Is a nuptual Mass obligatory if one party is a convert?

[THutch04]

Please forgive me if this question has been asked before, but what happens if two people marrying are Catholics and one is a convert? I realize that every individual case is different and the decision has to be made between the pastor and the couple involved, but would the marriage have to take place in Mass? Would the marriage be able to take place outside of Mass because of a lot of people who will not be able to receive Communion? I would imagine that it would mostly be one family that would be sitting down when mostly everyone else in the other family goes up to receive. Would it be possible to celebrate it outside of Mass, so that one family wouldn’t feel left out, or would it still be preferable to celebrate it with a Mass because it is two Catholics getting married? Thank you.

~Tara

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Dear TH,

Certainly, in the case of a Catholic marrying a non-Catholic the wedding often takes place out-side of Mass. A nuptual Mass is never obligatory. But you are a Catholic now and have a great opportunity to give witness to your family of Christ’s Church. You have no greater gift to give them. By all means have it during Mass. It they wonder why they can’t receive the Eucharist, let them know that it is because we value it so highly. It’s not merely a symbol for us—just as for the early Christians. We have tracts on the sacraments on catholic.com that you can down-load and have available for them—not to convert them, but to inform them.

Even your wedding is a sacrament. It actually offers you sanctifying grace, enabling you to worship God by your very marital union. This isn’t even on the radar for non-Catholic Christians. Get a hold of “The Good News About Sex and Marriage” by Christopher West. (You can order in through the website just mentioned or by phone: 888 291 8000. Read it and make it available to any family member who shows interest in it.

You have a great opportunity for doing God’s work here. Don’t miss it.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.