This is a common question that often comes up when a Catholic wants to marry a non-Catholic. There are specific requirements set by the Catholic Church regarding mixed marriages. Here is an overview of the Church’s stance and rules regarding whether a Catholic priest can perform a marriage ceremony for a Catholic and a non-Catholic.
The Church’s Stance on Mixed Marriages
In general, the Catholic Church does not forbid mixed marriages between a Catholic and a non-Catholic. However, the Church views marriage as a sacrament and wants to ensure the faith of the Catholic spouse and any future children are protected. For this reason, the Church has established specific requirements for permitting mixed marriages.
The Code of Canon Law addresses mixed marriages. It states that “Marriage between two persons, one of whom has been baptized in the Catholic Church…and the other of whom is not baptized, is invalid” (Canon 1086 §1).
However, the Church provides for exceptions. Canon 1124 states that a mixed marriage can be celebrated with the permission of the bishop if there is a “just and reasonable” cause allowing it.
Requirements for a Mixed Marriage
For a priest to marry a Catholic to a non-Catholic spouse, the following requirements must be met:
- Permission must be obtained from the bishop.
- The Catholic must declare they are ready to remove dangers of defecting from the faith.
- The non-Catholic spouse must be informed of the promises the Catholic spouse has to make regarding the faith.
- The non-Catholic spouse must promise to allow the Catholic spouse to practice their faith.
- The couple must agree to baptize and raise the children as Catholics.
These requirements are intended to protect the faith of the Catholic spouse and ensure the children will be raised Catholic. The non-Catholic makes no promise to convert but must allow the Catholic to practice their faith.
Obtaining Permission from the Bishop
The local bishop must give express permission before a priest can perform a mixed marriage. This requirement arises from the Church’s view of marriage as a sacrament.
To obtain permission, the Catholic spouse must state that they are ready to remove dangers of defecting from the faith. This declaration is made through a signed document or oath. The priest petitioning for permission must provide assurances there are no obstacles to the marriage.
If the bishop permits the mixed marriage, the ceremony may proceed like any other Catholic wedding. However, there are some small differences in the wording to reflect the non-Catholic spouse.
Promises and Declarations
In addition to obtaining the bishop’s permission, the couple must make specific solemn promises and declarations, usually done during pre-Cana meetings with the priest.
The Catholic must declare they are ready to remove dangers of defecting from the faith. This can be done through a pledged oath that is submitted to the bishop.
The non-Catholic spouse must be informed of the promises and obligations the Catholic spouse undertakes to preserve their faith and have a Catholic household. The non-Catholic makes no promise to convert.
However, the non-Catholic must sincerely promise to allow their Catholic spouse to continue practicing their religion. The couple must also formally agree that all children will be baptized and raised in the Catholic faith.
Wedding Ceremony Format
If the bishop grants permission, a priest may perform a wedding ceremony for a Catholic marrying a non-Catholic. The ceremony will follow the standard Catholic wedding liturgy with only minor wording changes.
For example, during the consent portion the non-Catholic would not actually be administering the sacrament of marriage. So the priest would address each spouse separately regarding consent. The rite is modified to accommodate one spouse not being Catholic.
Likewise, during the blessing of rings, the priest blesses only the ring for the Catholic spouse, not for the non-Catholic. The priest makes adaptations throughout the liturgy to reflect the mixed-faith nature of the marriage.
Promises for a Mixed Marriage
In summary, for a priest to marry a Catholic to a non-Catholic, the following must happen:
- The Catholic spouse asks permission from the bishop.
- The Catholic makes a solemn promise to preserve their faith.
- The non-Catholic spouse is informed of the Catholic’s promise and makes no obstacle.
- The non-Catholic sincerely promises to allow the Catholic spouse to practice their religion.
- The couple formally agrees all children will be Catholic.
- The bishop grants permission for the mixed marriage.
- The priest adapts the ceremony wording to accommodate just one Catholic spouse.
These steps are required under Canon Law to protect the sacrament of marriage and the transmittal of the Catholic faith to future children. Once all requirements are met, a priest may perform a mixed marriage.
Common Questions
Why must the Catholic make promises but not the non-Catholic?
The Catholic spouse must make promises to protect their faith because marriage is considered a sacrament. The non-Catholic spouse makes no promises because they are not administered the sacrament. However, the non-Catholic must allow the Catholic to retain their faith after marriage.
Can a mixed marriage occur in a non-Catholic church?
Generally no. For a mixed marriage to be valid in the Catholic Church, it must follow the Catholic form for marriage, which means being celebrated by a Catholic priest or deacon. A dispensation from form could allow it to occur in a non-Catholic church.
What if the non-Catholic was previously married?
The Church treats previous marriages of non-Catholics in the same manner as a Catholic with a prior marriage. Any prior unions must be annulled or dissolved before a mixed marriage can occur.
Can a Catholic have a mixed marriage outside the Church?
A Catholic is required to follow the Catholic form of marriage, meaning marry before a priest or deacon. Marrying outside the Church without permission results in an invalid marriage from the Church’s view.
Conclusion
In summary, the Catholic Church permits mixed marriages between a Catholic and non-Catholic spouse under certain conditions. These requirements are in place to protect the faith of the Catholic spouse and children. With the proper permissions, promises, and paperwork, a Catholic priest can perform a valid, mixed marriage ceremony.