Need advice!

[CatholicNewb]

Marriage preparation do all priests in general provide this service to the people or is it just an organisation linked to the catholic church that provides it?

For all catholics having a catholic wedding is this a compulsory service to be taken before marriage?

Are priests married to Jesus Christ or the church?

The reason I ask these questions is that I had an engaging conversation with a friend who is catholic but not a practicing one, and he differentiates the marriage between a priest and Christ with a man and a woman through physical intimacy and that because priests aren’t married to a physical person they aren’t qualified to give advice.

How should I approach him about it and how can i explain to him what Catholics believe? Chances are im probably the only connection he’ll ever come to the catholic church

thanks

God Bless!

 

[Christy_Beth]

It’s my understanding that marriage preparation is done by a married couple. What all it entails, I don’t know. You might want to contact your priest for a full explanation of the whole bit. In my parish, at least 6 months notice to the priest is required. This gives the couple the time to go through the process. It also gives them a time to look at the relationship. Any problems that come up during that time need to be addressed. It could be that a particular couple aren’t suitable for each other, or just not really ready to be married.

As far as the priest being married to the church, again, speak with your priest. I know that nuns are called to be “brides” of Christ. I don’t know if priests have the same vows or not.

 

[Eucharisted]

Priests are married to Mother Church and, as far as she is a Figure of the Church, the Virgin Mary. This is why the Church is in the Bishop and the Bishop is in the Church, for they are no longer two but one flesh.

 

[AndyF]

CatholicNewb:

Marriage transcends the sensual, therefore the consummation or physical aspects will always play of lessor importance, although important as a role of physical expression in the marriage, and God wishes this.

Jesus is the Church, so yes, they are married to the Church. Every soul was created to be married to God. The soul has a choice to accept the union or reject it, and to a lessor or greater degree can receive enlightenment from Him depending on the soul’s state.

Priests carry the special and honored duty, (honored, because Christ gave them the task) to administer the Sacraments of the Church, and at the same time must strive for their own redemption just as we all do. In fact they will be called to more of an account because of their Holy status. The state of the priest’s soul in no way diminishes the effect or value of the Sacraments he imparts.

No church in this world provides more complete fruits of the Sacraments than the Holy and Apostolic Church, in fact, since Pentecost all other churches are redundant.

The betrothed couple can only benefit from this pre-marital preparation, and it is my belief that it is compulsory, you can verify it or anything else you want to know at the online Catechism(ie:Marriage):

www.scborromeo.org/ccc.htm

AndyF

 

[1ke]

Marriage preparation do all priests in general provide this service to the people or is it just an organisation linked to the catholic church that provides it?

Each diocese handles marriage preparation differently. But, all marriage preparation will include meetings with the priest that will cover Church teaching, paperwork, readiness to marry, etc. In addition to the meetings with the priest, there may also be some other form of preparation-- a retreat run by lay people in the diocese, a sponsor couple program, taking a FOCCUS assessment, natural family planning classes, etc.

Each diocese makes their own program and requirements. But, yes, all marriage preparation involves counseling with the priest.

For all catholics having a catholic wedding is this a compulsory service to be taken before marriage?

Yes. It is required.

Are priests married to Jesus Christ or the church?

Priests are not married to Jesus. Priests take vows of obedience to their Bishop. Symobolically, their vocation weds them to the Church.

The reason I ask these questions is that I had an engaging conversation with a friend who is catholic but not a practicing one, and he differentiates the marriage between a priest and Christ with a man and a woman through physical intimacy and that because priests aren’t married to a physical person they aren’t qualified to give advice.

Wow, so I guess your friend thinks that men can’t be gynocologists and obstetricians either. Since they are not women, how can they give advice about female problems and childbirth?

Or, I suppose psychologists should not be able to counsel people unless they actually have the disorder-- such as alcoholic, bi-polar, etc.

Your friend’s argument is ignorant.

Your friend fails to understand the role of the priest as it relates to our sanctification and the Sacraments. The priest is imminently qualified to counsel those who are approaching the Sacrament of Matrimony. The Sacraments belong to the Church.

How should I approach him about it and how can i explain to him what Catholics believe? Chances are im probably the only connection he’ll ever come to the catholic church

Maybe start by giving him a Catechism.