• Catholic marriage beliefs follow ancient Catholic tradition.dome du vatican image by PASCAL BOUFFAY from Fotolia.com
  
  The Roman Catholic Church considers marriage one of its seven sacraments. Roman Catholic sacraments include Baptism, Eucharist, Reconciliation, Confirmation Holy Orders and Anointing of the Sick. Foundational to Catholic theology and a sign of God's presence, marriage carries great spiritual responsibilities. The Catholic Church requires a period discernment before a couple marries. Couples receive guidance and engage in reflection with as much seriousness as a seminarian planning to enter the priesthood. According to Roman Catholic theology, the church's views on marriage reflect its commitment to scripture, church teaching and church authority, called Magisterium. Catholic marriages do not ignore civil laws.
  
  

Covenant

• Roman Catholic marriage beliefs are rooted in the Bible.bible image by Photoeyes from Fotolia.com
  
  When a couple marries in the Roman Catholic Church, Catholic theology teaches that they enter into a sacred covenant---a contract with God, in which each person affirms the union is exclusive. According to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), marriage is a reflection of the covenant established between God and God's people and is rooted in the Hebrew and Christian scriptures.
  
  

Requirements

• Catholic married couples must meet certain requirements.the rings for marriage image by laviniaparscuta from Fotolia.com
  
  When Catholics marry, each person must meet four basic requirements. The USCCB lists these requirements to be met in order for the Church to recognize the union as valid. Each partner must be free to marry. Each person must freely agree to marry and they must agree to stay married for their entire lives. A married couple's consent to marry must occur before witnesses.
  
  

Preparation

• When a couple becomes engaged, they must meet with their parish priest to begin marriage preparation. The priest guides the couple through an extended process by which they inspect their commitment to marriage for life. Couples learn how to navigate the challenges of early marriage, which includes learning how to live with another person, flaws and all. Couples may attend an Engaged Encounter weekend where older marrieds will share their marriage experiences.