Wedding Advice (Catholic and Non-Catholic)

[1ke]

Isn’t there some provision for “renewing” vows?

No, there isn’t. What does exist is the rite of blessing of a married couple found in the Book of Blessings. It does not include “renewal” of vows.

Couples do it on anniversaries sometimes.

They should not actually repeat any vows. They can be blessed using the rite in the Book of Blessings. There is no ceremony or rite in the Catholic Church that includes a “renewal of vows”. The Catholic theology of marriage isn’t compatible with this concept-- the vows are permanent and perpetual they cannot be “renewed”. Giving new consent is done when there is a defect-- this is called a convalidation.

 

[KATRINA_68]

My apologies, I had forgotten this would be a mixed marriage , and you are right, not a sacramental ceremony.

 

[twf]

In that case, a couple in a difficult situation with an anti-Catholic family could hypothetically celebrate a private Catholic wedding and later schedule a reception with a blessing- if a priest was available and in agreeement. I imagine that would satisfy a lot of people.

 

[1ke]

I don’t think that would satisfy the non-Catholic family members who don’t want anything to do with anything Catholic.

The couple could have a private Catholic ceremony and a reception that doesn’t include anything to do with vows or ceremony, just reception.

Or, they could receive a dispensation from form and have the ceremony officiated by a non-Catholic clergy or civil officiant at the library chapel.

 

[Gingersnaps4]

I would try to have a heart to heart with your family and let them know how much this is hurting you and also maybe discuss the future. And maybe your fiancée could talk to his family? It’s a little off topic but I just feel like they are all in for a big wake up call and you are going to have a lot of stress further down the line when you guys have children and raise them catholic. How are they going to tolerate baptisms, first communion etc if they are trying to railroad you out of having your own wedding the way you prefer? Will they be as hard hearted then too and refuse to participate in any of those things for their grandchildren?

 

[Titivillus]

RachZ:

She told me it was unfair that the Catholic Church would not let me take communion for six months if we went the civil ceremony option.

This jumped out at me.

Where did she get this idea?

If a Catholic attempts marriage out of form or without dispensation, they would be unable to receive the Sacraments until the marriage is regularized. There is no chart that says “Civil marriage = 6 months suspension”.

Thanks.

The way others have avoided mention of this nonsense had caused me to wonder if I’d missed some new Catholic sacramental teaching or something.

(Still waiting for the OP to explain herself, since she seems to hold and "understand the reason [for] this teaching" as well?)