Marriage to a non christian

[KATRINA_68]

Can a Catholic, in this case, my son, marry an unbaptized person of no religious affiliation in the Catholic Church?
This would be a first time marriage for both parties.
Or do they have a civil marriage then get it blessed?

 

[Luke6_37]

If you son is a Confirmed Catholic, he can get married in the church even if his bride is not a baptised Christian. However, one of the conditions for the sacrament to “take” is that both parties fully accept the conditions of their marriage vows - that their union is permanent and fruitful.

 

[1ke]

Can a Catholic, in this case, my son, marry an unbaptized person of no religious affiliation in the Catholic Church?

Yes. Your son and his intended need to make an appointment with his pastor.

Or do they have a civil marriage then get it blessed?

Catholics are obligated to marry in Catholic form or be dispensed from it. Catholics are not free to marry civilly without dispensation. Doing this would not be time correct way to enter marriage.

 

[1ke]

However, one of the conditions for the sacrament to “take” is that both parties fully accept the conditions of their marriage vows - that their union is permanent and fruitful.

It is true that to be valid there cannot be defects of consent or intent— that is for the pastor to determine.

But the marriage of a Catholic to an unbaptized person is not a sacrament. It’s a natural marriage. It would become a sacrament if the unbaptized person receives baptism.

 

[Luke6_37]

Thanks for the clarification

 

[KATRINA_68]

Thank-you for your response. I will continue to pray for him, and ask Jesus to give him another nudge.
After many years, my brother came back, so I know prayer works.

 

[Gorgias]

Catholics who marry are supposed to be confirmed; if they are not confirmed, they are supposed to get confirmed prior to marriage:

Can. 1065 §1. Catholics who have not yet received the sacrament of confirmation are to receive it before they are admitted to marriage if it can be done without grave inconvenience.

The fact that it’s generally not mentioned doesn’t mean that it isn’t true. What passes for “grave inconvenience” is often… interesting.

Nevertheless, if a Catholic isn’t confirmed, and there is “grave inconvenience” in getting confirmed prior to getting married, then the marriage should proceed (and confirmation take place afterward).

Baptized in the Catholic Church and raised Catholic. The Catholic party also promises to continue practicing the faith.

The non-Catholic party must not be hostile to Catholicism and must allow the Catholic spouse to continue to practice his / her faith after the marriage. The non-Catholic must also not be hostile toward the idea of raising his / her children Catholic.

The non-Catholic party isn’t required to make any promises / assertions / observations. They just witness the promise of the Catholic party.

 

[KATRINA_68]

Thank you for the clarity regarding Church doctrine. He has been in a 10 year relationship as a lapsed Catholic.
It’s my hope that this could be the means to draw him back to the Church. There are no children being raised to complicate things. His girlfriend has never been given any religious background, but has good ethics.
This gives me hope, and I will speak to my pastor, as my son will be coming in from some distance for a visit next week.
I will offer a prayer for those of you who have taking the time to help me before I pursue this topic of conversation with him…
God Bless All!