The sacrament of marriage celebrates the love and friendship between a man and a woman.
The sacrament gives the couple the grace to grow into a union of heart and soul, to provide stability for themselves and their children. Children are the fruit and bond of a marriage.
The bond of marriage between a man and a woman lasts all the days of their lives, and the form of the rite consists of the mutual exchange of vows by a couple.
The bond is compared to God's undying love for Israel in the Old Testament, and Christ's love for his Church in the New Testament.
The importance of marriage is substantiated by the presence of Christ at the wedding feast of Cana, where he began his public ministry at the request of his mother Mary by performing his first miracle.
You need to meet the Parish Priest or the Officiating Priest at least six months before the wedding date, to get the requirements you need to begin the process of your wedding.
Some requirements needed are:
- Baptismal Certificate
- Confirmation Certificate if available
- Attend a Pre-Marriage Education Programme – please contact: Gerry Smith, on phone (09) 360 3025 or email: marriageandfamily@cda.org.nz
