Can we have a Nuptial Mass?

[rexmcd248]

I am a Catholic who is engaged to a divorced non-Catholic (he received all his sacraments in the Methodist church) and we wish to have a Nuptial Mass. Is that possible? He was not married in a church of any kind. It was a marriage by a Justice of the Peace in a courthouse. Although he was raised Methodist he hasn’t been to a service in years. The only time he goes to Church is when he comes with me to Mass at the Catholic Church.
I just want to know if a Nuptial Mass is a possibility before I contact my priest back home. (My fiancé is in the military and I would like to get married back in my hometown parish.)
Thank you very much for your time.

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Dear r,

Hold the phone! For a Catholic to even date a divorced person is inappropriate if not sinful. The Catholic Church recognizes the marriages of non-Catholics—even if they take place in the presence of a justice of the peace. The Church has to be sure that the man you want to marry is not still married to someone else. You need to see if an annulment process is feasible for him. Contact your local priest. He will need to know the context of your fiance’s first marriage.

If the Church recognizes that his marriage is null, then you may have a nuptial Mass, but he may not receive Holy Communion. This is why most people in such a situation do not have a Mass at the wedding. You need to put the breaks on your wedding plans until it is determined that he is free to marry.

I know this is a great disappointment, but our Lord was very explicit about divorce. He was more than just inconvenienced for us. We owe Him our complete allegiance.

You both are in my prayers.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.