Wedding in the Catholic Church...

[j&js 0]

Hey guys, James and I are planning our bigger, church wedding at the moment and I had a few questions for anyone who knows anything about the Catholic Church.

I am Jewish, although not really practicing, I have heard that this isn't really a problem as long as you agree to raise your children Catholic (which I have always told James I would be fine with as he is much more religious than I) Does anyone have any experiences with this?

Our other, we think bigger question is do we need to belong to a parish to have our wedding there? Some people told us that and now we're a little worried... If we have had nothing to do with any catholic church in America, are we going to have trouble getting someone to marry us in one??

We are going to churches in the next few days to do some research, but I was hoping to get an idea of what to expect. Plus I have heard that the answers to these sort of questions can vary depending on the priest, so I'd like to hear as many experiences as possible.

Thanks!

[Donal78 0]

Hey guys, James and I are planning our bigger, church wedding at the moment and I had a few questions for anyone who knows anything about the Catholic Church.

I am Jewish, although not really practicing, I have heard that this isn't really a problem as long as you agree to raise your children Catholic (which I have always told James I would be fine with as he is much more religious than I) Does anyone have any experiences with this?

Our other, we think bigger question is do we need to belong to a parish to have our wedding there? Some people told us that and now we're a little worried... If we have had nothing to do with any catholic church in America, are we going to have trouble getting someone to marry us in one??

We are going to churches in the next few days to do some research, but I was hoping to get an idea of what to expect. Plus I have heard that the answers to these sort of questions can vary depending on the priest, so I'd like to hear as many experiences as possible.

Thanks!

Hi there,

When myself and kristina were planning our wedding we didnt have to belong to any parish. We live in a small village in NH yet we got married in amesbury,MA which is aprox 25 mins away in a car.

We just rang some local churches and asked how much they charged. Ours charged us $500 for the use. Priests dont really mind if you dont belong to a parish as long as you make a donation. Go to the church where you live right and ask them.They would have more info.It all depends what style of church you want. Oh and congrats and have fun planning the church wedding.

[Meliss 0]

When I did it the first time- we had to go to a weekend thing (School) about marrige and religion before the priest would marry us, 2 weekends in a row. yuck. Anyway, and councilling with the priest before hand for a couple sessions at least! (Lot o good it did me- no longer married to him) Yes and a promise to raise your children catholic.

[iceyspots 0]

good luck on your wedding

[jordanianprincess 0]

Hey guys, James and I are planning our bigger, church wedding at the moment and I had a few questions for anyone who knows anything about the Catholic Church.

I am Jewish, although not really practicing, I have heard that this isn't really a problem as long as you agree to raise your children Catholic (which I have always told James I would be fine with as he is much more religious than I) Does anyone have any experiences with this?

Our other, we think bigger question is do we need to belong to a parish to have our wedding there? Some people told us that and now we're a little worried... If we have had nothing to do with any catholic church in America, are we going to have trouble getting someone to marry us in one??

We are going to churches in the next few days to do some research, but I was hoping to get an idea of what to expect. Plus I have heard that the answers to these sort of questions can vary depending on the priest, so I'd like to hear as many experiences as possible.

Thanks!

You don't need to belong to a parish. The catholic church closest to your house is considered your parish even if you are not a member. I would suggest going to them first and if you opt to get married in another catholic church they will ask you to get permission of the church that is conidered your home parish.

I think you can get married in a Catholic church but it also depends on the church itself. Some are more traditional than others. I don't think you will able to receive communion during your ceremony since you are not christian.

[samir_shannon 0]

i was raised a roman catholic and the church wants you to convert before marriage. my uncle converted when he married my aunt. it is something to reall ythink about. if you dont marr yin the catholic church they will nor recognise your marriage. bet they would love the fact i am marrying a muslim hahahahahahaha

Edited August 17, 2006 by samir_shannon

[sparkofcreation 0]

Ooh, ooh, I know this one!

A non-Catholic can marry in the Catholic church. A lapsed Catholic cannot.

I knew someone who converted from Catholicism to Islam but was marrying a Catholic. The Church considered him a lapsed Catholic, and would not marry him. He had to petition the Vatican to ex-communicate him so that he would be considered a non-Catholic and not a lapsed Catholic.

They got married, so I assume he was successful.

[JenT 0]

i was raised a roman catholic and the church wants you to convert before marriage. my uncle converted when he married my aunt. it is something to reall ythink about. if you dont marr yin the catholic church they will nor recognise your marriage. bet they would love the fact i am marrying a muslim hahahahahahaha

Not true. You are describing pre-Vatican II doctrine. From The Catechism of the Catholic Church:

Mixed marriages and disparity of cult

1633 In many countries the situation of a mixed marriage (marriage between a Catholic and a baptized non-Catholic) often arises. It requires particular attention on the part of couples and their pastors. A case of marriage with disparity of cult (between a Catholic and a nonbaptized person) requires even greater circumspection.

1634 Difference of confession between the spouses does not constitute an insurmountable obstacle for marriage, when they succeed in placing in common what they have received from their respective communities, and learn from each other the way in which each lives in fidelity to Christ. But the difficulties of mixed marriages must not be underestimated. They arise from the fact that the separation of Christians has not yet been overcome. The spouses risk experiencing the tragedy of Christian disunity even in the heart of their own home. Disparity of cult can further aggravate these difficulties. Differences about faith and the very notion of marriage, but also different religious mentalities, can become sources of tension in marriage, especially as regards the education of children. The temptation to religious indifference can then arise.

1635 According to the law in force in the Latin Church, a mixed marriage needs for liceity the express permission of ecclesiastical authority.[135] In case of disparity of cult an express dispensation from this impediment is required for the validity of the marriage.[136] This permission or dispensation presupposes that both parties know and do not exclude the essential ends and properties of marriage and the obligations assumed by the Catholic party concerning the baptism and education of the children in the Catholic Church.[137]

1636 Through ecumenical dialogue Christian communities in many regions have been able to put into effect a common pastoral practice for mixed marriages. Its task is to help such couples live out their particular situation in the light of faith, overcome the tensions between the couple's obligations to each other and towards their ecclesial communities, and encourage the flowering of what is common to them in faith and respect for what separates them.

1637 In marriages with disparity of cult the Catholic spouse has a particular task: "For the unbelieving husband is consecrated through his wife, and the unbelieving wife is consecrated through her husband."[138] It is a great joy for the Christian spouse and for the Church if this "consecration" should lead to the free conversion of the other spouse to the Christian faith.[139] Sincere married love, the humble and patient practice of the family virtues, and perseverance in prayer can prepare the non-believing spouse to accept the grace of conversion.

---------------------------------

As far as 'church shopping' goes, it is frowned upon.

And do expect pre-marital counseling... either in the form of one-on-one with a priest/other married couple, or through an Engaged Encounter weekend....

Jen

[pedroh 21]

Hey guys, James and I are planning our bigger, church wedding at the moment and I had a few questions for anyone who knows anything about the Catholic Church.

I am Jewish, although not really practicing, I have heard that this isn't really a problem as long as you agree to raise your children Catholic (which I have always told James I would be fine with as he is much more religious than I) Does anyone have any experiences with this?

Our other, we think bigger question is do we need to belong to a parish to have our wedding there? Some people told us that and now we're a little worried... If we have had nothing to do with any catholic church in America, are we going to have trouble getting someone to marry us in one??

We are going to churches in the next few days to do some research, but I was hoping to get an idea of what to expect. Plus I have heard that the answers to these sort of questions can vary depending on the priest, so I'd like to hear as many experiences as possible.

Thanks!

You don't need to belong to a parish. The catholic church closest to your house is considered your parish even if you are not a member. I would suggest going to them first and if you opt to get married in another catholic church they will ask you to get permission of the church that is conidered your home parish.

I think you can get married in a Catholic church but it also depends on the church itself. Some are more traditional than others. I don't think you will able to receive communion during your ceremony since you are not christian.

wrong, you cant receive communion if your not CATHOLIC!.. protestants per se can't receive communion either.. again, depends on the church...

[Daisy 0]

When you find your church make an appointment to see the parish priest. Build up a rapport with him, explain your situation and go from there.

Yes, the non-catholic partner is asked to agree that children will be brought up in the catholic faith.

Your happiness shines from your photo. The priest will pick up on this!

We had our marriage blessed here in England in June. We are both first marriage divorcees. Hubby is obviously not from this parish. It was the most beautiful ceremony and the priest couldnt of been more accommodating.

Good Luck.

With very best wishes, daisy

[jordanianprincess 0]

Hey guys, James and I are planning our bigger, church wedding at the moment and I had a few questions for anyone who knows anything about the Catholic Church.

I am Jewish, although not really practicing, I have heard that this isn't really a problem as long as you agree to raise your children Catholic (which I have always told James I would be fine with as he is much more religious than I) Does anyone have any experiences with this?

Our other, we think bigger question is do we need to belong to a parish to have our wedding there? Some people told us that and now we're a little worried... If we have had nothing to do with any catholic church in America, are we going to have trouble getting someone to marry us in one??

We are going to churches in the next few days to do some research, but I was hoping to get an idea of what to expect. Plus I have heard that the answers to these sort of questions can vary depending on the priest, so I'd like to hear as many experiences as possible.

Thanks!

You don't need to belong to a parish. The catholic church closest to your house is considered your parish even if you are not a member. I would suggest going to them first and if you opt to get married in another catholic church they will ask you to get permission of the church that is conidered your home parish.

I think you can get married in a Catholic church but it also depends on the church itself. Some are more traditional than others. I don't think you will able to receive communion during your ceremony since you are not christian.

wrong, you cant receive communion if your not CATHOLIC!.. protestants per se can't receive communion either.. again, depends on the church...

Actually you can if you are Orthodox, like me.

As far as 'church shopping' goes, it is frowned upon.

And do expect pre-marital counseling... either in the form of one-on-one with a priest/other married couple, or through an Engaged Encounter weekend....

Jen

You are right, church shopping is frowned upon but happens all the time. The maritial counceling if done with a couple is usually 6 sessions. ( I did it before)

Ooh, ooh, I know this one!

A non-Catholic can marry in the Catholic church. A lapsed Catholic cannot.

I knew someone who converted from Catholicism to Islam but was marrying a Catholic. The Church considered him a lapsed Catholic, and would not marry him. He had to petition the Vatican to ex-communicate him so that he would be considered a non-Catholic and not a lapsed Catholic.

They got married, so I assume he was successful.

I am just wondering about this. I am Orthodox and we have to be in good standing with the church to recieve sacraments. A wedding is considered a sacrament. My church will not marry a Non-Christian. Does anyone know the logic of why you can recieve the sacraments of the Catholic chuch if you are not even a believer?

[JenT 0]

I am just wondering about this. I am Orthodox and we have to be in good standing with the church to recieve sacraments. A wedding is considered a sacrament. My church will not marry a Non-Christian. Does anyone know the logic of why you can recieve the sacraments of the Catholic chuch if you are not even a believer?

The only Sacrament that a non-believer can receive is the Sacrament of Matrimony IF they are marrying a Catholic who is free to marry (i.e. never married, previous marriage was dissolved through annulment, or the person was widowed) and only AFTER special dispensation is granted as described in the Catechism above.

Jen

Edited August 17, 2006 by JenT

[jordanianprincess 0]

I am just wondering about this. I am Orthodox and we have to be in good standing with the church to recieve sacraments. A wedding is considered a sacrament. My church will not marry a Non-Christian. Does anyone know the logic of why you can recieve the sacraments of the Catholic chuch if you are not even a believer?

The only Sacrament that a non-believer can receive is the Sacrament of Matrimony IF they are marrying a Catholic who is free to marry (i.e. never married, previous marriage was dissolved through annulment, or the person was widowed) and only AFTER special dispensation is granted as described in the Catechism above.

Jen

Then I would assume it would not be a full mass. A full mass includes recieving communion so then that is out of the question.

[JenT 0]

Yes, it could be a full Mass... the non-Catholic would abstain from receiving Communion, as would any of the witnesses in attendance. Same as any other Mass.

[pedroh 21]

hey, if u don't believe in Jesus Mom.. no wafer for ya