Matrimony is the sacrament that joins a man and a woman to serve God as a married couple. A priest or deacon is a witness in the name of the Church. Catholics often celebrate the Sacrament of Matrimony within Mass. The essentials of the rite are the marriage covenant of the bride and groom consenting to give themselves permanently to each other in the presence of the priest or deacon and the Church community. Some of the events that happen at a wedding are the exchange of vows, the exchange of rings, and the nuptial blessing.

Holy Orders is the sacrament by which men are ordained to serve God and the Church as deacons, priests, or bishops. It is called Ordination and always takes place during a Mass presided over by a bishop. The essentials of the rite are laying on of hands and the words of the consecrating prayer.

Vocabulary

chasuble - a garment worn by bishops and priests over the other vestments during Mass

covenant - an agreement or contract between two people or groups

deacon - a person ordained to assist in the ministry by preaching, baptizing, giving out Holy Communion, visiting the sick, and witnessing marriage

fidelity - faithfulness

Marriage - another name for the sacrament of Matrimony

ordain - to give one the special role or dignity of bishop, priest, or deacon

stole - a narrow strip of cloth worn by bishops, priests, and deacons during liturgical worship

vestments - the special clothes that symbolize the various ministries of those who are ordained

vocation - a call from God to serve

vow - a sacred promise