Partners in Life and Love

This booklet is designed to give couples an introduction to the Church's teaching on the Sacrament of Matrimony and to help them prepare their wedding liturgy. As such it will be found useful in both group and individual sessions with the priest or deacon assisting in their preparation for marriage as well as by those persons who want to deepen or renew their understanding and appreciation of the sacrament they have or are about to receive. The chapter on the Catholic teaching on the sacrament is followed by the Celebration of Matrimony, revised in 2016. The couple is invited to personalize their wedding ceremony by selecting the scripture readings, prayers, and blessings they feel most express their love for one another and to choose as well the words to be used in their exchange of vows in the section which has recently been expanded and revised. For this purpose a detchable Liturgy Planner is provided at the back of the booklet. 

About the Authors: Joseph R. Giandurco, pastor of St. Patrick's, Yorktown Heights, NY, received his STB from the Pontifical Gregorian University, an STL from the Lateran University and a JCL and JCD in Canon Law from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas. He served as dean of studies at St. Joseph's Seminary, Dunwoodie from 2003-2006 and was pastor of Sacred Heart, Suffern from 2006-2016. He was named a monsignor in 2006. John S. Bonnici, pastor of St. Columba's Parish in Chester, NY, is a member of the adjunct faculty of St. Joseph's Seminary, Dunwoodie. He received his STB degree from the Gregorian University and an STL and STD in Moral Theology from the John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family.