Would my boyfriend and I be able to have a Catholic wedding?

[TRLarsen]

My boyfriend and I have been together for 4 years and we have been talking about marriage here and there. He is catholic and has expressed that he would like to get married in the church and I am happy enough to do that.

I am un-baptized, and my family is either Presbyterian or non-affiliated, because my parents thought it wasn’t important enough to do.

I have attended church with my boyfriend and thoroughly enjoyed it and happy enough to convert.

Before my current relationship, I did have a teenage pregnancy from an abusive ex boyfriend. I left my ex before my son was born and he is not involved in my son’s life at all. My son considers my current boyfriend as his father and my boyfriend considers him as a son as well. I would like my son to be involved in the wedding as we like to include him in things.

Would this pose any trouble with the Catholic church and is there anything that I/we could do to make this marriage happen?

 

[RolandThompsonGunner]

Before my current relationship, I did have a teenage pregnancy from an abusive ex boyfriend. I left my ex before my son was born and he is not involved in my son’s life at all. My son considers my current boyfriend as his father and my boyfriend considers him as a son as well.

Would this pose any trouble with the Catholic church and is there anything that I/we could do to make this marriage happen?

There’s no issue with you having a son. You being unbaptized presents an issue, though. You’d either have to a) become Catholic or B) he’d need a dispensation to marry an unbaptized person. Not a huge deal, they happen all the time.

 

[jlc2k2]

He should start by talking to his priest or deacon. You haven’t mentioned anything that sounds like it would pose an issue. You wouldn’t need to convert to get married. The priest or deacon would seek a dispensation from the bishop but that shouldn’t be difficult for them to obtain.

Most parishes in the US do require some kind of marital prep. It could be a weekend retreat or meeting with a couple or meeting with the priest or deacon. But something is normally required so I wouldn’t set a date or anything until he has talked to them and knows what is required.

 

[1ke]

Would this pose any trouble with the Catholic church and is there anything that I/we could do to make this marriage happen?

I see you’ve started a couple of threads on this topic. The BEST thing you can do is to meet with your boyfriend’s pastor.

I’m sorry you experienced abuse in the past, and I’m glad you have found a good man who loves your son.

There is no reason your son couldn’t be involved such as being a groomsman, etc.

As for a marriage between a Catholic and non-baptized person, it’s been covered in the other thread. There are processes to go through for premarital preparation. Paperwork that the Catholic needs to do. Counseling with the priest or deacon.

Step one: contact the parish and make an appointment with the pastor.

It is not necessary for you to convert, but if you have come to believe in Christ and his Church then also ask about RCIA.

 

[TheIttyBitty]

This is all from my understanding, and my experience. The references are linked below.

First, both of you would reach out to a priest, preferably the pastor of your fiancé’s territorial parish first. If you want to have the wedding in a different parish, you’d need some sort of dispensation, depending upon the marrying priest, and you will need whatever they ask, such as letters showing you’re both free to marry.

Without being Baptized, there’s an extra bit of care on part of the priest that decides to marry you. There may be extra hoops, but it’s up to him.

Baptism is a different concern. CCC 1253: “Baptism is the sacrament of faith” (ref in Catechism is to Mark 16:16)

Children should not be a difficulty, but divorce is.

Ref:
Marriage: http://www.vatican.va/archive/ccc_css/archive/catechism/p2s2c3a7.htm
Baptism: https://www.vatican.va/archive/ccc_css/archive/catechism/p2s2c1a1.htm

 

[Convert3]

You might consider signing up for an RCIA class to learn about the Catholic Faith. I did. I began with no intent to convert, but decided to half way through. You can also ask the priest about RCIA (Right of Christian Initiation for Adults).

 

[Saintphilomena]

Praise be to Jesus Mary and St. Joseph! The most important thing to do is to become a Baptized Catholic. . . . Have your son also baptized into the Catholic faith and this is irregardless of your betrothal. Do it for your spiritual welfare and that of your son. Do not delay in this important spiritual blessing!

May many graces joy and peace be bestowed upon you.