Marriage from a Catholic Perspective

Requirements For Catholic Marriages Priests Deacons Are only permitted to perform the wedding

Requirements For Catholic Marriages Choice of parish remains with couple Cannon 1115 removed – brides parish Refusal if couple do not live in the parish Preparation – Pre Nuptial Inquiry

Requirements For Catholic Marriages Notifications – to parish of baptism Notification to Chancery Notice of Marriage – 30 days notice Three months notice - preparation

Requirements For Catholic Marriages Impediments – Cannon 1083 – 1094 Impotence (can 1084) must exist at the

time of the wedding and be permanent. Prior Bond – (can 1085) Prior married, no

death certificate, Catholics are bound by canonical form.

Requirements For Catholic Marriages Anglican marries a Uniting in a civil

ceremony – NO defect of form. Crime (can.1090) murdered to pave the

way to marry another. Consanguinity (can 1091) marriage within

the family.

Consanguinity

John

Mary Brian

Alice David

Henry

Consanguinity First cousins – (Alice & David) Contact with Genetic Doctor Church caution on marrying those too

close. Apply for a dispensation Need for a family tree.

Consanguinity

Specific Teaching Church law becomes Secular law.

Other Impediments Affinity (can.1092) Direct line. A parent-in –

law may not marry a child-in-law. Adoption (can 1094) Can’t marry one’s

adopted child nor a brother/sister by adoption.

Mixed Marriages 24 August 1977 – Episcopal Conference

statement on mixed marriages Paul VI stated (dissuadet) Mixed marriages

because of inherent differences. Ref Matrimonia mixta Severissme Ecclesia ubique prohibet can

1060

Mixed Marriages Matromonia mixta – introduced 2 changes

to the law. Catholic partner MUST declare his/her

readiness to remove all dangers to his own faith.

Mixed Marriages Make a serious & sincere promise to do all

in his/her power to have the children of the marriage baptized and brought up in the Catholic Church.

Paul VI (Matrimonia mixta) New Code – No formal promise

Mixed Marriages Catholic’s obligation is to preserve &

practice his/her faith. No human authority can dispense it OR

cause someone to lose it. Catholics can do no more than promise.

Mixed Marriages Agreement unable to be reached Threat to marriage Obstacle to harmony & future of marriage Neither divine or ecclesiastical law

demands moral certainty to have children baptized.

Mixed Marriages Non practising catholics. Some mixed marriages present NO

problems. Can 1086 – Disparity of cult Can 1124 – Mixed religion Can 1125 – specific guidelines

Mixed Marriages Greek civil law recognizes a marriage in a

Catholic Church. Greek Orthodox Church will NOT recognize

the marriage. 1967 – Latin Catholic in an Orthodox

Church is valid. – Catholic Church

Different Marriages Between Australia & Phillippnes Episcopal Conf. 1981 Doubts by Priest Intercountry dialogue

Different Marriages The very young – common motives Pregnancy Desire to escape home Sense of failure/acceptance Low self-esteem Loneliness/depression

Different Marriages Marrying out of physical attraction Everyone else is getting married Left on the shelf Parents wanting to get rid child through

marriage In love with love

Different Marriages Marriage as a status symbol Money/social standing A place to live Expectation is that the young do not fully

understand the commitment of marriage.

Different Marriages Intercultural Marriages Aware of potential problems Role of religion, children Matramonnia Mixta

Different Marriages Re Marriage after Death or Nullity Canons Care and consideration after death or

Nullity. Handicapped – Understanding and careful

planning. – provision.

The Documentation

Commonwealth of Australia Notice of Intended

Marriage 1 month & 1 Day Completed by both

parties. Under 18 NOT

allowed

Pre-Nuptial Inquiy Notice of Intended

Marriage 3 months Completed by both

parties. Under 18 NOT

allowed

Humanae Vitae

Mixed Marriages Catholic Church DOES NOT allow two

weddings. First wedding is valid. Can be convalidated. Greek Church requires a PROMISE. Cath. Ch. Abandoned this in Mat.mix