Marriage before Baptism

[GLB123]

My wife and I have recently begun attending a Catholic church in our town, but I was raised Lutheran and my wife was not raised in a church. We have been “chased” away from the Lutheran church because of their continuing slide into politically-correct and “contemporary” worship and ideals. We have greatly enjoyed our time attending the Catholic Church the last few months, and have been considering stepping further into expanding our Catholic faith and understanding. I have even been listening to Relevant Radio!!!

However, recently my wife read on a Catholic web site that the Catholic Church will not recognize our marriage because my wife was not Baptized until after our marriage. She is now Baptized too, and both her and I have grown in our faith. However, she is bothered to think that the Catholic Church would not recognize our marriage after all of these years (17 years of marriage, and counting!).

Can anyone tell me what the Catholic Church’s position would be on this… must you be Baptized before you are married? If so… what should a couple do if they have “placed the cart before the horse?”

Thank you!
Greg

 

[Joe_Kelley]

Assuming that we have all the facts here I see no problem.

Neither of you were married before?

The Church accepts the marriage of all non-Catholics as valid unless proven otherwise. If you had been Catholic at the time of your marriage certain dispensations would have been required, but this is only a disciplinary matter for Catholics.

The marriage between a baptized person and an unbaptized person is accepted as valid, but non-sacramental. It becomes sacramental upon the baptism of the unbaptized party. It is automatic; no action is required.

Hope this answers your question. If not please ask further. I direct an RCIA program so have some experience with these matters. However, for a specific case you need to consult a priest. I am sure he will be happy to discuss it with you. Just call the parish office for an appointment.

 

[Seven_Sorrows]

it depends, but you may just have your marriage blessed (if it was valid, or redo your vows it it wasn’t). but basically, if you are not baptised, how could you promise to God that you will be with that person forever, if you don’t believe in God. because if you did believe in God you would be baptised. since only god can join you together, and you don’t believe in God, you probably weren’t “joined” together. but it all depends on the situation, just talk to a priest.

god bless
www.sevensorrows.com