Discover your Gifts
Matrimony is a Vocation to Live Out the Divine Love of Christ!
The sacrament of Matrimony in the Catholic Church signifies the sacred covenant between a man and a woman, reflecting Christ’s unbreakable union with His Church. Through their vows, the couple becomes co-partners in God’s plan, called to love, honor, and support each other selflessly. Matrimony sanctifies their bond, making it a source of grace to nurture their relationship and family life.
The sacrament is a vocation to live out divine love, open to the gift of children, and to be a visible sign of God’s presence in the world. It strengthens their commitment and serves as a witness to faithful love.
Prepare for the Day & Beyond!
Weddings at St. Katharine Drexel will take place after nine months of Marriage Preparation. For more information, review the Marriage Preparation and Guidelines.
To begin the process, the couple should call the parish office (239) 283-9501 to make an appointment with a priest.
What does the Catholic Church teach about marriage and having Children “Children are gifts from God”?
The Catholic Church teaches that Natural Family Planning (NFP) is a moral and effective method for married couples to plan their family in accordance with God’s design. Rooted in respect for the dignity of human life and the sanctity of marriage, NFP involves observing and interpreting the natural signs of fertility to achieve or avoid pregnancy. Unlike artificial contraception, which the Church opposes as contrary to God’s plan for procreation, NFP fosters cooperation, self-control, and mutual respect between spouses.
The Church upholds NFP as consistent with its teaching on the openness to life, as outlined in Humanae Vitae, which emphasizes that marital intimacy must remain open to the transmission of life. NFP allows couples to responsibly space children while honoring the unitive and procreative purposes of marriage. It promotes marital harmony, deepens trust, and aligns with the Church’s call to live in accordance with God’s will and natural law.
To learn more about Natural Family Planning in depth, visit www.nfpandmore.org
