Marriage
The sacrament of Marriage in the Catholic Church is a profound and sacred union, revered not only as a covenant between two individuals but also as a symbol of Christ's enduring love for the Church. This sacrament is rooted in the belief that marriage is a divine institution, established by God at the creation of humanity and elevated by Jesus Christ to the dignity of a sacrament. In this holy union, a man and a woman publicly commit themselves to a lifelong partnership of mutual love and respect, open to the gift of children. Marriage is celebrated as a source of grace, where the couple is called to grow together in love and holiness, supporting each other in their journey towards God. It is a vocation, a path to sanctity, embodying the virtues of fidelity, unity, and indissolubility, reflecting the unbreakable bond between Christ and His Church. The sacrament of Marriage thus stands as a vital and vibrant sign of God's love and presence in the world, enriching the Church and society through the witness of married love and family life.
MARRIAGE PREPARATION COURSE 2024
The Department of Family Apostolate of our Eparchy is conducting Marriage preparation course for those who are getting married. It will be a 3-day residential course. Certificate will be issued at the end of the course to those who are attending in full. Please bring a passport size photo and a copy of the photo page of your passport as well as an introducing letter from the Syro Malabar priest in charge of your parish/ mission/ proposed mission in the UK.
Venue: Savio House, Ingersley Road Ellington SK10 5RW.
To reach the place : Nearest Airport: Manchester. Take train to Macclesfield via Manchester Piccadilly station. By Rail: The nearest Railway Station is Macclesfield and Savio House is reachable by taxi (around £15). Or take the bus from the railway station and get down at Boilington near the Cotton Tree Pub and walk around five minutes. Parking is available for those reaching by car.
Cost :The expense including accommodation (type: Dormitory) food and study are £250 per person.
Booking shall be done by sending £50 online via your bank to our NatWest account number 74493523 sort code 01-67-14 account name CSMEGB (Catholic Syro Malabar Eparchy of Great Britain) and inform Sr. Noel CMC, the course Secretary by email reenaaugusty19©gmail.com. Balance amount is to be paid on arrival.
Arrival :Â 10.30 am on the first day and Departure at 3.30 pm on the third day.
Scheduled dates for 2023
- • January 25,26,27 Thursday to Saturday
- • March 14,15,16 Thursday to Saturday
- • June 6,7,8 Thursday to Saturday
- • August 22, 23, 24 Thursday to Saturday
- • October 10,11,12 Thursday to Saturday
- • November21,22,23 Thursday to Saturday
- • December 5, 6, 7 Thursday to Saturday
For enquiries:Â Sr. Noel CMC
Email ID : reenaaugusty19@gmail.com
Mobile Number :07700 857120 +91 95446 34471
Marriage Preparation Course 2024
“Marriage in God’s Plan,” as explained in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, comprehensively covers the journey and significance of marriage from creation to its fulfillment in Christ. This journey is understood in five distinct stages:
Marriage in the Order of Creation: The Catechism teaches that the vocation to marriage is written in the very nature of man and woman as they were created by God (CCC 1603). From the beginning, marriage was intended as a covenant between a man and a woman, reflecting God’s plan for companionship, unity, and procreation. This original plan illustrates marriage as a fundamental aspect of God’s creation and human society.
Marriage Under the Regime of Sin: With the fall of Adam and Eve, sin entered the world, deeply impacting the marital relationship (CCC 1607-1608). The harmony of the original relationship was disrupted, leading to struggles, infidelities, and moral weaknesses. This stage underscores the challenges and imperfections in marriage as a result of human sinfulness.
Marriage Under the Pedagogy of the Law: In this stage, the Catechism highlights how the Old Testament Laws and teachings guided people in understanding and practicing marriage (CCC 1610). These laws were meant to educate and lead people in their relationships, preparing them for a deeper understanding of marriage’s sanctity and its restoration through Christ.
Marriage in the Lord: With the coming of Jesus Christ, marriage was elevated (CCC 1612-1616). Christ restored the original order of marriage, emphasizing its indissolubility and sanctity. In the New Testament, marriage is seen as a sign of Christ’s union with the Church—a sacrament that symbolizes and partakes in the mystery of Christ’s unconditional love.
Virginity for the Sake of the Kingdom: The Catechism also discusses the value of virginity for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven (CCC 1618-1620). This is not to downplay the importance of marriage but to highlight that both marriage and virginity are ways to live out one’s commitment to God. Virginity is seen as a special form of consecration to God and service to the Church, living out the Kingdom of God in a unique way.
Based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC), the effects of the Sacrament of Matrimony can be understood through several significant aspects:
The Marriage Bond: The Sacrament of Matrimony establishes a unique bond between the married couple (CCC 1638-1642). This bond is a divine covenant reflecting Christ’s covenant with the Church. It is a public state of life in the Church, and thus, the marriage bond is recognized as holy, sacred, and permanent. The matrimonial covenant, sealed by God Himself, signifies a mutual promise between the spouses to always remain faithful and committed to each other. This bond is instituted and endowed with its own proper laws by the Creator.
The Grace of the Sacrament of Matrimony: The grace conferred by the sacrament of Matrimony is intended to perfect the couple’s love and strengthen their indissoluble unity (CCC 1641-1642). This grace helps each spouse to support one another in faithfulness, and in the difficult task of raising children and integrating their family into the Church and society. The sacrament enriches the spouses with the strength and grace they need to attain holiness in their married life and to welcome and responsibly raise their children.
The Unity and Indissolubility of Marriage: The Catechism emphasizes that by its very nature, the institution of marriage and married love is ordered to the procreation and education of offspring and is in its nature indissoluble (CCC 1656). This unity and indissolubility of marriage create an environment where children can grow in stability and love. The sacrament of Matrimony 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, thereby reinforcing the permanent nature and exclusive fidelity required in marriage
The concept of the “Domestic Church” is intrinsically connected to the sacrament of Marriage as outlined in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC). This connection highlights the vital role of the married couple and their family in living out the Christian faith.
Foundation in Marriage: The Domestic Church is rooted in the sacrament of Marriage. When a couple is united in this sacrament, their union becomes a reflection of Christ’s relationship with the Church (CCC 2205). This sacred bond lays the foundation for a family life that embodies and nurtures Christian values and faith.
Role of Married Couples: Married couples, through their love and commitment to each other and in their role as parents, become the first educators in the faith for their children (CCC 2223). In this way, the family, guided by the sacramental grace of Marriage, becomes a ‘Domestic Church’ where the Christian faith is lived and transmitted.
Living the Faith in Family Life: The family as a Domestic Church is where the teachings of Christ are first experienced and practiced. Through daily interactions, prayer, and the witness of love, forgiveness, and service, family members grow in virtue and holiness. The family becomes a microcosm of the Church, a community where Christian life is nurtured (CCC 1657).
Prayer and Worship in the Family: In the Domestic Church, prayer and worship are integral. The family, united in the sacrament of Marriage, prays together and participates in the sacraments, especially the Eucharist, which nourishes their faith and strengthens their bond with the wider Church (CCC 2205).
Mission of Evangelization: The Domestic Church, grounded in the sacrament of Marriage, is called to be a witness of Christ’s love to the world. The Christian family, by living out its faith in everyday life, participates in the mission of the Church in evangelization and service to others (CCC 2205).