Having a marriage blessed in the Catholic Church

[Chris97]

Hi, My wife and I were married outside the church last year, I am a Catholic (Non-Practicing) raised through catholic school my whole life and my wife is not but was baptised in a christian church when she was young but is a non practicing christian as well. My parents and some family are practicing Catholics and my parents especially would like to see our marriage blessed in the church. I would like to do this to for them and think because I was raised this way that it would be a good thing. We are both very good people and believe in helping others and giving back . My wife is open to it and we are looking to move forward but I am unsure about a few things.

1. I dont have any intention as of right now to become a practicing catholic if the blessing happens. Will the priest bless it knowing I do not have the intention of returning to church every sunday.
2. I have heard that if we have it blessed in the church that we have to agree to raise our children catholic and that my wife would have to agree not to interfere with that part of their upbringing. We are unsure if we would like to do this as well.

I guess the main thing is will the church bless our marriage even though I do not have plans to become a regular practicing catholic any time soon and if we are not sure if we will raise our children catholic. I know this might sound bad but I really would like to do it for my parents. Any information you could provide would be very helpful.

Thanks so much

 

[anp1215]

The Church most likely will not (and should not) bless your marriage if you are doing it for your parents and don’t plan on practicing the faith.

 

[Dorothy]

The Church most likely will not (and should not) bless your marriage if you are doing it for your parents and don’t plan on practicing the faith.

Correct. Marriage is a Sacrament of the Church. If the original poster truly wants to practice his Catholic faith that is the only reason why they should receive the Sacrament. Otherwise it is a lie.

 

[anp1215]

Correct. Marriage is a Sacrament of the Church. If the original poster truly wants to practice his Catholic faith that is the only reason why they should receive the Sacrament. Otherwise it is a lie.

Yup. Another way to think about it is that usually people will have their marriage convalidated because having relations within an invalid marriage=the sin of fornication. They have their marriage blessed so that they are no longer living in sin. If you have your marriage convalidated and then continue to miss Mass on Sundays, you would still be living in sin, just a different sin. So kind of pointless.

 

[Jim_Dandy]

If you tell any priest the truth about why you want to use the Church this way, he should refuse your request. Marriage is a sacrament. As I understand it, you are proposing asking the Church to participate in a fraud. Lord, have mercy.

 

[1ke]

The term “bless” your marriage is somewhat misleading. It isn’t simply a blessing. It is a convalidation. This is the making valid of an invalid marriage. It is the giving of consent in the Catholic form. As a Catholic you are required to follow the Church’s law on marriage incuding the form of mariage. Since you married a non-Catholic you could have obtained a dispensation from form to be married elsewhere.

But, to be married in the Church, convalidate your marriage, or receive a dispensation from form all require the same things. You both will need to attend Catholic marriage preparation. Yes, you will be making a promise to raise your children Catholic. You will be asking for a Sacrament of the Church which, yes, requires that you be in a state of grace (i.e. go to confession), be attending Mass, and be practicing your faith.

I encourage you to make an appointment and talk to your priest. I hope you will return to the full practice of your faith soon.