How do you convince a priest, from a church other then your own, to marry you?

Question

I'm Protestant, and my finance is Roman Catholic. We'd like to get married in a nice RC church close to our chosen reception hall. What's the best way to go about this since I understand they'd prefer to marry parishioners.

Answer 1

I can tell you right now, that priest is not going to marry you...he is supposed to remain single and celibate the rest of his life. LOL Alright, alright, I'm just kidding. I know what you mean. All you can do is ask the priest. There is no "convincing." If he agrees to it then great; if not, find a different one.

Answer 2

Your prejudice is influencing your reason. Your opinions vary far from the evidence and actual statistics. First of all Catholic priests are the least likely of any adult identifiable group to be pedophiles. Only 1/2 of 1% of priests have even been accused of this crime and very few have been convicted over the past 60 years that the records have been kept. Sexual abuse by Protestant ministers is approaching 15% (According to the Texas Southern Baptist Convention) while sexual abuse among Catholic priests is less than 2%. It would seem reasonable from the statistics to reason that the choice of priests to remain celibate is a deterrent to such crimes and not a contributing factor. Under your reasoning and logic Protestant ministers should swear a oath of celibacy and not get married. The fact is that almost all of the scandal in the Catholic Church that is in the press about this evil is priests having sex with young homosexual prostitutes. This, in most cases, is not illegal but but has been the fodder for criticism and scandal. You should also be aware that the Catholic Church does not forbid marriage but instead chooses from those who have made a personal decision to dedicate themselves to God and remain forever celibate. You probably aren't even aware that these accusations originated, for the most part, decades ago. Most of the accused are quite old and many have died. They are not able to defend themselves from these accusations that are generated by greedy lawyers that are trying to get money from the Church because the Church is insured, where the Protestant pastors and Rabbis carry no insurance, so that they can collect large awards if they win. The press is their willing allies reporting the accusations as if they are recent when they are decades old. In other words, be very careful what you believe when those doing the accusing and reporting have a financial interest to satisfy. God bless! In Christ Fr. Joseph

Answer 3

Roman Catholic priests do not refuse to marry couples just because one spouse will be non-Catholic. At one time, Christians were made to convert before the wedding, but that was several decades ago. In fact, in many communities it is now fairly rare for priests to get to marry a set of parishioners.

That said, the church does have strict guidelines about the need to attend Pre-Cana classes, which typically must be done at least 6 months in advance of the wedding date. Also, many parishes will not allow large ceremonies for couples that are already living together, so depending on your situation you might want to check on that.

Answer 4

Is your fiance a practicing Catholic active in her parish Church? If so, she should probably approach her own pastor about how to do this. Some Roman Catholic Churches will make such accomodations - others will not.

If your fiance is not a practicing Catholic, you may have a tough time finding ANY Priest who will perform the ceremony - they're funny like that. I know I had to go through the pre-Cana classes, and then get dispensation from the local Bishop in order to marry my non-Catholic g/f.

Good luck!

Answer 5

I was raised Catholic - and almost everyone in my family (except me) was married in the Catholic church. Most of their fiances/fiancees were not Catholic - but the church was fine with it. Some of them had to take classes prior to the wedding. ALL OF THEM had to agree to raise their children as Catholics. If you're up for that - and you pay the fee - I can't see that you'll have any problem. Sometimes Catholic churches prefer to marry parishioners over non - but you can join up any time. In most Catholic churches - if you're already Catholic (which your fiancee is) all it means to join the church is a weekly envelope with $$$$$. Meet with the priest ASAP so you can get started in classes if necessary - and so you can get the date you'd like.

Answer 6

You're already going to have a lot of trouble because you're Protestant. Also, many churches require for you to join and be a member for at least 6 months before making wedding arrangements. It's so they can avoid situations like this -- being used for a wedding only.

Answer 7

(Well, she will be your "FINANCE", as you say, once you marry! -- Ah, you made me smile with that typo!)
You and your fiance could go speak to her parish priest, then he will be able to guide you. Don't choose a church just because of proximity - that's not right!
Are you having an RC ceremony? A mixed ceremony? Talk to the priest about this as well.

Answer 8

for catholics, you are supposed to marry in the woman's parish... however, it has been my experience.. being catholic and married, you can get pretty much what ever you want... for the right donation amount... it worked for my anulment and my second marriage... out door wedding, off church property and outside both our parishes...

Answer 9

you just have to ask. don't be sad if they say no, though b/c like you said, you are supposed to be married in your parish.


Do you have a fake address just incase?

Answer 10

go and talk to the priest and ask him your questions,