The spouses themselves are the ministers of the Sacrament of Matrimony, which takes place in a public liturgy of the Church, usually during Holy Mass. In the presence of the assisting bishop, priest, or deacon, and of the witnesses, the spouses express their personal and lasting consent to one another. The sacrament is begun in the mutual promises between husband and wife in the marriage ceremony. It continues to be strengthened throughout the years of marriage as the spouses faithfully fulfill their duties and responsibilities to the Church, to each other, and to their children. As the spouses selflessly share their lives in God, they are ministers of God’s grace to each other.