Marriage

[EFC_1987]

I am planning on asking my girlfriend to marry me. I am a Catholic and she was christened as C of E (though not practising). I would prefer to get married in a Catholic church but I was just wondering what we would have to do in order to do so? Are there any steps that she will have to take?

A plan that we did have was to have a civil partnership and then have it blessed in a Catholic church afterwards. If I was to follow this path then would the marriage be recognised by the church, I am asking this because when we have children, I would want to bring them up as Catholic.

Thank you very much for your help.

 

[Hildita]

The advise that anyone can give you is to go see your Pastor. If she is a baptized Christian of another denomination which is recognized by the Church you can get married in the Church in a ceremony. Being that she was christened as a C of E then you might as well go through the Catholic Church. The Pastor will also set you up with Pre-Cana classes that you both will have to attend. In my opinion I would not recommend you getting married civilly and then try to get the marriage convalidated. I never understand why so many Catholics try to go around the back door instead of doing things they way you should. Please keep in mind that this is the last sacrament that you will take as a Catholic and therefore as with any other sacrament deserves the respect and reverence like all the other ones. Good luck and please do not reduce this most important sacrament like so many do. Remember marriage is a vocation. God Bless