I'm Catholic and my soon-to-be fiance was raised Jewish. it is important to me that our wedding be in the Catholic church and that we have the full mass. His mom would like us to incorporate some Jewish traditions into the ceremony. If its not possible to have the full mass, I will settle for the ceremony. Are rabbi and priests allowed to officiate a mass/ceremony in the Catholic church? Has this ever been done before?
It is happening more and more! This is the subject of my book, Joining Hands and Hearts.
The key to what you want is to find a Priest and a Rabbi who are willing. This will take some research on your part. It may not be easy, but seek and you shall find! Seek Rabbis of the Reformed movement as Conservative Rabbis will not perform interfaith marriages. You will also have to find a priest open to having a Rabbi perform Jewish traditions in his Church. I have known many, though not all will.
I would advise that you and your fiance` become knowledgeable about each other's traditions so that you can better speak to your clergy. You need to come to an agreement of what YOU want. For example, there are four key components in the Jewish marriage ceremony, the chuppah (the wedding canopy), the seven blessings, the kiddush (sanctification of the wine) and the breaking of the glass. Which ones, if not all, will you include?
You will also need to check with your clergy as some diocese don't allow interfaith. Be sure to get in touch with your priest soon as he may have worked with a Rabbi in the past. Father Anderson, Episcopal Priest http://www.fatheranderson.com
Catholic-Jewish wedding
