My fiance is Catholic, and I'm not... ?

Question

We want to have a church wedding, but I don't want to change my religion, niether does he. In order to get married in the Catholic church would I have to change my religion to Catholic, or would there be some other way around it?

We want to have a church wedding, but I don't want to change my religion (Presbyterian), niether does he. In order to get married in the Catholic church would I have to change my religion to Catholic, or would there be some other way around it?

Answer 1

I beleive you would have to become a Catholic.

Answer 2

My first problem is that it always seems that whoever isn't Catholic is the one who has to do the changing. It shouldn't be that way all the time. Give and take from both sides. It always seems as though the family of the Catholic rules over what will happen with events like weddings.

You two love each other. Figure it out without your parents. If you can't decide on what church, then decide on a neutral place. This way you aren't offending any religions. You're just making sure that the religion of the other family is respected.

Why would you ever want to change your religion for anyone? Just to please him? Sorry. That isn't enough for me.

If you hugged trees and worshiped frogs and pick-up trucks when you decided to get married, then he should accept you now and when you are married. Changing for him would be out of the question, period!

Answer 3

Call your local church and set an appointment to get married.

The Church won't make you switch religions. Typically, the Priest/ Deacon will require a 9-month marriage counseling before "Blessing" the marriage. In addition, the Church is adamant that you will teach your children about Catholicism.

I'm Catholic, but was watching a TV minister "Ed Young" (Christian, but not Catholic) I think ... anyways, Mr. Young described the Bible passage saying that we should be equally "Yoked". Silly me ... I thought this meant eggs ... but I guess farmers have a wood & iron harness that they tie to cattle so they can plow fields and this is what a "Yoke" is. Anyways, looking at this, Mr. Young says we should be of the same religion, near the same age, and other important qualities. Other wise, it would be like using a buffalo & a deer to plow the field. Well, IMO, Catholic isn't too much different than Presbyterian (like "Yoking" a Mustang with a Palamino) ... but if each of you has the full on opportunity to get on equal ground I think you'll have a stronger marriage. Just a suggestion from a Catholic who supplements her religion with other Christian’s wisdom.

Answer 4

You can get married in the Catholic church without changing your religion if your fiance gets dispensation to marry you.

You can get married in your Presbyterian church without your fiance changing his religion if he gets dispensation to marry you in your church.

Happens all the time.

I do suggest, however, that you both take a class in Catholicism (RCIA) and both take a class that instructs what your branch of Presbyterianism is all about before the wedding, so that you both understand each other's faith. More understanding means more respect.

Oh, and NO, you won't have to promise to raise your kids Catholic (he will, but you won't). And you will have to meet all the diocesan standards for getting married, which typically includes premarital counselling -- a good idea for any couple, because it's designed to help you stay married forever.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

Answer 5

I would strongly suggest working all these things out before your ceremony, like what to do with the children and realizing that you won't go to church together (Catholics have a huge obligation to the Mass, which if they miss is sinful)

You can have a wedding in the Catholic Church and not have a Mass. This is something I'd bring up with the priest or even a diocesan official.

Answer 6

You can still get married in the Catholic church. You just have to meet with the priest a couple of times and promise to brainwash your children into the Catholic religion.

Answer 7

You don't have to convert, but you will have to attend classes at the Catholic church before they will allow you two to be married in the church with their blessings. Another requirement is that you will agree that any children you two have will be raised Catholic. If you don't convert and attend mass, you will not be able to receive communion.

Edit: I eloped with my wife at a non demoninational chapel. This means we're married legally but the marriage is not recognized by the church. This is another option for you if you do not want to take preparation classes.

Answer 8

Yes, you would have to meet with the priest.

I am not sure if they(Catholics) still do that test (which is supposed to see if the couple is compatible) - but if they do, you'll have to take it.

And if the results say you and he are not compatible, they (Catholic church) will say you can't get married.

I would suggest that you find another church to get married in, one that will understand that 'faith' and 'religious' beliefs; are of OUR free will. Not something to be forced onto anyone.

Just remember that the important thing is you don't "become" anything, you don't believe in; just to get married. Doing so WILL eventually harm your relationship as a couple.

G-d will be with you, if you believe in Him; where ever you decide to get married. Find a congregation, that will let you use their building for your wedding.

Answer 9

No.

You do not have to convert.

The Catholic Church allows marriage between Catholics and non-Catholics.

Because the Church recognizes the tremendous challenge that the interfaith couple will face, they may have to get permission from the bishop.

With love in Christ.

Answer 10

In many countries the situation of a mixed marriage (marriage between a Catholic and a baptized non-Catholic) often arises. It requires particular attention on the part of couples and their pastors. A case of marriage with disparity of cult (between a Catholic and a non-baptized person) requires even greater circumspection.According to the law in force in the Latin Church, a mixed marriage needs for liceity the express permission of ecclesiastical authority. In case of disparity of cult an express dispensation from this impediment is required for the validity of the marriage. This permission or dispensation presupposes that both parties know and do not exclude the essential ends and properties of marriage; and furthermore that the Catholic party confirms the obligations, which have been made known to the non-Catholic party, of preserving his or her own faith and ensuring the baptism and education of the children in the Catholic Church.
Difference of confession between the spouses does not constitute an insurmountable obstacle for marriage, when they succeed in placing in common what they have received from their respective communities, and learn from each other the way in which each lives in fidelity to Christ. But the difficulties of mixed marriages must not be underestimated. They arise from the fact that the separation of Christians has not yet been overcome. The spouses risk experiencing the tragedy of Christian disunity even in the heart of their own home. Disparity of cult can further aggravate these difficulties. Differences about faith and the very notion of marriage, but also different religious mentalities, can become sources of tension in marriage, especially as regards the education of children. The temptation to religious indifference can then arise
If your spouse lives his life perfectly in his faith it will be you that will change for you will want what he has and you will know you are missing something-Good luck and God Bless

Answer 11

Either ignore religion or understand that getting married is nothing special. Your love for each other IS. Marriage is NOTHING MORE than a symbol, so why be so concerned about it?

Today, marriages have lost their meaning because of expensive weddings with all sorts of guests and presents and cake and decorations and dressing up. It's about the love between the bridge and groom, not the money, not what other people think, not the gifts, not the food, not the appearances!