Most Catholics I know would attend but I have heard arguments that they should not especially when the couple consists of a Catholic person and a non-Catholic getting married outside of the church. What are your thoughts?
2006-07-11 08:55:33 · 16 answers · asked by Suzanne 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
What if the situation is 2 people who say they are Catholic. It is the 2nd marriage for both. One person had the 1st marriage annulled, the other did not. Thus, they will not have a Catholic ceremony.
2006-07-12 13:02:41 · update #1
Dear Suzanne,
That would be difficult for me, and would require more thought and prayer than a moment's notice. It would depend on which one was my friend, if the wedding would nonetheless be sacramentalized by a priest, if the children would be raised Catholic, what the reason was for being married outside the Church, etc.
-j.
2006-07-11 09:01:29 · answer #1 · answered by classical123 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
As a Catholic I do not see why I should be a problem to attend this sort of wedding. Traditionally the woman's church was the place of marriage, although in the Eastern Orthodox its vice versa. So I would assume the marriage is being held at the other place for that reason.
And there are also numerous reasons why a couple would choose to have a non church wedding. Its their choice not mine, I come for the support and the open bar ;)
2006-07-23 23:49:36 · answer #2 · answered by polishcosmogirl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There's no reason to not attend, unless the ceremony forces you to partake in something that would violate your beliefs. Ie, if you were in some sort of animist ceremony and had to sacrifice an animal, or were required to pray to a different god (as in, if you can't get away with just being quiet and not taking part).
I had this come up at an Ekin Kar wedding. I went as a 'date' (her boyfriend was out of town) with a friend (who was Mormon). I assumed it was a Mormon wedding and looked forward to understanding more about her faith, since she and I talked religion a lot.
The point in the service came where all were asked to chant the original name of God, which was "Hue." I just sat there. It was wierd. Nothing against the Ekin Kar, but man I don't get you guys at all.
Point is, you can say the Our Father in any Church that says it and believes it.
As far as a Catholic and non-Catholic marrying outside of the church, I'm not aware of this being a sin, so you're not complicit in any guilt or supporting a breach with the Church. Besides, many have found Christ through their spouses. And if both know Christ, there's no harm in their being yoked together.
Go enjoy the wedding.
2006-07-12 13:22:04 · answer #3 · answered by Veritatum17 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
--is Catholic--
I would attend some marriages of 2 non-Catholics, as long as those involved are not marrying in an immoral way, or are not marring in an immoral religion. I would also not attend a marriage that is done in such a way that it promotes the non-Catholic faith, or makes a point of teaching something that is against the Faith. The Church teaches that the marriages of 2 non-Catholic Christians are assumed to be valid marriages and worthily of promoting. Non-Christian marriages are not sacraments but it is worthy to promote the institution of marriage. A Catholic must also never do anything that would promote scandal, religious indifference, or religious relativism...hence the need for prudence.
I would attend a marriage of a Catholic and a non-Catholic as long as it is done according to the rules of the Church. If it is not, I would not attend, nor would I send gifts as that promotes scandal and religious indifference.
I might not attend a marriage of a Catholic to a non-Catholic who marries in a non-Catholic ceremony, if it is done according to Canon Law but done in such a way that the ceremony is hostile to the Church or promotes something contrary to the Faith. I would however, send a gift.
2006-07-12 19:04:21 · answer #4 · answered by Liet Kynes 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am Catholic.
Yes, I would attend a non-Catholic wedding of a Catholic and a non-Catholic.
Faith and religion are very personal issues and we are all on our own journey. If asked, I would state my opinion, but most probably the couple has already made their decision. Butting in would probably hurt feelings and make issues worse.
They can always be married in the Catholic Church later. Hope springs eternal.
With love in Christ.
2006-07-12 00:03:53 · answer #5 · answered by imacatholic2 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had a civil wedding for close family and friends and then a Humanist ceremony for well, pretty much everyone, My hubby's parents are Catholic and we had no end of grief from them about both ceremonies, which was a shame. Their faces in the photos are sooooooo grumpy, it almost makes you laugh.
On the other hand, friends of my mum's (who were also Catholic) said nothing but just didn't stay in the hall.
I guess everyone's different, but to us what was important was our commitment and our relationship - it was a shame that people felt they couldn't celebrate it because it wasn't in a church.
2006-07-11 16:03:22 · answer #6 · answered by Macaroni 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I attend non-catholic wedding ceremonies, because this is a free country. I believe devoutly in God through my Catholic faith, and have plenty of personal devotion to my church; I also know that the Holy Spirit goes where it wills, even outside our walls into other denominations and, yes, even other faiths.
2006-07-11 15:58:47 · answer #7 · answered by gg 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think one can attend, but not actively participate. I'd rather stay away from a "mixed marriage"--the Catholic is not supposed to marry a non-Catholic, unless the non-Catholic will convert.
2006-07-11 16:00:01 · answer #8 · answered by mrearly2 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can't stand that kind of stuff. If some people want to be that judgmental, there's not much you can do--but aren't religious people supposed to leave the judging up to God? Judge not, lest ye be judged, right?
A marriage is a celebration of the love between two people. Clearly those two people have worked out the religion issue--who is anyone else to have a problem with it? And who cares what they support or not?
2006-07-11 16:00:27 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There was that exact question posted in our church bulliten a couple of Sundays ago and it was answered by our archbishop. I agree with his answer that it is okay to go to the wedding of non-catholics and support them in this wonderful sacrament. Regardless of what church we go to, we all worship the same God. Also, judgement is reserved for God. We are way to unworthy to even think that we may have that right.
2006-07-11 16:08:03 · answer #10 · answered by Nicki 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋