Will I need to refrain from intercourse?

[neocatholic]

Both my wife and I are in RCIA now to be accepted into the Church this spring. I am a candidate (catholic baptism) and she is a catechumen. I’m getting mixed signals on when is the correct time to have our marriage blessed. Some within the church say we need it blessed prior to Easter and some say after. Can you give me some guidance?

Also I just went to my first confession last night. Will I need to refrain from intercourse with my wife until after our marriage is blessed?

Thank You
God Bless

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Dear neo,

Since you were baptized a Catholic and later married outside of the Church, you need to have your marriage blessed. The reason for this is that the Church does not recognize you marriage as valid. So long as you are not validly married, every time you have sexual relations you are doing so with someone who is not your wife and you commit a mortal sin. You need to wait until your marriage is blessed. The sooner you have your marriage blessed, the better.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.