Marriage of the Virgin – Bartolome Esteban Murillo
Marriage is a natural institution and the exclusive, life-long moral union between one man and one woman for the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of children (cf. Catechism, 1601).
While personally present on earth, Christ elevated natural marriage to the dignity of a sacrament which the Church calls Holy Matrimony (cf. Mk 10:6-9). In Holy Matrimony, a Christian husband and wife are bound supernaturally in matrimonial grace and participate in the mystery of unity existing between Christ and his Church: “The sacrament of Matrimony signifies the union of Christ and the Church. It gives spouses the grace to love each other with the love with which Christ has loved his Church; the grace of the sacrament thus perfects the human love of the spouses, strengthens their indissoluble unity, and sanctifies them on the way to eternal life” (Catechism, 1661).
A man and a woman desiring to receive the Sacrament of Matrimony at St. Julie Billiart Church must be registered in the parish and schedule an appointment with Fr. Valliere. Such appointment should be made at least 6 months prior to the proposed marriage date. Couples are required to have marriage preparation as approved and presented by the Diocese of Fall River. The course must be booked at least 6 months before the wedding date.