Catholic & Non-Catholic Wedding

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When a Catholic marries in a non-Catholic ceremony, how are they viewed by the church? Are they considered married? And can they partake of the Sacraments?
 
novatrix said:
When a Catholic marries in a non-Catholic ceremony, how are they viewed by the church? Are they considered married? And can they partake of the Sacraments?
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A Catholic must follow Church guidelines found in Canon Law to marry validly.

The Catholic form of marriage is in a Catholic Church and requires a Catholic to participate in marriage preparation as implemented by their diocese.

A Catholic who wishes to marry outside the Catholic form of marriage must go through Catholic marriage preparation with their fiance. The Catholic must apply for a dispensation to marry a non-Catholic and another dispensation to marry outside the Catholic form of marriage. The Catholic must promise to raise their children in the Catholic faith, and the non-Catholic must be informed of this promise.

If a Catholic follows all of the procedures under Canon Law, then their marriage is valid and they may participate in the Sacraments.

If a Catholic does not follow the Church’s procedures to obtain the dispensations, then they marry invalidly and may not participate in the Sacraments until such time as they take steps to have their marriage convalidated.

The first step is for the Catholic to make an appointment with their priest.
 
The difficulties of mixed marriage must not be underestimated. 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 (Catechism of the Catholic Church, #1634).
If possible, the Catholic minister should take steps to establish contacts with the minister of the other church or ecclesial community. In general, mutual consultation between Christian pastors for supporting such marriages can be a fruitful field of ecumenical collaboration.
Since for validity where one or both partners are Catholic, the marriage has to be contracted in the presence of the Ordinary, parish pastor, the priest, or deacon delegated by either of them (Canon 1108), the Catholic canonical form is to be observed also for mixed marriages (Canon 1127). However the Ordinary of the place for grave reasons, and without prejudice to the law of the Eastern Churches, can dispense the Catholic partner from the observance of the canonical form in individual cases. See The Ecumenical Directory, 153, 154 (the reasons to justify such a dispensation are listed), and 155. If a dispensation from the canonical form has been given, it is still required for validity that there be some form of public celebration. (See Canon 1127, 2)
If a dispensation from the canonical form has been obtained and if invited to do so, a Catholic priest a Catholic priest or deacon may attend or participate in the celebration of a mixed marriage at another Christian church by offering prayers, reading from Scripture, or giving a brief exhortation. Alternately, if the Catholic priest or deacon will be presiding, he may, upon the request of the couple, invite the minister of the non-Catholic party to participate in the marriage ceremony. In any case there may be only one ceremony in which the presiding person receives the marriage vows.
Mixed marriages ordinarily follow The Rite for Celebrating Marriage Outside Mass. The Eucharist is a symbol of unity, and celebrating a Christian marriage at Mass may make the celebration awkward for both parties by highlighting their differences in faith. If circumstances justify it and the non-Catholic party agrees to their having a Mass, The Rite for Celebrating Marriage within Mass may be used. However, it must be stressed that should there be a Mass, directives of The Ecumenical Directory (159/160) and the Code of Canon Law (Canon 844) concerning reception of the Eucharist are to be observed. Couples should consult with their priest about this delicate matter.

However, if all guidelines are observed, the Catholic spouse will be free to receive sacraments.
 
I know of a parish where the priest:
  • will not allow a Mass if either the bride or groom are non-Catholic; even if the non-Catholic wants a Mass or doesn’t mind
  • will only have a Deacon preside
You only ‘get’ a priest and the option of a Mass if both are Catholic.

Are these things at the discretion of the priest?
 
Elzee said:
I know of a parish where the priest:
  • will not allow a Mass if either the bride or groom are non-Catholic; even if the non-Catholic wants a Mass or doesn’t mind
  • will only have a Deacon preside
    You only ‘get’ a priest and the option of a Mass if both are Catholic.
Are these things at the discretion of the priest?
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Yes, and he is right. The Rite of Marriage outside of Mass is appropriate for mixed marriages. And a deacon may for any reason witness such a marriage (it is particularly appropriate because no priest is needed to say the mass).
 
Elzee said:
I know of a parish where the priest:
  • will not allow a Mass if either the bride or groom are non-Catholic; even if the non-Catholic wants a Mass or doesn’t mind
  • will only have a Deacon preside
    You only ‘get’ a priest and the option of a Mass if both are Catholic.
Are these things at the discretion of the priest?
Click to expand...
whether or not to celebrate a wedding within Mass is at the discretion of the pastor. It is strongly discouraged if one partner is not Catholic. Whether or not the pastor presides or assigns the deacon to preside is also his perogative, as he assigns the deacon’s duties.
 
1ke said:
A Catholic must follow Church guidelines found in Canon Law to marry validly.

The Catholic form of marriage is in a Catholic Church and requires a Catholic to participate in marriage preparation as implemented by their diocese.

A Catholic who wishes to marry outside the Catholic form of marriage must go through Catholic marriage preparation with their fiance. The Catholic must apply for a dispensation to marry a non-Catholic and another dispensation to marry outside the Catholic form of marriage. The Catholic must promise to raise their children in the Catholic faith, and the non-Catholic must be informed of this promise.

If a Catholic follows all of the procedures under Canon Law, then their marriage is valid and they may participate in the Sacraments.

If a Catholic does not follow the Church’s procedures to obtain the dispensations, then they marry invalidly and may not participate in the Sacraments until such time as they take steps to have their marriage convalidated.

The first step is for the Catholic to make an appointment with their priest.
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Where can these guidelines be found so I can print them out? Thank you very much.
 
novatrix said:
When a Catholic marries in a non-Catholic ceremony, how are they viewed by the church? Are they considered married? And can they partake of the Sacraments?
Click to expand...
A Catholic who marries in a non-Catholic ceremony with the necessary Dispensations and permissions of their Bishop is validly Married and may continue receiving the Sacraments. A Catholic who did not obtain the necessary Dispensations and permissions is not Validly Married and cannot receive any Sacraments as long as they are living with the other person as through married.
 
Elzee said:
I know of a parish where the priest:
  • will not allow a Mass if either the bride or groom are non-Catholic; even if the non-Catholic wants a Mass or doesn’t mind
  • will only have a Deacon preside
    You only ‘get’ a priest and the option of a Mass if both are Catholic.
Are these things at the discretion of the priest?
Click to expand...
Technically no, a Catholic has a right to have the Sacrament of Marriage celebrated within a Mass. If necessary the person can contact the Bishop.
 
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