Catholics renewing wedding vows in protestant ceremony

[LeoH]

Hello,

A Catholic couple I know that is very dear to me “my parent’s,” now in their 90’s are renewing their wedding vows with a few other couples at their predominantly protestant nursing home before a Baptist Minister with no Catholic Priest or Deacon Present. They are just going along with what they refer to as a publicity manuver by the Nursing Home
out of convenience and have invited Catholic and Non-Catholic family members to attend the ceremony and reception afterwards. Is their a moral issue here that they need to be made aware of? My son an his fiancee who is a non Catholic are attending and they are now wrestling with the issue of wether or not to marry in the Catholic Faith also? I have advised my son that their is a serious moral issue involved in his decision.

 

[puzzleannie]

No moral implications at all, just what they say, going along with the group for the sake of cameraderie, no more significant than if they stood up say, at a family meal on the holidays, and affirmed their commitment to each other and their love. No liturgical action going on. Just enjoy the day.

has nothing whatever to do with getting married in the Church which is a requirement for Catholics, no ifs ands or buts.

 

[LeoH]

No moral implications at all, just what they say, going along with the group for the sake of cameraderie, no more significant than if they stood up say, at a family meal on the holidays, and affirmed their commitment to each other and their love. No liturgical action going on. Just enjoy the day.

has nothing whatever to do with getting married in the Church which is a requirement for Catholics, no ifs ands or buts.

 

[LeoH]

Alleluia.

May you be blessed by the LORD,
who made heaven and earth.

Thanks for the quick response!

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Hello,

A Catholic couple I know that is very dear to me “my parent’s,” now in their 90’s are renewing their wedding vows with a few other couples at their predominantly protestant nursing home before a Baptist Minister with no Catholic Priest or Deacon Present. They are just going along with what they refer to as a publicity manuver by the Nursing Home
out of convenience and have invited Catholic and Non-Catholic family members to attend the ceremony and reception afterwards. Is their a moral issue here that they need to be made aware of? My son an his fiancee who is a non Catholic are attending and they are now wrestling with the issue of wether or not to marry in the Catholic Faith also? I have advised my son that their is a serious moral issue involved in his decision.

Canon Law does not speak of the renewal of Marriage Vows. Therefore the is no requirement for a Catholic priest or Deacon to be present at the renewal, The Catholic Church does not need to witness the renewal, because the first exchange if valid is permanent.

 

[CarrieH]

As Br. Rich says, their original marriage vows are permanent. Nothing they say or don’t say at this renewal service will change that. Go with a clear conscience and enjoy the day! But try to make sure that your son makes an informed decision if he chooses to marry his fiancee outside of the Catholic Church – his choice could have serious consequences. A “fun” renewal celebration at a nursing home is a far different matter than entering into the Sacrament of Matrimony, which should be treated most seriously by the couple involved.

 

[LeoH]

As Br. Rich says, their original marriage vows are permanent. Nothing they say or don’t say at this renewal service will change that. Go with a clear conscience and enjoy the day! But try to make sure that your son makes an informed decision if he chooses to marry his fiancee outside of the Catholic Church – his choice could have serious consequences. A “fun” renewal celebration at a nursing home is a far different matter than entering into the Sacrament of Matrimony, which should be treated most seriously by the couple involved.

 

[LeoH]

My son has been alerted to the issues and is evidently taking the decision seriously as he is following through with his plan to meet with the Pastor of the Catholic Church he attended in Highschool and College this week . I just learned the meeting was confirmed for this week. yesterday. So I am hopeful, and praying for the best . Thankyou for your concern and advice.

 

[LeoH]

I am looking forward to the family reunion. Thanks for your advice and concern.

 

[kell0618]

Hello,

A Catholic couple I know that is very dear to me “my parent’s,” now in their 90’s are renewing their wedding vows with a few other couples at their predominantly protestant nursing home before a Baptist Minister with no Catholic Priest or Deacon Present. They are just going along with what they refer to as a publicity manuver by the Nursing Home
out of convenience and have invited Catholic and Non-Catholic family members to attend the ceremony and reception afterwards. Is their a moral issue here that they need to be made aware of? My son an his fiancee who is a non Catholic are attending and they are now wrestling with the issue of wether or not to marry in the Catholic Faith also? I have advised my son that their is a serious moral issue involved in his decision.

There is no problem with this in regard to the Church. ‘Renewing vows’ is not a Liturgy in the Church and I would suggest everyone just have a wonderful time. Once married in the Church, always married. They are not getting married. Now the other couple, THEY are the ones who need to carefully decide as their decision does have moral implications.

God bless you

Kelly