Marriage is the Sacrament by which a baptized man and a woman freely establish between themselves a union - partnership - of the whole of life. This covenant of love 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). This covenant is made between a man and woman in front of God and lasts a lifetime. The love between married couples is as our Lord loves His Church. The ultimate goal of a married couple is to get their spouse, and children, to heaven.

Married couples live out their sacrament by the way they care for one another, love one another, and are enthusiastic for one another as husband and wife. In their daily love for each other, their children, and the larger community, they become a living sign (a sacrament) for all of how much Jesus loves us and wishes to embrace us as His brothers and sisters. As they work their way through marital and family crises and struggles, they are witness to the power of the Holy Spirit at work in all our lives.

In order to live out this ideal Christian marriage, couples must have the ability to give and receive love and to sustain an intimate relationship. They must also have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and His Body, the Church.

Couples should contact the parish at least one year in advance to begin marriage prep and to schedule the wedding. For more information, please contact the Director of Liturgy, Bonnie Wurscher, at (651) 982-2224 or at bwurscher@stpeterfl.org.