The Role of the Sacraments of Christian Initiation in Preparing the Faithful for Marriage and Family Life
The Role of the Sacraments of Christian Initiation in Preparing the Faithful for Marriage and Family Life

Summary/Abstract: Today, many of the faithful who are preparing for marriage and family life have not received sufficient formation at home—a formation that would ensure that they receive the sacraments of Christian initiation. The sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist graft man onto Christ and enable him to become both a new creature and a member of the Catholic Church. The role of the Church, therefore, is to convey to the faithful the relationship that exists between the sacrament of Marriage, for which they are preparing, and the sacraments of Christian initiation. These sacraments are an integral part of the sacramental economy by which faithful and practicing Christians live. In seeking the proper way to grow in their future life together, engaged couples must perceive the deep connection between married life and the sacraments of initiation. Frequently, however, members of the faithful have received the sacraments of Christian initiation but have not truly encountered Christ in their lives. In this case, such individuals neither understand what the Christian community is, nor do they feel like they are full members of the Church to which they were introduced by virtue of the sacraments. Therefore, it is necessary to seek solutions to help these individuals create a marital and family life that is permeated by Christ’s presence.

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