Dear HowShouldWeMarry,
Sorry for not getting back to you sooner. We are in the process of transitioning from one priest-helper to another.
Until we have a new priest-helper the best we can do is answer the question the best we can.
If one of our colleagues feels they can give a confident answer you will get a reply.
After reading your e-mail, it appears your marital plans and actions contradict the wishes and desires of your fiancé's parents.
If a Catholic, whether they are practicing the faith or not, gets married outside the Church, it won't be recognized by the Church and the couple won't receive the sacramental graces only a Catholic marriage can bring to both of them.
You said:
At this point, we're doing what is right for us and our relationship, . . .
- Then why are you concerned with the feelings of your fiancé's parents?
They only want what is best for both of you! You can't have it both ways.
If a couple marries in the Church, the Church will expect the Catholic spouse to raise the children as Catholics.
It doesn't sound like either of you have this interest.
You said:
I've heard that it is possible to have a sacramental wedding after a civil wedding but:
- Is it possible to have a civil wedding after a sacramental one so that they no longer feel we are living in sin?
The short answer: No. I believe under certain circumstances (like when a Catholic marries a Hindu):
- You can have a civil marriage first, then a Catholic marriage, but
- you can't have a Catholic marriage first then a civil marriage.
Just my two cents.
Mike
[Related posting]
|