“They are no longer two, therefore, but one body.”
Matthew 19:6

The matrimonial covenant, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life, is by its nature ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring; this covenant between baptized persons has been raised by Christ the Lord to the dignity of a sacrament. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, No. 1601)

The Christian home is the place where children receive the first proclamation of the faith. For this reason the family home is rightly called “the domestic church,” a community of grace and prayer, a school of human virtues and of Christian charity. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, No. 1666)

How one experiences the challenges and joys of life in the Spirit is deeply shaped by the concrete realities of one’s life. The most frequently mentioned place where lay people encounter Christ is in Christian marriage and family life. We believe that Christian marriage is vocation, sacrament, covenant relationship, and mission. In the sacrament of marriage Christ is made present in a special way to spouses, family members, and the overall society. The Christian family is a sign and means of unity and solidarity in our world. (U.S. Catholic Bishops, Called and Gifted for the Third Millennium, page 3)

We celebrate the sacrament of Matrimony with great joy at San Gabriel Mission. Marriage is truly a vocation — a very powerful and prophetic means witnessing to the Gospel of Jesus — and a means of proclaiming and building God’s Reign of love and peace here on earth.  Required preparation, including the Engaged Encounter retreat, serves to  strengthen and nourish the faith, love, and witness of engaged couples as they prepare to share the gift of their marriage with our parish family.

Couples should consult with one of our Claretian Missionaries at least six months prior to the desired date of the wedding. Please call 626-457-3035 for questions or complete our contact form.