No wedding Mass?

[sotosark]

My daughter will be getting married in the Catholic church this fall to her non denominational protestant fiancée. She said that she has been instructed by Catholic sites that they should not have a full mass or receive communion at their ceremony because it would make him uncomfortable and not be a sign of unity. Does this sound right? Thoughts?

 

[Fr.Charles_Grondin]

Yes, that is the norm for a mixed marriage. It can be awkward to have a Mass when only half of the people present share the Catholic faith and can receive communion. Exceptions can be made, but the norm is for there not to be a Mass.

USCCB’s An Analysis of Diocesan Marriage Preparation Policies:

Choice of Ceremony
When two Catholics marry, the Rite for Celebrating Marriage During Mass is normally used. When a Catholic marries a baptized person from another Christian Church The Rite for Celebrating Marriage Outside Mass is normally used. When a Catholic marries someone who is not Christian The Rite for Celebrating Marriage Between a Catholic and an Unbaptized Person must be used. Mass is prohibited in this situation.

Holy Communion
Although most policies do not prohibit a Eucharistic liturgy for an ecumenical wedding, it is discouraged because it contradicts the central marital image of unity when one partner receives communion and the other does not.