Matrimony
“Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her. For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one. This is a great mystery, and I mean in reference to Christ and the Church.” (Letter of Paul to the Ephesians 5:25,32)
The marriage covenant, by which a man and a 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. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, art. 1660)
Marriage Preparation
All couples contemplating matrimony are required to give six months’ notice and to take a Marriage Preparation Course. First, please contact your Parish Priest to discuss your marriage and then register for the Marriage Preparation Course. In Kingston it is a weekend course offered twice a year, in May and in September.
- Marriage Preparation Course Information and Registration Form (pdf file, to be printed and mailed)
- Marriage Preparation Course Information and Registration Form (Word file, to be printed or sent electronically)
Please note: The next Marriage Prep. Course in Kingston will be 20-21 April 2012
Please follow the link below for more courses in our Diocese or surrounding area:
http://www.romancatholic.kingston.on.ca/Office%20of%20Family%20Ministry.htm
Prayer to St. Joseph for the preservation and sanctity of marriage.
God of mercy and of the holy covenant,
You created every human being, male and female,
in your image and likeness,
so that they may be fruitful and multiply on earth.In the beginning of our Christian era,
You asked Joseph, illustrious descendant of David,
to take the Blessed Virgin Mary as his wife
and to form a family for Jesus, your Son, our Redeemer.
Through the difficulties and trials
You guided St. Joseph,
You made him protector of the Holy Family,
and allowed the church to recognize him
as an attentive protector of all Christian Families.During the stressful time in which we live,
we ask you to safeguard marriage according to your will,
and we appeal for the intercession and protection
of St. Joseph, Your obedient servant,
so that Canadian families of today
will be strengthened in love,
and continue to live securely in the sacramental state of marriage.