Why do they ask for confidential information in marriage prep?

[smj156]

My fiance and I are getting married in October. We are both Catholic. During a marriage preparation meeting with our priest I was asked whether I had ever seen a counselor or therapist. I had briefly seen a counselor two years ago and the priest is requesting the notes. Can you please tell me the purpose of this? I feel uncomfortable having to disclose such personal and confidential information when it does not seem relevant.

 

[Michelle_Arnold]

My guess is that the priest wants to assess your psychological ability to consent to marriage. (Many marriages these days are annulled based on the “psychological incapacity” of the spouses to consent to marriage.) Nevertheless, I would be surprised if your counselor agreed to share therapy notes on your case with the priest, considering that he has his own requirement to maintain confidentiality. If you don’t feel comfortable with that kind of information being seen by the priest, or with asking your therapist to share notes, politely say so to your priest. Perhaps he would be satisfied with a statement from your therapist affirming that he believes you capable of marriage. If not, then contact your diocese for further assistance. You may also wish to consult with the St. Joseph Foundation, a Catholic canon law apostolate.