I am getting married in Aug this year and my fiance's sister-in-law has said that she cannot attend if we are not going to be married by a Catholic priest or minister and she will be angry at my fiance's brother(her husband) if he attends. I am not Catholic and do not know if this is possible, I have been told that there is no such thing as a Catholic minister. Also, it is an outdoor wedding, not in a church.
2007-04-01 21:38:29 · 8 answers · asked by Samantha C 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
There are Catholic ministers who are not priests and who are empowered to perform a wedding ceremony. Usually they need to obtain permission from the Bishop (basically to make sure that you have a good reason for not using a priest, ie you're trying to avoid having the Church find out you're already married).
Some priests, deacons and ministers will perform an outdoor wedding without a problem. If yours has a problem with it, look around for one who does not.
By all means, get married outdoors, by a clergy or lay person of your choice, in a wedding of your choice.
BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY tell your sister-in-law that you're sorry she can't make it. Remind her that there's only room for one bride on your wedding day, and it's not her.
2007-04-02 06:16:40 · answer #1 · answered by Veritatum17 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Angel Eyes gave a good answer on the term "minister".
Your fiance is Catholic, right? When marrying, Catholics are obligated to follow what is called "form". The wedding vows have to be witnessed by a representative (minister) of the Catholic Church, or the marriage is not regarded as valid, and the two of you would be living in sin. That is why your fiance's sister-in-law is refusing to attend. She can't very well be expected to raise her glass and say, "Congratulations on embarking on a life of sin!"
I've been on both sides of this scenario. I was the non-Catholic in an invalid marriage to a Catholic. Later, we got the marriage recognized by the Church, and I converted to Catholicism. Now, I'm the one refusing to go to weddings that aren't recognized by the Church, including that of my own sister. My advice is that you follow your conscience (don't have a Catholic wedding if you don't believe what the Church teaches about marriage and/or don't intend to bring the children up Catholic) and let your fiance's sister-in-law follow hers. Please don't harbor negative feelings toward her about this, because she is just following her religious beliefs. My sister was very understanding about why I couldn't come to her wedding, and our relationship is better than ever.
2007-04-01 22:32:05 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
In the Catholic Church the term minister refers to the person whether lay or ordained who is commissioned to perform some work on behalf of the Church. The term minister is not commonly used to refer to a member of the clergy nor as a common term of address. While this the longstanding Christian tradition, it is unlike the usage of the term in many Protestant churches who developed its clerical meaning in order to avoid the use of term "priest." There are two principle kinds of ministers, the general and the sacramental.
Not many Priests will do an outside wedding, contact your local Priest to find out if he does that
2007-04-01 21:44:13 · answer #3 · answered by Angel Eyes 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The ministers in the Catholic Church are the priest or the bishop.
2007-04-04 17:00:19 · answer #4 · answered by Arvin 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your fiance, as a Catholic, is required to be married by a Cahtolic priest or deacon or he is not considered married in the eyes of the Church.
Your fiance's sil is right- she cannot attend.....you would be living in sin.
Call the parish office and arrange a meeting with the deacon if you are not comfortable with the idea of a priest.
They will explain why you should be married in a church.
2007-04-02 11:14:06 · answer #5 · answered by Mommy_to_seven 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
+ Ministers who Assist at a Marriage +
Catholic ministers that can assist at a marriage include bishops, priests, and deacons.
Where there is a lack of priests and deacons and with the approval of the Pope, the bishop can delegate lay persons to assist at marriages. (This hardly ever happens.)
+ Place of Marriage +
The Code of Canon Law says a marriage is ideally to be celebrated in a parish church.
However a marriage can be celebrated:
+ In another church with permission of the bishop or pastor
+ In any other suitable place with permission of the bishop
+ With love in Christ.
2007-04-03 16:30:52 · answer #6 · answered by imacatholic2 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The only Catholic minister is a priest or a deacon.
2007-04-03 11:08:39 · answer #7 · answered by Danny H 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
what she already wants to make problems for you.......tell her not to come..............i hope she does not give you crap after your married too........nip it in the bud NOW.........
2007-04-01 21:51:20 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋