Matrimony
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“For this reason a man shall leave father and mother
and be joined to his wife,
and the two shall become one flesh.”Ephesians 5:31
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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 bond of Christian marriage cannot be dissolved by any human power. The effects of the Sacrament of Matrimony are:- To sanctify the love of husband and wife
- To give them grace to bear with each other´s weaknesses
- To enable them to bring up their children in the fear and love of God
To receive the Sacrament of Matrimony worthily it is necessary to be in the state of grace, and it is necessary also to comply with the Laws of the Church. The Church alone has the right to make laws concerning the Sacrament of Marriage, though the state also has the right to make laws concerning the civil effects of the marriage contract. Christians should prepare for a holy and happy marriage by receiving the Sacraments of Penance and Holy Eucharist, by asking God to grant them a pure intention, and to direct their choice by seeking the advice of their parents.
Biblical references: Matt 19:5; Mark 10:7-12; Eph 5:22-32; 1 Thess 4:4; Mal 2:14-16; Matt 5:32-33; Matt 19:4-6,9; Mark 10:11-12; Lk 16:18; Rom 7:2-3; 1 Cor 7:10-11Matrimony signifies the union of Christ and the Church. The attendance of Jesus at the wedding at Cana is recognized as conveying an important sign. It is a confirmation of the goodness of marriage and proclaims marriage to be an efficacious sign of Christ's presence.
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Receiving the Sacrament of Matrimony
No wedding can be scheduled on the parish calendar without consulting one of our parish priests to ensure that marriage within the Church can indeed take place in the time period desired. It is always wise, therefore, to ensure your date on the parish calendar prior to confirming a date with your social hall or caterer.
If you are seeking to be married in Mary Queen of Saints Parish, you must contact a priest at least six months in advance of the anticipated wedding date. No other arrangements should be made until you have spoken with the priest. Father will first ask some questions to be sure that the two are free to contract marriage before reserving any dates. The couple must also arrange to meet with Father so that he may inform the two of all that is needed to prepare for the wedding and marriage. All couples will be required to participate in a pre-marriage program. Recognized pre-marriage programs are available. Before enrolling, please discuss the matter with the parish pastor. Marriage preparation sessions must be completed before the wedding.
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REQUIRED ACTION:
The first step toward celebrating the Sacrament of Matrimony at any of the church sites in our parish is to complete the online Mary, Queen of Saints Parish Wedding Intake Form. To access the form, click on the button found below.
Mary, Queen of Saints Parish Wedding Intake Form
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Marriage Preparation Programs
Every couple to be married in the Diocese of Pittsburgh is required to participate in a diocesan-approved marriage preparation program which should be taken at least six months prior to your wedding.
For information on the premarriage program offered in our parish as well as what is offered throughout the Pittsburgh Diocese, go to the Pre-Cana page by clicking on the button below.PRE-CANA
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Wedding Planning Guide
Once a couple has submitted the Mary, Queen of Saints Parish Wedding Intake Form AND has been provided a date for their wedding. it would then be an appropriate time to review the MQSP Wedding Planning Guide for the Future Bride and Groom. This guide will provide couples to be married in any one of the churches of Mary, Queen of Saints Parish with information on pre-marriage assesment and marriage preparation as well as answers to frequently asked question regarding the wedding liturgy, parish practices, stipends/fees, contact information and more.
[To print the guide as booklet (double-sided; flip on short side), start by CLICKING HERE.]
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Wedding Liturgy Scripture Readings
When planning the celebration of the Sacrament of Matrimony, the couple will have the opportunity to pick scripture readings to be read during the wedding liturgy. For ease of reference, the approved readings for the Sacrament of Matrimony (within and outside of Mass) can be found in the MQSP Wedding Liturgy Scripture Readings. To download the collection for review and/or printing, click on the MQSP Wedding Litury Scripture Reading button.
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Additional Resources
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Marriage
Explore how the love between spouses mirrors the Divine love of the Blessed Trinity, thoughts on the Theology of the Body, and the theological virtues.
(The video is part of a service from the Sophia Intstitute for Teachers.)
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Saying "I Do:
What Happens
at a Catholic WeddingA United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) resource for engaged couples, their families, and marriage preparation programs. This video explains what takes place at a Catholic wedding as well as the Rite of Marriage.
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