4.1  Our Catholic Heritage 

he Code of Canon Law requires pastors and their faith communities to provide assistance to all married couples so that the matrimonial state is maintained in a Christian spirit and makes progress towards perfection (Canon 1063). Therefore, the ministry of the Church must extend beyond marriage preparation and planning the wedding liturgy. Pastors and their staffs are to take practical steps, appropriate for their parish, to ensure the parish supports married couples as they seek to live out the Sacrament of Matrimony.

 At every level of the Church’s ministry to families, married couples should be encouraged to pray together and to make family prayer a feature in their home life. While each married couple bears ultimate responsibility to care for the marriage they have created, diocesan and parish support of their vocation can be of great assistance to them.