7 SACRAMENTS

"An efficacious sign of grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church, by which divine life is dispensed to us through the work of the Holy Spirit (774, 1131).  The sacraments (called 'mysteries' in the Eastern Churches) are seven in number:  Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Penance or Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony (1210). 

Catechism of the Catholic Church

"The first of the seven sacraments, and the 'door' which gives access to the other sacraments.  Baptism is the first and chief sacrament of forgiveness of sins because it unites us with Christ, who died for our sins and rose for our justification.  Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist constitute the 'sacraments of initiation' by which a believer receives the remission of original and personal sin, begins a new life in Christ and the Holy Spirit, and is incorporated into the Church, the Body of Christ.  The rite of Baptism consists in immersing the candidate in water, or pouring water on the head, while pronouncing the invocation of the Most Holy Trinity:  the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (977, 1213, ff.; 1275, 1278)."  Catechism of the Catholic Church

"One of the ensemle of the Sacraments of Initiation into the Church, together with Baptism and Eucharist.  Confirmation completes the grace of Baptism by a special outpouring of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, which seal or 'confirm' the baptized in union with Christ and equip them for active participation in the worship and apostolic life of the Church (1285)."  Catechism of the Catholic Church

"A covenant or partnership of life between a man and woman, which is ordered to the well-being of the spouses and he procreation and upbringing of children.  When validly contracted between two baptized people, marriage is a sacrament (Matrimony) (1601).  Catechism of the Catholic Church

The Sacrament of Holy Matrimony is an act of worship, prayer and covenant.  As such it is not to be approached or taken lightly.  It is an act which speaks not simply to you as a couple, but also to the community.  In this sacrament the two of you GIVE the sacrament to each other.  Unlike the other sacraments in which the priest is the "giver" of the sacrament, in matrimony the "givers" are the two people who are pledging and giving their lives to and for each other.  

As an act of worship you are called to celebrate your wedding in the community from which you come or which you will live.  Your choice of Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church should be based out of this.  Properly speaking you should not be choosing the Cathedral simply because you think it is pretty or for the grandeur or mystique of being married at "the Cathedral."  You, the couple, are called to "preach" to the community through the celebration of your marriage.  Your marriage is a sign and symbol of your faith to other people.  Just as the community helps you, so you help the community by celebrating your marriage in their midst. 

As an act of prayer you are called to take the time and effort to work with the staff and members of Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church to compose the liturgy of your wedding; to select the music, readings, prayers that will be used, which speak of and to your faith and love, in Christ and in each other.

As an act of covenant you are called to take the time and effort to not only fulfill the required retreats and classes but also to hold sacred the daily sharing of each of yourselves with the other.  On the day of your wedding you should be able to easily say that you’re marrying your best friend.