participation in the Church, engaged couples can build a firm foundation for a life of love, joy, and holiness.
As St. Paul encourages in Colossians 3:14, "And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony." This love, grounded in Christ, is the bedrock of Catholic marriage and the path to true fulfillment in the sacrament of matrimony.
