Mixed Marriage Question

[Axel]

Hello Everyone! My sister has already had her civil wedding and would like to start the process to receive the Sacrament of Marriage. Here is the question: She is marrying a Muslim and we need to know the proper procedure. She is the first of my siblings to marry and so I do not even know the exact procedure for non-Mixed Marriages. For “regular” marriages (both spouses Catholic), I have heard that there is counselling to be done (upwards of a year?), is this true?? Is that just for when both spouses are Catholic?

However, what I know so far about “Mixed Marriages and disparity of Cult”, as the CCC puts it:

1)They need approval from ecclesiastical authority (Bishop of Diocese?)
2) They both have to know the ends and properties of marriage.
3)They have to agree to raise their children as Catholics.

I got the above from this:
“1635 According to the law in force in the Latin Church, a mixed marriage needs for liceity the express permission of ecclesiastical authority.[135] In case of disparity of cult an express dispensation from this impediment is required for the validity of the marriage.[136] This permission or dispensation presupposes that both parties know and do not exclude the essential ends and properties of marriage and the obligations assumed by the Catholic party concerning the baptism and education of the children in the Catholic Church.[137]”

My sister and her Muslim spouse have no problems with any of this, its just that we wanted to know the procedure for a proper and valid marraige, including any meetings, counselling, or educational courses needed leading up to the Marriage itself. Thanks for the help in advance!

 

[stbruno]

First of all, congratulations that your family member wishes to validate their marriage in the Catholic Church. This is a wonderful beginning for them. However, timing of this process should not be an issue. Marriage is for a lifetime. The process begins simply by making an appointment to meet with a parish priest.

Each diocese recommends that a couple makes an appt with a priest 4-6 months in advance of their intended wedding. That’s the usual rule for any couple being wed in the sacramental bond of marriage. In their case, special concern needs to be made since the Muslim faith is not the same as a Protestant marrying a Catholic. It may require special preparation if their spouse is a practicing or just a fringe Muslim. Begin with a priest. Each case is individual and must be handled in that way. Until then, remind your sister to continue to attend Mass regularly but refrain from receiving the Eucharist since she is not in communion with the requirements of the Catholic church about her marriage. Pray for them!

 

[Andreas_Hofer]

The local ordinary needs to issue the Catholic a dispensation and he will do so if it is established that the marriage will not cause the Catholic to defect from the faith and that the Catholic party will do everything possible to raise the kids Catholic. The non-Catholic needs to be informed of this promise on the part of the Catholic, but is not required to make any promises.