"Married Christians, by virtue of the sacrament of Matrimony, signify and share in the mystery of that unity and fruitful love which exists between Christ and His Church; they help each other to attain holiness in their married life and in the raising and education of their children. Marriage arises in the covenant of matrimony, an irrevocable consent, which each partner freely bestows on and accepts from the other. This intimate union and the good of the children impose total fidelity." (Introduction to the Rite of Marriage # 1 & 2)