Since they are no longer two but one,
let no one split apart what God has joined together. 
Matthew 19:6

Strengthened by a common project, the desire to give life and to create a family, the spouses give themselves to each other and ask God, the Church, the witnesses, to support them day after day, to help them to love and be loved throughout their lives. Marriage is the stage that consecrates their mutual love.
Sufficient time is required for a suitable preparation for Marriage.
The engaged couple should be given catechesis not only about the Church’s teaching on Marriage and the family but also about the Sacrament and its rites, prayers, and readings, so that they may be able to celebrate it thoughtfully and fruitfully.
Catholics who have not yet received the Sacrament of Confirmation are to receive it to complete their Christian Initiation before they are admitted to Marriage if this can be done without grave inconvenience. It is recommended to the engaged couple that in preparation for the Sacrament of Matrimony they receive the Sacrament of Penance, if necessary, and that they approach the Most Holy Eucharist, especially within the celebration of Marriage itself.
Before a Marriage is celebrated, it must be established that nothing stands in the way of its valid and licit celebration.
Other laypersons…can play a part in various ways both in the spiritual preparation of the engaged couple and in the celebration of the rite itself. Moreover, the entire Christian community should cooperate to bear witness to the faith and to be a sign to the world of Christ’s love.
The Marriage is to be celebrated in the parish of one or other of the engaged persons, or elsewhere with the permission of the proper Ordinary or pastor.

Couples are usually asked to give at least six months’ notice to the officiating priest.

For program of discernment, marriage preparation and help to prepare the marriage ceremony, contact the Pastoral Centre.

Marriage preparation programs provided by the
Catholic Church in Melbourne

Amoris Laetitia Family Year 2021-2022

Marriage & Family