Engaged and wondering

[nateph88]

I’m currently engaged to a wonderful woman. I had a few questions involving the marriage. First off, I am Catholic. She was baptized and confirmed Catholic but has since left the Church and claims that she is Agnostic (believes in a higher power but not sure what). I know of priests performing wedding with two separate Christian denominations but am unsure of how one would respond to her idea of Agnosticism. I want to be married by a priest but we would also like an outside wedding. Is this allowed…I have heard different stances on this? And is it possible to have a Catholic ceremony without Communion? Only my mother’s side of the family is Catholic and the other three are not. So if we had it would only be about 1/10 of the congregation taking communion.

 

[cthulhubryan]

When a good friend of mine got married, they did the whole communion thing early and then had the rest of the ceremony with everyone else (none of us as groom attendants were Catholic and only the maid of honor on the bride’s side). Don’t know about the outside thing, but probably.

 

[Corki]

I’m currently engaged to a wonderful woman. I had a few questions involving the marriage. First off, I am Catholic. She was baptized and confirmed Catholic but has since left the Church and claims that she is Agnostic (believes in a higher power but not sure what). I know of priests performing wedding with two separate Christian denominations but am unsure of how one would respond to her idea of Agnosticism. I want to be married by a priest but we would also like an outside wedding. Is this allowed…I have heard different stances on this? And is it possible to have a Catholic ceremony without Communion? Only my mother’s side of the family is Catholic and the other three are not. So if we had it would only be about 1/10 of the congregation taking communion.

If she is a baptized and confirmed Catholic, she would be considered Catholic (though lapsed) in terms of a wedding. Unless she has somehow formally defected from the Church, which isn’t usually done. That means you shouldn’t need any dispensation to marry her. Your priest will decide how much counseling you may need regarding a Catholic marriage and raising a Catholic family.

Your priest can, if he chooses, request permission to have the wedding somewhere other than in the Church (such as outside). It depends on the diocese if this is likely to be granted. The Bishop decides.

In cases like yours where most of the attendees would not be receiving Communion a wedding ceremony without the Nuptial Mass is often recommended. This would include the readings and exchange of vows but not the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

These are generalities. Once you start your pre-cana process, your priest and/or sponsor couple will be able to give you answers more specific to your situtation.

 

[puzzleannie]

I’m currently engaged to a wonderful woman. I had a few questions involving the marriage. First off, I am Catholic. She was baptized and confirmed Catholic but has since left the Church and claims that she is Agnostic (.

If you are Catholic, you are bound by Canon Law on marriage. So is she unless she has formally defected (there is a long and puzzling commentary on what that means–or not–by Jimmy Akin so anybody interested look it up and don’t derail this thread).

See your priest who should always be your first stop when planning a wedding. He will tell you what you can and cannot do. Do you want to be bound for life and raise children with a person who does not share your most fundamental beliefs and values? If so, why?

your wedding can be as simple or elaborate as you wish, but must comply with canon law. Yes you can simply exchange vows, without Mass or even communion, and your priest will probably strongly advise this if one party is not Catholic.

 

[1ke]

I’m currently engaged to a wonderful woman. I had a few questions involving the marriage. First off, I am Catholic. She was baptized and confirmed Catholic but has since left the Church and claims that she is Agnostic (believes in a higher power but not sure what).

First of all, if she is baptized Catholic, she IS a Catholic regardless of what she calls herself. She is subject to the laws of the Catholic Church.

I know of priests performing wedding with two separate Christian denominations but am unsure of how one would respond to her idea of Agnosticism.

She is, from the Church’s perspective, a Catholic just like you.

I want to be married by a priest but we would also like an outside wedding. Is this allowed…I have heard different stances on this?

This requires permission of your bishop.

And is it possible to have a Catholic ceremony without Communion?

Yes.

Now, here’s the rest of my post:

It’s a BAD idea to marry someone who does not share your faith and beliefs. A really bad idea. Seek counseling from your priest.