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scott hartsfiel · Nov 7, 2009, 11:11 PM

I'm protestant my wife is catholic and id like to marry her in her church. We said vows in vegas as I understand is not viewed as married in the church. Please give some advice

Wondergirl · Nov 7, 2009, 11:37 PM

The obvious seems to be to talk with her priest, or if she has no church home, talk with a priest in the town where you live. I'm a Lutheran preacher's kid, and know that my dad would allow a religious ceremony (but not a wedding since he considered the couple already legally married) to sanctify the wedding vows. You might want to include a reception-type dinner or a catered party or even a potluck supper somewhere for your guests after the ceremony.

Clough · Nov 8, 2009, 12:00 AM

Hi, scott hartsfiel!

Would you like your marriage to her to be rocognized as being valid in the Roman Catholic Church, please?

Thanks!

Gemini54 · Nov 9, 2009, 05:15 PM

If you were married in a legal ceremony in Vegas, then this is still viewed as a legal marriage by the Church. It’s just that you haven’t been married by a priest of a particular religious denomination.

If you want to be married in a Catholic ceremony, then you will need to speak to a Catholic priest. The priest I think will assume that you are prepared to bring your children up as Catholics, and you’ll need to undertake a series of marriage preparation sessions with him.

donf · Nov 10, 2009, 08:38 AM

Scott,

If you your marriage is a valid civil marriage, then your marriage is recognised by the Church. It is not a "Sacramental marriage" in the eyes of the Church.

The process, for you, would begin with both of you speaking with your local parish priest.

Conversion is not a simple step. The process is called "RICA" and both of you get to attend.

If you have already been baptised, then since one of the tenants of the Roman Catholic Church is: "One Baptism for the forgiveness of sins." Your Baptism will be recognized.

The RCIA process will take you through the "Beliefs" of the Church and it's history and traditions.

RCIA, ends at the Easter Vigil services. At that time you will be brought into the church (as a member of the community) and Baptised (If Needed) or "Confirmed".

You can also be married in the Faith at that time usually depending on the size of the RCIA class.

Some priests may also ask you to complete the "Canaan" process which is a premarital education process or they may not since you are already in a "Civil Marriage".