Can we be commited outside of marriage?

[Zachary]

On SUnday, I attended confession because my fiance and I had had sex. We’ve been together for 7 years, have a 3 yr old son and are attending marriage prep at our church (which, by the way, is wonderful.) After I confessed, the priest said the he didn’t feel that I was in sin because my fiance and I are comitted and, since are with child, we are essentially married. He felt that our wedding would be a confirmation of that but that God had called us to be together. I’m confused because I didn’t think there were any circumstances that sex was allowed outside of marriage. However, he feels that we are very married…

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Dear Z,

I’m beginning to sound like a broken record. You need to find another confessor. Your confessor was in error—big time! Having a child out of wed-lock does not constitute a marriage of any kind. A couple is NOT committed until they are MARRIED! This is what marriage IS! We need to pray for that priest and the many others like him, who make up their own rules in the name of the Church.

I suggest you read “Good News About Sex and Marriage” by Christopher West. You can order it from us: shopcatholic.com or by phone: 888 291 8000.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.