Marriage in the Catholic Church is until “death do us part,” which in our time is quite counter-cultural. At the time of Christ, similarly, divorce was widely accepted in the Roman Empire. Among the Jewish people, for example, a man could divorce his wife by simply handing her a writ of divorce for almost any reason.
Jesus raised the bar on marriage, declaring that “what therefore God has joined together, let no man put asunder” (Mark 10:9). The Catholic Church remains faithful to this teaching of Jesus. As a sacrament, the Church teaches that Holy Matrimony was instituted by Christ as one of the ways that people can receive the grace of God. Marriage is, at its heart, a call to holiness. Because this can be forgotten in a culture that distorts the profound religious significance of marriage, the Church does not permit marriage ceremonies outside of the church.
Couples who wish to marry are to contact the parish office nine months prior to their wedding date.
Simple reflection on the Sacrament of Matrimony.
Divorce and Annulments
If you are experiencing a marital separation, we know it is a painful and trying time. Your faith is probably being challenged as well. But, this is also a good and important time to plunge deeper into your faith and relationship with God. Since marriage is a sacrament, if you are divorced and would like consider the Sacrament of Marriage, it is essential to go through the annulment process.
This process is now free of charge in our diocese. If you have questions about the process or need some pastoral advice about annulments, please contact Fr. Aron or call our diocesan tribunal office at 814-693-9485.
Information on the annulment process in our diocese can be found at: https://www.dioceseaj.org/start-the-annulment-process/
Though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with His hand.
Psalms 37:24