Choosing the form of your wedding?

[1ke]

No, but where do people go with these questions except to their local parish first? As they should.

They do not tell all their details to “someone in the office” who happens to answer the phone.

They make an appointment with the priest, who is the ONLY person with whom they should speak about the details of their situation.

So, I trust that the parish ministers provide the correct response.

They didn’t talk to the priest, who is the only person who is a minister of anything in the parish.

They talked to “someone” who answered the phone. A volunteer receptionist. A paid secretary. We don’t know. Certainly not the correct person to be asking details of canon law on marriage.

Do you disagree?

Yes.

Should people go elsewhere other than their parish, for Catholic responses to their questions about sacraments?

They should go to their PRIEST.

You are trying to say that whoever answers the phone in a parish office is the person who will have these answers. This is simply NOT the case.

A person seeking the Sacrament of Matrimony must contact the priest.

 

[annie321]

Thanks for all the feedback and advice.

 

[puzzleannie]

No, but where do people go with these questions except to their local parish first? As they should.

So, I trust that the parish ministers provide the correct response.

Do you disagree? Should people go elsewhere other than their parish, for Catholic responses to their questions about sacraments?

the person who answers the phone at your local parish is not likely to be a minister, but a secretarial or clerical person. If you have a question of canon law, or on a pastoral matter, you ask the pastor, not the secretary. “Someone in the office” is no authority at all. Nobody other than the pastor btw has the authority to make such determinations–not the DRE, the sister, the bookkeeper, or even the deacon.

 

[Vince1022]

T

They talked to “someone” who answered the phone. A volunteer receptionist. A paid secretary. We don’t know. Certainly not the correct person to be asking details of canon law on marriage.

Yes, we don’t know, so your assumptions are as valid as anyone’s.

I didn’t say talk to “anyone” at the parish, but a parish minister. Which includes, at most parishes, both lay and ordained staff.

 

[Vince1022]

Sometimes people feel the need to go elsewhere to get information. I’m one of them. I want to make 100% certain that what’s going on is correct in terms of the Catholic Church because I don’t know any better. When my “Mommy Radar” goes up that something is amiss, I want to investigate…whether it’s something to do with my child’s education, something at our Church, or something with my husband’s medical care. Paying attention to that little voice in your head that says something just isn’t right can save you a LOT of headaches later!!!

Of course there’s no problem going elsewhere in addition to one’s parish for such information. Unfortunately, many parishes are understaffed, and may not have all the answers one seeks. My only point is that any such inquiry shouldn’t be undertaken apart from inquiring at one’s parish (whether a priest or other pastoral minister).

 

[quiet52]

Dioceses in the U.S. require that couples marrying in the Catholic Church participate in period of marriage preparation. This usually requires attendance at an Engaged Encounter weekend and several meetings with a priest or his designate, such as a deacon or specially trained corps of laity.
This is required of the COUPLE – not just of the Catholic partner.
I hope you will call your pastor soon.