Marriage

My beloved is mine and I am his... - Song of Solomon 2:16

Congratulations on your engagement! GSM Parishes are joyful you are sharing this beautiful time in your life with us.

The Catholic Church views marriage as one of the seven Sacraments, requiring respect and reverence. Catholics believe that God wants to be present with us as we live out our vocation in life, whether that be as a single person, a priest, member of a religious order, or as a married person. These vocations call us all to holiness, but some vocations also need us to take vows to each other and to God. The Sacrament of Matrimony – what we commonly refer to as marriage - is a ritual union between a man and a woman who freely vow to love and uphold each other in a promise with God for the rest of their lives. Marriage calls married couples to holiness and to bring forth new life. The marriage sacrament often takes place during the Eucharistic liturgy, or a Nuptial Mass, but this is not necessary and can be undertaken separately.

Requirements to undertake the Sacrament of Matrimony in the Catholic Church are;

• Being over eighteen (18) years of age
• Being legally able to be married under the laws of the Australian government (i.e. you are not presently married to another)
• Being legally able to be married under the laws of the Catholic Church (i.e. you have not been married previously, or if you have, you have received an annulment from the Church)
• Both people entering into the marriage completing the marriage preparation course prior to being married

Should you wish to enter into the Sacrament of Matrimony through GSM Parishes, please contact our parish office for marriage preparation and booking information on 07 3355 3690.