L
lohowarose
Guest
Dear Catholic Answers,
A very good friend of mine has asked me to be a bridesmaid in her wedding. From what I gather, it will be a non-denominational Protestant service that will include some sort of “communion.” What I understood about this situation was that a Catholic may attend if neither the bride nor the groom had ever been Catholic, not being held to the precepts of the Church, therefore not marrying “outside” the Church. Recently, however, a priest mentioned in a sermon that if a Protestant wedding ceremony includes any liturgical elements, it would be considered false worship, and it would not be appropriate for a Catholic to attend. I asked my friend if she considered the ceremony to be a “worship service,” and her reply was “yeah, sort of.” A definitive answer with some background and references to satisfy this scruple will help me to know how I should proceed. Also, if I may attend, do I need permission or a dispensation, and would being a bridesmaid be considered “actively participating?” I would be most grateful for some official insight. Thank you so much.**
A very good friend of mine has asked me to be a bridesmaid in her wedding. From what I gather, it will be a non-denominational Protestant service that will include some sort of “communion.” What I understood about this situation was that a Catholic may attend if neither the bride nor the groom had ever been Catholic, not being held to the precepts of the Church, therefore not marrying “outside” the Church. Recently, however, a priest mentioned in a sermon that if a Protestant wedding ceremony includes any liturgical elements, it would be considered false worship, and it would not be appropriate for a Catholic to attend. I asked my friend if she considered the ceremony to be a “worship service,” and her reply was “yeah, sort of.” A definitive answer with some background and references to satisfy this scruple will help me to know how I should proceed. Also, if I may attend, do I need permission or a dispensation, and would being a bridesmaid be considered “actively participating?” I would be most grateful for some official insight. Thank you so much.**