Can a couple get married in the Church if they are cohabitating?

[Elaine68]

My husband’s niece and her fiance are getting married in May in a Catholic church. She is Catholic and he is Protestant. They have been cohabitating for several years. She was not raised to live this way and knows better. They sent out their invitations from their cohabitating address and I really feel that she is “thumbing” her nose at the church. My husband and I are so discouraged by her behavior we don’t even want to go to the wedding because we feel we’d be putting our “stamp of approval” on their behavior. I understand cohabitation is a grave sin and wonder if they can even get married in the church?

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Hi,

Talk about starting out on the wrong foot! Fornication is a very poor preparation for marriage. I would hope that the priest has noticed that they have the same address—and that he will call them to be responsible adults who fear God and repent. You need to witness to them about this. Send them a letter. I will keep them in prayer.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.