Nondenomination Christian ceremony in Catholic Church?
I am a practicing Catholic, while my fiance was baptised Christian, but never really had an affiliation with a denomination. I originally planned on just a Catholic service, so as not to make it awkward for him, because he doesnt want to convert. I know that you can have interfaith marriages, but my question is, can we have our ceremony in the Church that I grew up in but have a nondenominational Christian service vise a Catholic one? I know it kindof nullifies the whole purpose of having the wedding in the Church, but I really love the church and its very much a family community to me, I just dont want my intended to be uncomfortable with the Catholic ceremony since he doesnt believe in it, especially when it comes to the "promise to raise our children Catholic". Please help with any advice!
Fr. Anderson
EPISCOPAL PRIEST
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Re: [oochiwalli2] Nondenomination Christian ceremony in Catholic Church?
[In reply to]
Well, first catholics are christians. The word 'Catholic' means "Wholeness." There are lots and lots of catholics in the world but not all of them are roman. The nicene creed is recited or ascribed to by every major denomination in the world and it states that "We belive in one holy catholic and apostilic church." Little "c." So I am guessing what your fiance may be having an issue with is the doctrines... confession, rosaries, the formal structure and ceremony. Very impossing for someone who has never experienced such things.
As for a service in the church you grew up in I can almost guarantee unless your priest is real progressive or some member of your family built your local church or knows the pope. He's going to insist on the marriage service from the catholic ordinal and require the marriage courses, and the promises to raise your children in the catholic faith.
The RCIA does not require that both of you be Catholic. I would sit down with your intended and discuss your feelings and perhaps make an appointment with the local priest and the both of you talk it over with him.
The place is never as important as the life you take on together. Think about that as well.
Nondenomination Christian ceremony in Catholic Church?
