Marriage 

Marriage is the intimate union and equal partnership of a man and a woman. It comes to us from the hand of God, who created male and female in his image, so that they might become one body and might be fertile and multiply (See Genesis chapters 1 and 2). Though man and woman are equal as God’s children, they are created with important differences that allow them to give themselves and to receive the other as a gift.

Meaning and Purpose

Marriage is both a natural institution and a sacred union because it is rooted in the divine plan of creation. In addition, the Catholic Church teaches that the valid marriage between two baptized Christians is also a sacrament – a saving reality and a symbol of Christ’s love for his church (See Ephesians 5:25-33). In every marriage the spouses make a contract with each other. In a sacramental marriage the couple also enters into a covenant in which their love is sealed and strengthened by God’s love.

The free consent of the spouses makes a marriage. From this consent and from the sexual consummation of marriage a special bond arises between husband and wife. This bond is lifelong and exclusive. The marriage bond has been established by God and so it cannot be dissolved.

Permanency, exclusivity, and faithfulness are essential to marriage because they foster and protect the two equal purposes of marriage. These two purposes are growth in mutual love between the spouses (unitive) and the generation and education of children (procreative).

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​The mutual love of a married couple should always be open to new life. This openness is expressed powerfully in the sexual union of husband and wife. The power to create a child with God is at the heart of what spouses share with each other in sexual intercourse. Mutual love includes the mutual gift of fertility. Couples who are not able to conceive or who are beyond their child-bearing years can still express openness to life. They can share their generative love with grandchildren, other children and families, and the wider community.

As a result of their baptism, all Christians are called to a life of holiness. This divine calling, or vocation, can be lived in marriage, or in the single life, or in the priesthood or consecrated (religious) life. No one vocation is superior to or inferior to another. Each one involves a specific kind of commitment that flows from one’s gifts and is further strengthened by God’s grace. All vocations make a unique contribution to the life and mission of the Church.
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The family arises from marriage. Parents, children, and family members form what is called a domestic church or church of the home. This is the primary unit of the Church – the place where the Church lives in the daily love, care, hospitality, sacrifice, forgiveness, prayer and faith of ordinary families.

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An initiative of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops including help for preparing for marriage and making the most of the sacrament. Click the image above for more information on the Marriage. 

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Want to get married here at St. Joseph's Catholic Church?

Call our office at (209) 551-4973 for information.

Or visit us in person at the parish office.

Monday         8:30am - 5:30pm
Tuesday         8:30am - 5:30pm
Wednesday   1:00pm - 5:30pm
Thursday       8:30am - 5:30pm
Friday             8:30am - 5:30pm
Saturday        Closed
Sunday           Closed

We pray your marriage will be happy and holy!​

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Wedding Testimony

 
Why was it important for you to continue with your 10th Anniversary Wedding Mass, despite the Covid-19 restrictions?
 
The restrictions imposed on our churches did not stop us from celebrating our 10th  anniversary Mass,  because it was very important for us to renew our vows in front of God and to receive His blessing.
 
What would you tell other couples who are thinking about postponing their wedding or anniverary Masses?
 
We would say, “Don’t Wait!”  We are living in difficult times, but that doesn’t mean we have to wait until things get better.  Talk to your pastor and work something out.  What matters the most is receiving God’s blessing and living in grace.  Let’s do what pleases God.  Having God as the center of your life is the most precious gift and blessing for your marriage.  
 
How was your overall experience at St. Joseph’s,  and is there anything else you’d like to share about your special day?
 
The overall experience of having our anniversary Mass at St. Joseph’s was fantastic. The staff and the priests were friendly,  and welcomed us from the first moment we approached them to ask about celebrating our anniversary Mass.  They did everything possible to make this a special day for us. Their willingness to celebrate our Mass was amazing;  they made sure  it was as close to our anniversary day as possible. We are especially  thankful to Fr. Sam, Stacy (Marriage Formation Coordinator), and everyone involved for making this day a special day for us. Stacy made us feel very comfortable and gave us all the tools necessary to make our special day unforgettable. We loved their traditional way of doing things. Their modest dress code policy is amazing. God bless all of you.