Matthew Rehrauer

This is one of the BEST supplemental resources for preparing couples for the Sacrament of Matrimony when used properly. Having the rite of Marriage in the book, along with the readings and other options for Mass / Wedding outside of Mass gives the couple great opportunity to reflect on the meaning of the sacrament. In my almost 40 years of preparing couples I have found that having the interrogations and exchange of vows right in front of the couple, helps them to understand and appreciate the essentials and the goods of Marriage that we talk about during prep. They see that these elements in the rite embody the goods and essentials. It also helps them come to the understanding that THEY are the ones who are confecting the Sacrament. It is consent that makes marriage. Further, having the selection of readings that are available for the rite gives the couple the opportunity to dig deeply into the scriptural roots of the Sacrament. Joe Champlin did the Church a great service when he put this together. It is also a blessing that, in a field that is filled with high priced meaningless garbage programs this resource is affordable. It is well designed. I give each of my couples a copy and tell them to reflect on what is in it through their married life.