In the Catholic Tradition marriage is a Sacrament between one man and one woman. In St. Matthew’s gospel we read Jesus saying, “Have you not read that from the beginning the Creator made them male and female and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and cling to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh?’ So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, no human being must separate.” (Matthew 19: 4-6)
The center of all Christian marriages is Christ himself. Through the Sacrament of Matrimony, the couple invites Jesus to be a part of their marriage for their own salvation and benefit and for the benefit of their children if they are so blessed.
A sacramental marriage differs from an ordinary marriage because it is a source of grace for the spouses as it unites them in a holy bond before our loving God. Through a sacramental marriage, the husband and wife share in the creating role of God by their expression of love for each other. The Sacrament gives the spouses the grace to love one another as Christ loves and sanctifies them on the way to eternal life.
In order to receive the Sacrament of Matrimony at St. Cajetan, engaged couples are asked to call the Parish Center at 773-474-7800 at least six months prior to the requested date. Since the couple will be entering into a life-long commitment with each other, marriage preparation is required. Our pastor, Fr. Steve, will meet with each couple to explain the requirements of a marriage to be celebrated at St. Cajetan.