Author Topic: a question on marriage (Read 924 times)

JohnAnthonyMarie · « **on:** October 29, 2013, 01:14:25 PM »

This is a delicate question that I am having difficulty understanding, so I thought I might inquire here for other perspectives.

I understand that traditionally, Catholics are to marry in the Church, but I don't think this directive is literal because on some occasions the marriage might take place other than physically in the Church (i.e. a home or large hall). Also, I understand that the Sacrament is confected by the two people exchanging vows, and that the priest's role is as a witness, of which two or more are required.

So where in this is "the Church" that the two people are required to be married in?
I would like to hear the various perspectives from people that frequent this forum.

Thank you for your time!

May God bless you and yours, now and always.

StCeciliasGirl · « **Reply #1 on:** October 29, 2013, 02:14:36 PM »

Before: a physical Church

Now: just have a non-heretic priest around.

My H and I were married in an out-of-state parish (***tricky***). We had to fly people in, and we rented a vacation house for people to stay in for a long weekend. It made our honeymoon a weekend celebration with family and friends, primarily to have a "Church" wedding in a building that wasn't wrecked by modernism. The memories are priceless, but these days, I wouldn't bother going to those extremes to find a Church with an attached altar and a priest who retains the Faith. Just a priest that believes that Jesus is God would be a Godsend.

(But if you have a nice parish around, I think it's preferable so as many Faithful can witness as possible. That's the idea.)

songbird · « **Reply #2 on:** October 29, 2013, 08:02:45 PM »

The reason why I would marry in a traditional catholic church by a valid priest: To receive a "sacrament" which has the powers of the Precious Blood, the Graces much needed for the vocation. I wouldn't have it any other way. I would think everyone would desire the Precious Blood of Christ be on their marriage.

Mithrandylan · « **Reply #3 on:** October 29, 2013, 08:08:32 PM »

To marry "in the Church" has two meanings. The one broader meaning simply means to observe the Church's laws regarding marriage. It is true that Catholics ought to marry in a Church (i.e., in a place of Catholic worship) but the validity of the marriage does not hinge on this, inasmuch as with permission, and in cases of emergency a couple may lawfully and validly contract marriage in another place.

Matthew · « **Reply #4 on:** October 29, 2013, 08:10:13 PM »

Quote from: JohnAnthonyMarie

This is a delicate question that I am having difficulty understanding, so I thought I might inquire here for other perspectives.

I understand that traditionally, Catholics are to marry in the Church, but I don't think this directive is literal because on some occasions the marriage might take place other than physically in the Church (i.e. a home or large hall). Also, I understand that the Sacrament is confected by the two people exchanging vows, and that the priest's role is as a witness, of which two or more are required.

So where in this is "the Church" that the two people are required to be married in?
I would like to hear the various perspectives from people that frequent this forum.

Thank you for your time!

May God bless you and yours, now and always.

This isn't a difficult question; it's a simple one with a definitive and clear-cut answer.

Marrying "in the Church" means following all the Church laws regarding marriage. That includes having a priest as witness for the marriage itself, and following all his instructions.

Marrying "outside the Church" is when a person decides to circuмvent the Church in some way, such as getting married by a protestant minister or Justice of the Peace.

The Church, having authority from Christ Himself, is the final arbiter of who can and can't get married. If one of the couple has been married before, or fails to receive a dispensation for an impediment that exists, the Church can refuse to allow a marriage. The couple must then either go along with the Church's decision, or marry "outside the Church" (usually, such a couple gives up the Catholic Faith from that day forward).