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Marriage

"The matrimonial covenant, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life, is by its nature ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring; this covenant between baptized persons has been raised by Christ the Lord to the dignity of a sacrament." (CCC 1601)*

"The celebration of marriage between two Catholic faithful normally takes place during Holy Mass, because of the connection of all the sacraments with the Paschal mystery of Christ. In the Eucharist the memorial of the New Covenant is realized, the New Covenant in which Christ has united himself for ever to the Church, his beloved bride for whom he gave himself up. It is therefore fitting that the spouses should seal their consent to give themselves to each other through the offering of their own lives by uniting it to the offering of Christ for his Church made present in the Eucharistic sacrifice, and by receiving the Eucharist so that, communicating in the same Body and the same Blood of Christ, they may form but "one body" in Christ. (CCC 1621)*

"Because of the small Catholic population in this diocese, some Catholics wish to marry someone of another faith. These interfaith marriages can often be occasions of growth for couples. The richness of varying faith heritages should not be minimized or ignored. In a mixed marriage it is normally stipulated that the ceremony take place outside of the Eucharistic liturgy. (Ecumenical directory, 159)." (Diocese of Charleston: Policy Regarding Marriage)

"By reason of their state in life and of their order, [Christian spouses] have their own special gifts in the People of God." This grace proper to the sacrament of Matrimony is intended to perfect the couple's love and to strengthen their indissoluble unity. By this grace they "help one another to attain holiness in their married life and in welcoming and educating their children." (CCC 1641)*

PLEASE NOTE: Those seeking the Sacrament of Matrimony must be registered members of our parish, attending Mass at St. Andrew Church on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation as recorded by the use of the Offertory Envelope for at least 6 months before beginning the preparation process.

Marriage Preparation

Engaged couples prepare for the Sacrament of Matrimony by participation in the Couple-to-Couple Program at St. Andrew Catholic Church. An experienced, trained lead couple works with each engaged couple in a five-session course addressing finance, communication, spirituality, and other pertinent issues.

Those wishing to prepare for the Sacrament of Matrimony should call Mr. Gregory S. Allen, M.A.,Pastoral Associate, at (843) 448-5930, ext. 116.

*Excerpt from the Catechism of the Catholic Church