May 14, 2010

Catechism Corner

Catechism shows importance of being married in the Church

The Catholic Church teaches that for a marriage to be valid and a sacrament, it must take place according to the form that the Church sets forth in its liturgical books and canon law. (See “Be Our Guest,” page 4.)

The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains why this is so.

“#1630 The priest (or deacon) who assists at the celebration of a marriage receives the consent of the spouses in the name of the Church and gives the blessing of the Church. The presence of the Church’s minister (and also of the witnesses) visibly expresses the fact that marriage is an ecclesial reality.

“#1631 This is the reason why the Church normally requires that the faithful contract marriage according to the ecclesiastical form. Several reasons converge to explain this requirement. (See canon #1063):

• “Sacramental marriage is a liturgical act. It is therefore appropriate that it should be celebrated in the public liturgy of the Church;

• “Marriage introduces one into an ecclesial order, and creates rights and duties in the Church between the spouses and toward their children;

• “Since marriage is a state of life in the Church, certainty about it is necessary (hence the obligation to have witnesses);

• “The public character of the consent protects the ‘I do’ once given and helps the spouses remain faithful to it.” †

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