Sacrament of Marriage

Mark 10.7.9

Jesus said "This is why a man leaves his father and mother, and the two become one flesh. They are no longer two, therefore, but one flesh. So then, what God has united, human beings must not divide."

The Sacrament of Marriage

Congratulations on your engagement and the journey of love in your life with that special person. Your engagement is early stage of your love story, your future marriage and beyond is full of hope and promise.

Thank you for taking the first steps in considering a Catholic marriage ceremony.

As a member of the ADF, the Military Diocese through our chaplains is extremely happy to support you with advice as to your marriage preparation and practical organisation for your forth coming wedding. The Catholic chaplain can guide you through the civil and church administration (completion of marriage forms) and accompany you in preparing yourselves spiritually for the marriage in the Church whether your marriage is to be witnessed by either a Defence chaplain or civilian priest or deacon at a church of your liking away from a Defence base.

The chaplain can answer your queries as to whether a Catholic marriage can take place in place other than in a church setting. For further details regarding your forthcoming marriage, you might like to contact:

Your local Catholic Chaplain by calling
DEFENCE SWITCH: 1300 333 3623

Chancery of the Military Diocese: sec@cmoa.org.au or phone: 0436 383 104
The Chancery will facilitate contact with the appropriate chaplain as required.

Pre-Marriage Preparation

We would strongly recommend that you undertake a Christian pre-marriage course in the time prior to the wedding.

Marriage is a personal investment for life, a commitment that will shape the rest of your life; civilly, spiritually, and emotionally. The Catholic ceremony is a sacred event, a sacrament. God is present in the taking of your marriage vows. You are invited to make a marriage covenant in him. His unconditional love becomes the foundation for the living of your vows, strengthening you at all time and stages of life with the outpouring of grace.

Marriage courses can either be taken physically in your location or online. Your chaplain can advise you of pre-marriage courses conducted in your location.

To further assist you, please consider the programs below:

‘SmartLoving Engaged’
‘Prepare Enrich’

Prepare Enrich

Relationships thrive when there is understanding. Let us provide the insights to get there.

Relationships thrive when there is understanding.

SMART Loving

Engaged Online gives you the tools to make your marriage the best it can be.

ONLINE CATHOLIC MARRIAGE PREPARATION

A Prayer for Couples

‘Loving God, bless us as we begin our journey as a married couple. We are grateful to you for bringing us together. As we share our love for our future children, may we open them up to your love and to the unique call-in life that you have for them. Amen’