![]() ![]() Only the local bishop can permit a marriage to be celebrated in another suitable place. For this reason, the Church prefers that marriages between Catholics, or between Catholics and other Christians, be celebrated in the parish church of one of the spouses. Why does a Catholic wedding have to take place in a church?įor Catholics, marriage is not just a social or family event, but a church event. If the person is a non-Catholic Christian, this permission is called a “permission to enter into a mixed marriage.” If the person is a non-Christian, the permission is called a “dispensation from disparity of cult.” Those helping to prepare the couple for marriage can assist with the permission process. In addition to meeting the criteria for a valid Catholic marriage (see question #3), the Catholic must seek permission from the local bishop to marry a non-Catholic. If a Catholic wants to marry a non-Catholic, how can they assure that the marriage is recognized by the Church? Exceptions to the last requirement must be approved by church authority. A valid Catholic marriage results from four elements: (1) the spouses are free to marry (2) they freely exchange their consent (3) in consenting to marry, they have the intention to marry for life, to be faithful to one another and be open to children and (4) their consent is given in the presence of two witnesses and before a properly authorized Church minister. Just as individual states have certain requirements for civil marriage (e.g., a marriage license, blood tests), the Catholic Church also has requirements before Catholics can be considered validly married in the eyes of the Church. What is the difference between a valid and an invalid Catholic marriage? With permission, a priest or deacon may witness such marriages. Marriages between Catholics and non-Christians, while they may still be valid in the eyes of the Church, are non-sacramental. ![]() The Letter to the Ephesians says that this union is a symbol of the relationship between Christ and the Church.ĭo Catholics ever validly enter into non-sacramental marriages? The permanent and exclusive union between husband and wife mirrors the mutual commitment between God and his people. The Old Testament prophets saw the marriage of a man and woman as a symbol of the covenant relationship between God and his people. The Catholic Church teaches that marriage between two baptized persons is a sacrament. Like the other sacraments, marriage is not just for the good of individuals, or the couple, but for the community as a whole. The sacraments make Christ present in our midst. Why does the church teach that marriage is a sacrament? ![]()
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