Non Sacramental Marriage?

[Arch_Angel]

Hi everyone,

I’m new to Catholic Answers and have a question regarding marriage. I’m a practicing Catholic and my gf is Muslim. I know that our marriage is valid with permission from the Bishop however what does it mean when the marriage is not sacramental? Does it mean Jesus isn’t present in our married lives and only mine?

Thanks

 

[Corki]

Someone will probably provide a more thorough answer but…

Sacraments are channels of God’s grace but they are not the only ways we are open to grace. With regard to the Sacrament of Marriage, the particular graces which flow from the Sacrament will not be present in your marriage. That does not mean that either of you is closed off from other graces individually or as a couple.

 

[tee_eff_em]

Hi everyone,

I’m new to Catholic Answers and have a question regarding marriage. I’m a practicing Catholic and my gf is Muslim. I know that our marriage is valid with permission from the Bishop however what does it mean when the marriage is not sacramental? Does it mean Jesus isn’t present in our married lives and only mine?

Thanks

If your wife is not baptized, your marriage (otherwise valid) is not sacramental. Marriage cannot be “half a sacrament” or a sacrament for one party but not for the other. (Aside: Should your wife become baptized, your marriage will automatically become sacramental!)

The Catechism says:

Mixed marriages and disparity of cult

1633 In many countries the situation of a mixed marriage (marriage between a Catholic and a baptized non-Catholic) often arises. It requires particular attention on the part of couples and their pastors. A case of marriage with disparity of cult (between a Catholic and a nonbaptized person) requires even greater circumspection.

1634 Difference of confession between the spouses does not constitute an insurmountable obstacle for marriage, when they succeed in placing in common what they have received from their respective communities, and learn from each other the way in which each lives in fidelity to Christ. But the difficulties of mixed marriages must not be underestimated. They arise from the fact that the separation of Christians has not yet been overcome. the spouses risk experiencing the tragedy of Christian disunity even in the heart of their own home. Disparity of cult can further aggravate these difficulties. Differences about faith and the very notion of marriage, but also different religious mentalities, can become sources of tension in marriage, especially as regards the education of children. the temptation to religious indifference can then arise.

1635 According to the law in force in the Latin Church, a mixed marriage needs for liceity the express permission of ecclesiastical authority. In case of disparity of cult an express dispensation from this impediment is required for the validity of the marriage. 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.

1636 Through ecumenical dialogue Christian communities in many regions have been able to put into effect a common pastoral practice for mixed marriages. Its task is to help such couples live out their particular situation in the light of faith, overcome the tensions between the couple’s obligations to each other and towards their ecclesial communities, and encourage the flowering of what is common to them in faith and respect for what separates them.

1637 In marriages with disparity of cult the Catholic spouse has a particular task: “For the unbelieving husband is consecrated through his wife, and the unbelieving wife is consecrated through her husband.” It is a great joy for the Christian spouse and for the Church if this “consecration” should lead to the free conversion of the other spouse to the Christian faith. Sincere married love, the humble and patient practice of the family virtues, and perseverance in prayer can prepare the non-believing spouse to accept the grace of conversion.

tee

 

[blueadept]

Part of the definition of a Sacramental Marriage is that it is between two baptised individuals. The RCC does not recognize, that I’m aware of, your gf’s baptism; therefore, the marriage can be ‘blessed’ in the RCC but it won’t be considered a ‘sacramental’ marriage.

I married a Mormon and I had my marriage ‘blessed’ in the RCC but it’s still not considered a sacramental marriage.

 

[FAB]

The church only recongizes a marrage as sacramental if it is between two baptised persons, man and woman of the same faith. Two baptised Baptist, two baptisted catholics yes, a baptised baptist and a baptised catholic, no, a baptised Catholic and a non-baptised person (muslim) no.
For a person to be considered baptised it must have been done in the Trinitarian form, so a Morman is not considered baptised as defined by the Church, nor would someone of the Muslim Faith.

Peace,
FAB

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

The church only recongizes a marrage as sacramental if it is between two baptised persons, man and woman of the same faith. Two baptised Baptist, two baptisted catholics yes, a baptised baptist and a baptised catholic, no, a baptised Catholic and a non-baptised person (muslim) no.

A marriage between a Catholic and a Protestant with a proper dispensation is sacramental.

As long as the two people involved are baptized, a valid marriage is also sacramental. If one of the parties is not baptized (Muslim, Jewish, Hindu, etc.) then the marriage is not sacramental.

 

[tee_eff_em]

The church only recongizes a marrage as sacramental if it is between two baptised persons,

-]man and woman of the same faith. Two baptised Baptist, two baptisted catholics yes, a baptised baptist and a baptised catholic, no/-]

, a baptised Catholic and a non-baptised person (muslim) no.
For a person to be considered baptised it must have been done in the Trinitarian form, so a Morman is not considered baptised as defined by the Church, nor would someone of the Muslim Faith.

Peace,
FAB

This is mistaken (or at best, misleading). The Church teaches that a valid marriage between baptized persons is a sacrament.
The end.
Nothing about being baptized of the same faith.

tee

 

[FAB]

This is mistaken (or at best, misleading). The Church teaches that a valid marriage between baptized persons is a sacrament.
The end.
Nothing about being baptized of the same faith.

tee

Sorry, it is only sacramental if both persons are of the same faith. If a Catholic marries a non Catholic , a petition from conical form must be obtained. The marriage is not considered sacramental unless or until the non catholic converts.

Peace,
FAB

 

[FAB]

A marriage between a Catholic and a Protestant with a proper dispensation is sacramental.

As long as the two people involved are baptized, a valid marriage is also sacramental. If one of the parties is not baptized (Muslim, Jewish, Hindu, etc.) then the marriage is not sacramental.

I don’t have time at this point to quote from the canon, but that’s not the case.

Peace,
FAB

 

[tee_eff_em]

Sorry, it is only sacramental if both persons are of the same faith. If a Catholic marries a non Catholic , a petition from conical form must be obtained.

Yes, that is what I meant when I called your assertion at best, misleading, and why I qualified my statement to be about *a

valid

marriage *-- For a mixed union, a dispensation is needed for validity.

The marriage is not considered sacramental unless or until the non catholic converts.

I (respectfully) call baloney.

tee

 

[FAB]

Yes, that is what I meant when I called your assertion at best, misleading, and why I qualified my statement to be about *a

valid

marriage *-- For a mixed union, a dispensation is needed for validity.

I (respectfully) call baloney.

tee

Miia Copa, Sacramental between two baptised persons if the baptism was performed in the trinitarian form In the name of the Father and of of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Non sacramental between a catholic and unbaptised person. canon1055

not sacrament between a chatholic and a muslim.

My appologize
FAB

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

I don’t have time at this point to quote from the canon, but that’s not the case.

Peace,
FAB

I do have time to look up the canon…and it says that marriage between baptized persons is a sacrament:

Can. 1055 §1. The matrimonial covenant, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life and which is ordered by its nature to the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring, has been raised by Christ the Lord to the dignity of a sacrament between the baptized.

§2. For this reason, a valid matrimonial contract cannot exist between the baptized without it being by that fact a sacrament.

 

[Andreas_Hofer]

Marriage consists of a human contract that Christ elevated to the supernatural level of a sacrament. While the Church can alter the conditions required for a valid contract (such as which persons are capable of entering it under which conditions), she cannot alter the substance of the sacrament, namely its matter, form, and minister, and what it accomplishes.

So what accomplishes the sacrament? When two baptized, eligible persons exchange consent/promises of marriage concerning the present (that is, not for betrothal but for marriage itself) and under the proper conditions as defined by law, they become sacramentally married. So long as the baptism is valid, those persons can be two heretics, two Catholics, or one of each, including heretics of different confessions.

The validity of the contract is a different matter, and that is where eligibility and circumstances come into play. Two non-baptized persons marry validly under the contractual terms set by their communities, but since they are not baptized they are incapable of receiving any other sacraments, so this valid marriage is not sacramental. Baptized heretics (neither of whom has ever been Catholic) are not subject to Catholic marriage law and thus marry validly according to the norms of their own community and, by entering that valid contract, simultaneously confer a sacrament upon each other. Catholics, on the other hand, cannot marry validly except by marrying another Catholic with a minister of the Church as official witness to the contract. Both of these conditions can be dispensed, but if they are not dispensed, then these contracts are invalid, which in turn means that no sacrament has been conferred, even if the marriage, had it been properly celebrated, could have been sacramental. FAB’s confusion was presumably regarding this last point, for without permission from one’s bishop it is indeed impossible for a Catholic to marry a Christian of another faith.

Now, when it comes to the specific case of a Catholic marrying a Muslim, one first has to address the question of validity before one can worry about sacramentality. A Catholic can validly marry a Muslim, but must make sure to obtain permission for “disparity of cult” in order for the marriage to be valid. Granted that sufficient dispensation has been received for a valid marriage, however, the marriage will not be a sacrament, and thus will not confer any of the graces specific to that sacrament. Marriages of this sort are more difficult than sacramental marriages, because one of the things the sacrament grants is a fortification for perseverance in durable exclusivity - St. Robert Bellarmine claims that one of the proofs of marriage’s sacramentality is that one could not endure a lifelong bond to a single person were it not for the conferral of a special grace to accomplish this. One could certainly exploit that for comedic value, but it is nonetheless true that marriage is much more difficult without sacramental strengthening toward that end. Marrying without that grace is not for the faint of heart, because it takes heroic virtue (like that of St. Monica) to do it successfully.

 

[Arch_Angel]

Thank you all for your comments, they help a lot! I learned a lot more than I thought!

 

[Arch_Angel]

Someone will probably provide a more thorough answer but…

Sacraments are channels of God’s grace but they are not the only ways we are open to grace. With regard to the Sacrament of Marriage, the particular graces which flow from the Sacrament will not be present in your marriage. That does not mean that either of you is closed off from other graces individually or as a couple.

Thanks for your comment! So how does one explain that to the one they love who has no understanding of Sacraments and grace?

 

[Corki]

Thanks for your comment! So how does one explain that to the one they love who has no understanding of Sacraments and grace?

You could use a basic Catechism. It would be good for her to have some understanding of your faith before you marry anyway. Much of this should be covered in pre-cana preparation. Some diocese require a more extensive preparation when one is requesting to marry a non-Christian.

 

[angelicwarrior]

How about you find your answers in the bible…the only printed word that actually counts if you know what I mean…

Try this passage… 1 Timothy 4 reads…

1Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

2Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

3Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.

4For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:

5For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

6If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.

7But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.

8For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.

9This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation.

10For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.

11These things command and teach.

12Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

13Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.

14Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.

15Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.

16Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

I say this with great importance…Pay attention to the word of God. Man’s word bears no weight. For example, when it is your time to meet our maker and you followed the words that man says holds true, our maker is going to ask you why you chose not to seek his guidance for the matter when I was readily available to you right in his book in black and white…He will tell you that ignorance will not be your excuse, because you knew where to find it, but you chose to follow the words of a man that you apparently held more truth to you and were more holy than God’s…now correct me if I am wrong, isn’t holding true what your church says is the truth over what God’s word says is the truth letting your church take a higher position than God, therefore taking his place…Replacing God with your church…Hence the term FALSE IDOL…

I welcome and accept complaints cause I know the truth is always hard to swallow…
I am in no way putting any religion or form of religion down…
The truth is if you seek answers from any other source for anything pertaining to your faith what so ever, be it your minister or any other written material, other than the bible, you ARE replacing God and his word with them therefore worshiping a false idol…The truth is the truth…

 

[Corki]

How about you find your answers in the bible…the only printed word that actually counts if you know what I mean…

Try this passage… 1 Timothy 4 reads…

I say this with great importance…Pay attention to the word of God. Man’s word bears no weight. For example, when it is your time to meet our maker and you followed the words that man says holds true, our maker is going to ask you why you chose not to seek his guidance for the matter when I was readily available to you right in his book in black and white…He will tell you that ignorance will not be your excuse, because you knew where to find it, but you chose to follow the words of a man that you apparently held more truth to you and were more holy than God’s…now correct me if I am wrong, isn’t holding true what your church says is the truth over what God’s word says is the truth letting your church take a higher position than God, therefore taking his place…Replacing God with your church…Hence the term FALSE IDOL…

I welcome and accept complaints cause I know the truth is always hard to swallow…
I am in no way putting any religion or form of religion down…
The truth is if you seek answers from any other source for anything pertaining to your faith what so ever, be it your minister or any other written material, other than the bible, you ARE replacing God and his word with them therefore worshiping a false idol…The truth is the truth…

Welcome to Catholic Answers Forums.

This thread is almost a year old. The OP is Catholic and the discussion is on the Sacramental character of marriage, more specifically the lack of such when a Catholic marries a non Christian.

The Scripture passage does not seem to address the topic at hand.

Your commentary at the end of your post seems to be more related to a discussion of Scripture and Tradition. That’s a topic more appropriate to the Apologetics or Scripture sub-forums. This is the Traditional Catholic sub-forum. If you need help, there is a “sticky” called Choose Your Forum that you may find helpful.

 

[VivaCristoRey27]

Thanks for your comment! So how does one explain that to the one they love who has no understanding of Sacraments and grace?

Do you love your girlfriend/fiancee? Then your first priority needs to be the salvation of her soul.

The Church allows mixed-marriages between a Catholic and a Protestant or a Catholic and a non-Christian if and only if it (through the bishop) thinks that it will lead to the conversion of the non-Catholic party. So if she is under the thumb of her family and does not know about the Faith and marrying her will free her from their control and allow her to be able to be free to learn about the Faith and be baptized, then it is a good idea to marry.

Remember, there is a two-fold issue here. The first is that it is impossible for a Christian (baptized person) to marry a non-Christian (non-baptized person). You may stand in front of a minister or a judge or even a Catholic priest and say your vows but if you do not have a dispensation, nothing happens – you are not married. The second is that it is very dangerous to marry a non-Catholic (or even a lapsed/weak Catholic), you have to be very strong and determined to pray earnestly and make sacrifices in order to convert your spouse.

Remember what St. Paul says:

Bear not the yoke with unbelievers. For what participation hath justice with injustice? Or what fellowship hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? Or what part hath the faithful with the unbeliever?

And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God; as God saith: I will dwell in them, and walk among them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore, Go out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing: and I will receive you; and I will be a Father to you; and you shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

So your first priority must be to save her soul, far beyond that of marrying her. If you think you need to marry her for her to be free to convert, talk to a good priest about it. If he agrees and believes that it is not a danger for you, he will put you in contact with the bishop. Then the bishop can give you a dispensation (an exception to the rules) in order to marry her. But if she is living on her own, concern yourself first with her conversion (a true conversion, not just getting a box checked off like some people who go through RCIA just to get married) and then worry about marrying her.

I love my girlfriend and I want to marry her but she is a recent convert (Easter Vigil earlier this year) from a liberal/unorthodox Episcopalianism (blended with all sorts of New Age practices from tarot to astrology to Hare Krishnas). Until she settles down and begins a true devotion to Christ, I can’t marry her. Yes, legally I can but not morally. Her conversion comes first and she needs independence in order to facilitate that. And I have to look out for my own soul first (that’s not selfish, that’s reality), I don’t want to be drawn into false practices or away from the true religion, nor do I want her to go run off with some guru at some point down the road. I’ve been friends (not dating) with her for five years and it may be another five before I can marry her but it will be worth it.

If your girlfriend is worth marrying, she is worth waiting for.

 

[LaneMEL]

In 1986 (at age 23), I left the Catholic Church, and joined my then-girlfriend’s church, the WELS (Wisc. Ev. Lutheran Synod). The next year, we made our vows at a WELS congregation, in a Christ-centered worship service. Twenty four years have passed, and we remain committed as ever, through all life’s ups and downs.
In light of all the different comments I hear on Catholic radio (including the awesome Catholic Answers Live program, which I hear through Immaculate Heart Radio in No. California), Is my own marriage (as a baptized Catholic, but now part of another faith tradition) VALID IN THE EYES OF GOD? This is serious, sincere question, that needs a serious, sincere answer! Thank you, and God Bless/