Sacred Scripture begins with the creation and union of man and woman and ends with "the wedding feast of the Lamb" (Rev 19:7, 9). Scripture often refers to marriage, its origin and purpose, the meaning God gave to it, and its renewal in the covenant made by Jesus with his Church. 

By their marriage, the couple witnesses Christ's spousal love for the Church. One of the Nuptial Blessings in the liturgical celebration of marriage refers to this in saying, "Father, you have made the union of man and wife so holy a mystery that it symbolizes the marriage of Christ and his Church." 

The Sacrament of Marriage is a covenant, which is more than a contract. Covenant always expresses a relationship between persons. The marriage covenant refers to the relationship between the husband and wife, a permanent union of persons capable of knowing and loving each other and God. The celebration of marriage is also a liturgical act, appropriately held in a public liturgy at church. Catholics are urged to celebrate their marriage within the Eucharistic Liturgy.~from the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults

The marriage covenant, by which a man and woman form with each other an intimate communion of life and love, has been founded and endowed with its own special laws by the Creator. By its very nature it is ordered to the good of the couple, as well as to the generation and education of children. Christ the Lord raised marriage between the baptized to the dignity of a sacrament.  -CCC, no. 1660

Arrangements should be made with Fr. Cabra or Deacon Steve six months prior to the anticipated wedding date. Registration and completion of Marriage Preparation recommended by the Diocese of Raleigh.
       

Make a commitment this Lent to take time for your marriage. The Worldwide Marriage Encounter Experience helps married couples to communicate in all areas of their relationship. Get your marriage on the right path by attending a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Experience on Mar 21-23, 2025 in EMERALD ISLE, NC and May 2-4, 2025 in HICKORY, NC. Early sign up is recommended. For more information visit our website at: https://NCMarriageDiscovery.org or contact us at applications@NCMarriageDiscovery.org or 704-315-2144.