getting married in a Catholic church

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In a few years, I will be marrying my fiance. I was baptized as a protestant but never really attended any services. I know his family would like us to be wed in a Catholic church. He and his family are active Catholics. I was told in order for our marriage to be recognized, I would have to convert to Catholicism. Is this true? If so, what are the steps I need to take to convert? Thank you!

-- Kristen McIntyre (Petulaloo@aol.com), November 09, 2004

Answers

Response to getting married in a catholic church

Kristen,

No, that is not true. Catholics marry non-Catholics all the time in the Catholic Church, and such marriages are fully recognized by the Church. The marriage would not be recognized by the Church if he, a Catholic, was married in a non-Catholic church. There are a few conditions, namely that he declare that marriage to a non-Catholic is not a danger to the practice of his faith; and that he will do all in his power to have his/your children baptized Catholic and raised in the Catholic faith. It is also required that you be made aware of these promises, though you don't have to make them yourself.

However, if you were to become Catholic, the sharing of your common faith would be a solid foundation upon which to build your marriage. If you want to pursue that, or just look into it without a definite commitment to convert, you should sign up for an instructional course called RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults). It is offered at many Catholic parishes, and if your fiance's parish doesn't offer it, they can tell you which nearby parish does. It is a general introduction to the major beliefs and practices of Catholicism, and will allow to find out "what Catholicism is all about" in an informal setting, so you can make a decision one way or the other. If you did decide to become Catholic, you would be received into the Church and receive the sacraments at the conclusion of the RCIA course.

-- Paul M. (PaulCyp@cox.net), November 09, 2004.


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