Perhaps your sister since she is not a practicing Catholic is not aware that she can marry a Jewish man and still be in alignment with the Catholic faith…this is the context from our archdiocese regarding such a situation. For myself, denying Jesus and the Holy Eucharist by converting to the Jewish faith, would be very difficult for me. It would be the same as if I was cut off from breathing. Pray for your sister.
familyministries.org/www.inthespiritofcana.org/2.6.11.1.htm
2.6.11.1 Abrahamic Religion (Jewish or Muslim)
When dealing with a marriage between a Catholic and a person of an Abrahamic religion, i.e., Jewish or Muslim, ministers should be aware of the sensitive issues facing Catholic-Jewish and Catholic-Muslim couples. In general, the Jewish community discourages Jews from marrying non-Jews. Islam permits Muslim men to marry Christians and Jews, but does not permit Muslim women to marry non-Muslims. Extra pastoral care prior to and following the wedding is essential. The Family Ministries Office has information about support groups for Catholic-Jewish and Catholic-Muslim couples in metro Chicago.
Procedure
Jewish: When the ceremony follows the Catholic form, a rabbi or a cantor can be invited to participate in the ceremony, but the Catholic priest or deacon officially witnesses the exchange of vows. Should a dispensation from the canonical form have been granted, a traditional Jewish celebration could take place at a synagogue or designated place.
Muslim: An imam or other Muslim could be invited to participate in the ceremony, but the Catholic priest or deacon officially witnesses the exchange of vows. Should a dispensation from the canonical form have been granted, am Islamic celebration could be planned. There is no traditional Islamic marriage rite other than the witnessing of the contract. Usually the marriage does not take place in a mosque. Preparation
See
Appendix C for the recommended outline to follow for optimum effective marriage preparation. This outline was designed for parishes with ample resources; not all parishes will be able to follow this exactly. See
Appendix D for descriptions of the various marriage preparation programs offered through the Archdiocese.
Appendix E has information about the FOCCUS Premarital Inventory. See
Appendix F for information about Natural Family Planning. Paperwork
A dispensation for disparity of cult is needed. A dispensation from canonical form is also required if the couple will be having someone other than a Catholic priest or deacon witness their vows. To obtain the dispensation, the Catholic party will be asked to affirm in some way (verbally or in writing) that he or she will promise to do all in his/her power to see that the children of the marriage be baptized and educated in the Catholic Church. The other partner is to be informed of these promises and responsibilities; the non-Catholic partner may feel a similar obligation because of his/her own religious commitment. No formal written or oral promise is required of the non-Catholic partner. In carrying out this duty of transmitting the Catholic faith to the children, the Catholic parent will do so with respect for the religious freedom and conscience of the other parent and with due regard for the unity and permanence of the marriage and for the maintenance of the communion of the family.
