The Sacrament of Matrimony
[su_quote] The marriage covenant, by which a man and woman form with each other an intimate communion of life and love, has been founded and endowed with its own special laws by the Creator. By its very nature it is ordered to the good of the couples , as well as to the generation and education of children. Christ the Lord raised marriage between the baptized to the dignity of a sacrament[/su_quote] (cf. CIC, can.1055:1; cf.GS48:1). . CCC1660
[su_quote] Marriage is based on the consent of the contracting parties, that is, on their will to give themselves, each to the other, mutually and definitively, in order to live a covenant of faithful and fruitful love.[/su_quote] CCC1662
Baptized couples choosing to be married in the Catholic Church must be in contact with the pastor or deacon at least six months prior to the intended marriage date.
There are a number of requirements established by the Catholic Church and the Archdiocese of Detroit that must be fulfilled in order to determine the freedom of both parties to marry, as well as the compatibility and spiritual maturity of the couple, thereby gaining permission to enter into the “matrimonial covenant”.
Marriage is a sacred Sacrament and all requirements must be fulfilled.
For more information, check out these great sites:
Archdiocese of Detroit – Marriage and Family
Annulment Process
A Diocesan Tribunal is responsible for determining whether or not a marriage has fulfilled the requirements of the Church for validity or invalidity. The annulment process is a lengthy process of careful investigation and prayerful deliberation. Even if a civil divorce settlement has been concluded, the Church considers a couple still married until a decree of invalidity is obtained from the Tribunal. Individuals who wish to remarry in the Church may not set a date until this decree has been made.
For additional information concerning the annulment process go to the AOD website.
** Further information regarding marriage and family life may be found at the Archdiocese of Detroit website