Quiz time! What are the 7 Sacraments of the Catholic Church?
(hmmm….. Baptism, Eurcharist, Confirmation, …….Anointing of the Sick, and…..??)
Oh! Not bad! Let us help you recall all the 7 Sacraments!
And YES, Marriage is one of the 7 Sacraments of our Roman Catholic Church and it’s your big event of life to celebrate!
Indeed, marriage is a significant event in the life of a Roman Catholic, as it is one of the seven Sacraments celebrated within our Church.
A common question I often receive from brides is:
Q: “I’m Catholic, can I have a Catholic church wedding if my fiance isn’t?”
While you can certainly find various answers to this query across the internet, some explanations can be lengthy and complex, particularly when your partner is a non-Catholic or considering conversion. But fret not! I’ve created a simplified diagram to make it easier for you to find the answer you seek.
Registration Procedures
In general, the registration procedures typically encompass the following steps:
- Early Notice: It is advisable to provide notice at the chosen church where the wedding will take place as soon as possible, but in any case, at least six months prior to the planned wedding date.
- Church Registration: Complete the necessary registration requirements with the chosen church where the wedding ceremony will be held.
- Pre-Marriage Formation: Participation in one of the available Pre-Marriage Formation Programs is usually a prerequisite. Many parishes and dioceses offer these courses to prepare couples for marriage.
- Pre-Marriage Inquiry: A pre-marriage inquiry will be conducted by a priest to ensure all requirements are met and to provide guidance for the marriage.
Mixed Marriages
It’s important to note that mixed marriages, those involving a Catholic and a baptized non-Catholic (e.g. a Protestant), are typically discouraged in Catholic churches. However, they may be allowed under specific conditions, which the priests will explain to the parties involved. Permission from the parish priest of the Catholic party or the parish priest of the chosen church is usually required for such marriages.
Marriage from Abroad
If you are planning to get married abroad, the logistics can vary depending on the country. Here’s a reference guide, but it’s crucial to consult with your parish for specific requirements:
- Approach Home Parish: Contact your home parish in your diocese and present a letter outlining your intentions. For example, if you were baptized in Canada and plan to marry in the United States, contact your home parish in Canada.
- Prenuptial Inquiry: Request your home parish pastor to conduct the Prenuptial Inquiry and forward the necessary documents to the Chancery Office of your home Diocese for notarization. In this example, it would be Canada.
- Diocesan Review: The Chancery Office of your home Diocese will review the entire dossier, grant any necessary dispensations or permissions, and then forward them to the Chancery Office of the Diocese where you intend to marry. This should be done approximately one month before the wedding to obtain a written Nihil Obstat.
- Officiating Priest: If a priest from outside the Diocese wishes to officiate the ceremony in the chosen church, he must present a certificate of suitability issued within one year before the wedding to be permitted to officiate.
Kindly note that the information provided here is for reference, and specific procedures may vary. It is crucial to consult with your parish for precise guidance and requirements tailored to your circumstances.
Do you have a specific situation that you are not sure how to deal with? Looking for some extra references before you approach the church and diocese? Our community is here to assist you every step of the way. We invite you to be part of our community of Catholic wedding planners! Join our Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/catholicweddingplanning and dive into discussions about all aspects of Catholic wedding planning. Here, you’ll connect with like-minded individuals, share experiences, gain valuable insights, and find support as you navigate this sacred journey. Subscribe today and become an integral member of our growing community. We look forward to welcoming you with open arms!
