Inter-Religious Marriages

(“Mixed marriage” or “interchurch marriage”) is defined as one between a baptized Catholic and a baptized non-Catholic.  An “interfaith marriage” is one between a Catholic and a non-baptized person. The term "inter-religious marriage" includes mixed marriages and interfaith marriages as well as those marriages in which the non-Catholic party has no religious persuasion or affiliation.)

A large percentage of marriages in this Archdiocese are between individuals with different faith backgrounds.  Throughout the marriage preparation process, the priest/deacon and other marriage preparation ministers are called to challenge the couple to face the potential difficulties of an inter-religious marriage while, at the same time, helping them to respect each other's traditions and faith experiences.

Goals of Preparation

•       To deepen the awareness of both partners concerning the influence of
    religious convictions and values

•       To explore the commonalities and differences existing between the faiths of
    both parties, and to focus on the relational impact of the differences 

•       To look at the practical implications of adherence to and participation in
    separate faith communities 

•       To discuss honestly the Catholic spouse's promise to do all in his/her power to
    have their children baptized and to raise them in the Catholic faith

•       To encourage the couple to develop a domestic spirituality even though there 
    may not be common liturgical celebration 

Formation for the Inter-religious Couple

In those cases where the parties are of differing faith backgrounds, the cooperative effort and involvement of the clergy of both faith communities is to be highly encouraged.  This includes involvement of the non-Catholic clergy in the Formation Program as well as in planning the liturgical celebration. 

Whenever possible the couple should be assigned to a Sponsor or Mentor Couple who have faced the challenges and opportunities of an inter-religious marriage.  Workshops, classes, or written resources that provide for a greater knowledge about the partner's faith should be encouraged.

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Convalidations

When a couple, married outside the Church, wishes to convalidate their union, the local parish community shall provide adequate preparation.

While convalidations are certainly encouraged by the Church, a couple may have complex motives for wanting their marriage celebrated in the Church. To aid the couple in determining their motives, the priest/deacon (or delegate) ought to inquire whether the marriage is having any major difficulties (convalidation is not a cure for a troubled marriage). Referral to counseling or to archdiocesan programs for troubled marriages may be recommended in such a case.

All couples convalidating their marriage should be helped to appreciate the sacramentality of marriage and to understand the implications of a covenant relationship. While such instruction is the responsibility of the priest/deacon, the couples should also be encouraged to participate in some type of marriage preparation or marriage enrichment program.

Formal marriage preparation is particularly important for couples married civilly for less than five years.

Restrictions

A marriage that occurred outside the Church does not constitute cause to omit or waive the normal assessment and preparation process for a wedding that is now to be celebrated within the Church. This may also be true for cases in which the non-Catholic spouse intends to enter the Catholic Church and a convalidation is mandated because of their current marital status.

In the case of stable, long-standing unions, the preparation process may be expedited. However, for convalidations following annulments or dissolutions, proper pastoral care should be exercised

Usually convalidation should not occur until at least six months have passed from the date of the marriage outside the Church.

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Radical Sanation

A marriage involving a Catholic that is entered into invalidly as a result of a diriment impediment of ecclesiastical law or as a result of the lack of canonical form may be radically sanated by the diocesan bishop.  This may happen only as long as the original consent of marriage of both parties still exists. (Canon 1165.2)

In cases of mixed marriage, the usual permission and promises must be obtained.

A grave cause is necessary in order to grant a sanation.  Examples of such are a) serious inconvenience in informing the other party; b) lack of cooperation by the non-Catholic party; and/or c) lack of knowledge by the priest/deacon witness or Ordinary which gives rise to nullity of the marriage ceremony.

Additional Circumstances or Concerns

There are additional circumstances that require extra pastoral care on the part of the priest/deacon.  In such cases, consultation with or referral to a qualified counselor is often necessary. In every case a premarital inventory should be given as an aid in assessment. 

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Chemical Dependency, Abuse, Etc.

During the marriage preparation process the priest/deacon (or other marriage preparation minister) may have reason to suspect potential or current problems of a serious nature.  These may include a family history of alcohol or drug dependency, spouse or child abuse, or other severe psychological symptoms.  Additional questions in these areas should be asked, and the couple should be referred to resources for their growth and healing.

Whenever there is reasonable evidence of an active chemically dependent person, marriage should not take place until a professional evaluation is obtained and assessment can confirm that sufficient discretion and the capability of assuming the essential obligations of matrimony are present.  In the case that treatment is recommended, the marriage should be delayed until there is adequate evidence of recovery.

In the case of current physical or emotional abuse of the other partner, or of a child, the same restrictions apply.  Special care should be taken in cases of cohabitation, civil marriages, and remarriages to probe any history of abuse. Reporting requirements of the State regarding abuse of a child must be followed.

Although not required by state law, couples should be encouraged to have their blood screened for sexually transmitted diseases and HIV, and to discuss the results of these tests with each other.

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Persons with Physical or Mental Challenges

Pastoral care and sensitivity is required when a person who is physically or mentally challenged requests marriage.  Each situation must be assessed on an individual basis, and a determination should be made only after consultation with both family members and professionals who know or can assess their levels of independence and their abilities to make a permanent commitment to one another.

Where there is concern about canonical impediment, the Tribunal should be consulted.

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Military Couple/Absent Partners

Many couples planning for marriage find themselves unable to participate as a couple in marriage preparation programs either in the parish where they will be married or in the parishes in which they currently reside.

When such couples request marriage, the priest/deacon (or his delegate) is to assist them in marriage preparation and/or help them with referral to a parish in their respective locations.

During the marriage preparation process the couple should make frequent contact with the priest/deacon who will witness the exchange of vows. In addition, the priest/deacon needs to have a written statement from those preparing them for marriage that they have fulfilled the requirements of this archdiocese.

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