Relationships and Family Flashcards
(38 cards)
What happens first at a wedding?
- The bride arrives at the church and is escorted to the front.
- The priest gives a talk on the importance of marriage before asking if anyone objects.
- The couple then exchange vows and give each other a ring
- Hymns will be sung and a reading from the Bible
- They will then sign the register, making the marriage legal
What are vows?
These are solemn promises that the couple make to each other
What do the rings symbolise?
Never ending love
Why do people choose to marry?
- They wish to make a public declaration of their love
- They want to show life long commitment to each other
- They want to celebrate that love with their family and friends
What do Christians feel about marriage?
It is a gift from God and their wish to honour Him
When will a couple be allowed to legally marry?
After an announcement of their intention to marry is made on three consecutive Sundays before the wedding; this is called the reading of the banns
What would happen if a couple wish to marry quickly?
A special dispensation from the local Bishop will be necessary
What does the priests remind the couple of?
The importance of their vows to one another
Who do the guests act as?
Witnesses to the marriage - legally only two witnesses are required
Why will Christians marry in a Church?
It is considered to be God’s house
Where will the service take place?
In front of the altar
Why is there are cross on the altar?
It reminds Christians of the sacrifice Jesus made for them
What is the Sacrament of Marriage?
A visible sign of grace (blessings) from God. God is actually present, pouring his love into the couple.
What are the features of Christian marriage?
- Sacrament (God is part of the marriage)
- Permanent (the marriage contract can never be broken)
- Exclusive (must be faithful to each other)
- Life-giving (must intend to have children - procreative)
What is the first step of marriage?
Questions - before the couple make their vows, they are asked three solemn questions - about their free choice, about loving each other for life and about accepting children lovingly from God
Their Christian marriage is not real unless it is based on free consent. The couple make public their wish to love each other - in a life-long and life-giving way
What is the second step of marriage?
Vows - The couple make their vows; in this way they are ministers of the sacrament of marriage to each other. The priest is witness to this. As a representative of the Church he accepts their consents: You have declared your consent before the Church.
What is the third step of marriage?
Exchanging rings and the Nuptial Blessing - Rings are blessed and exchanged as a sign of love and fidelity (faithfulness). The priest offers the couple the nuptial (marriage) blessing.
What is the final step of marriage?
Signing the marriage register - This part of the marriage is a legal requirement. The priest is often authorised to oversee the signing of the marriage register.
What do marriage promises show?
- The promises said between a couple during a wedding ceremony show the commitment that both partners are making
- The promises are the same for both people showing that marriage is an equal commitment
What are the wedding vows?
- I, Name, do take you, name
- To be my lawful wedded husband/wife
- To have and to hold from this day forward
- For better, for worse
- For richer, for poorer
- In sickness and in health
- To love and to cherish
- Till death us do part
When is a divorce allowed?
If the marriage has ‘irretrievably broken down’
What do Christians think of marriage?
Christians think that marriage is a sacrament - a promise made under the eyes of God - and they take vows in the marriage ceremony to stay together
What are Christians divided on?
Whether a divorced couple should be allowed to marry again in church
What is the Roman Catholic Church’s view on divorce?
It does not accept it however occasionally an annulment is allowed
