Living together when a wedding is planned?

[funnyyetsavvy]

My friend (non-Catholic) asked me yesterday if Priests still require that those who are living together separate prior to marriage.

I have no idea-it’s not something RCIA discussed…

Anyone know the answer?

 

[Truly_Beloved]

I think it’s strongly encouraged to separate, but not required. I think it might also depend on the priest.

When my husband and I went through marriage prep 6-7 years ago, we were the only couple that weren’t cohabiting, as far as I know. There may have been 1 or 2 other couples who weren’t sharing a residence, and we had 12-15 couples in our class. No one was denied marriage.

 

[chevalier]

My friend (non-Catholic) asked me yesterday if Priests still require that those who are living together separate prior to marriage.

I have no idea-it’s not something RCIA discussed…

Anyone know the answer?

For starters, there’s no such thing as say, a ritual period of not living together before marriage. If a priest tells a couple to stop living under one roof, that is because the priest believe they never should have done that and he will not witness the marriage for them if they don’t correct that error. There is no sin in living in one house per se. The only sin here may be through scandal or occasion to sin. Occasion to sin is when it’s difficult to resist sexual temptations. Scandal is when the couple living together contribute to an impression that sin (premarital sex, not sharing a house) is acceptable or lead others to sin by example.

 

[puzzleannie]

My friend (non-Catholic) asked me yesterday if Priests still require that those who are living together separate prior to marriage.

I have no idea-it’s not something RCIA discussed…

Anyone know the answer?

if he cares about the health of their marriage he will, it depends on the priest who is preparing them for marriage, and whether he is even aware of their situation. If it is not covered in their marriage preparation somebody is guilty of a grave lapse of proper pastoral care.