The “requirements” are that both parties be free to enter into marriage (if there are previous marriages they must have ended by the death of a spouse or, if a divorce, must have an annulment by the Church). The marriage must take place before a priest or deacon in a Catholic church unless there is a dispensation from canonical form. The parties must intend for the marriage to be permanent (ended only by death), exclusive (that is, both parties intend to be faithful to each other), that they are marrying for the good of the other, and that no action will be taken to prevent the birth of children.
If both parties are baptized, even if one is not Catholic, the marriage may be sacramental. If only one party is baptized the marriage is called a “natural bond.” If one party is non-Catholic there is a requirement for a dispensation from disparity of cult and the non-Catholic is to be advised that the Catholic is to do “all in his or her power” to raise the children as Catholics.
Deacon Ed
