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Question Title Posted By Question Date
non Catholic re-marriage Hope Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Question:

Brother, I have a family member who was previously married in Protestant church and later divorced. As background information, his Catholic mother baptized him as a child (baptized him herself) in a non-emergency situation. He now has a fiance who was previously married and now divorced (she is Christian - not sure if she was previously married civilly or in a Protestant church).

I have not approached them about their situation in greater detail because I am stumped about how to advise - I want them to follow Jesus, who speaks strongly about the union of marriage.

They have already received their civil marriage license, but have not been officially married yet in the eyes of the state - I heard they were thinking about asking me to officiate as anyone can marry them under a certain state's law, but I'm not comfortable with this as I don't know how I would advise them in taking the right steps in God's will. I'd love to one day see them both Catholic and married in the Church.

Was my family member's baptism valid (and if so, not Catholic though right?), if done so with water and the proper formula and intent? If so, this would be two Baptized persons who are non Catholics, both divorced and looking to remarry. How do I handle this (as I've prayed for them and God's guidance, and feel I need to learn more before I'd speak to them - especially if they want to have a Christian or Catholic (my wishful thinking) marriage later on.

God bless you and your ministry!



Question Answered by Bro. Ignatius Mary, OLSM

Dear Hope:

The baptism is valid even if illicitly performed as long as it was done with water poured over the skin of the person, or immersed in water, and the Trinitarian formula was used. There is only one baptism and one Church. All valid baptisms are Catholic as the Catholic Church is the only true Church in the fullness of the faith. Thus, even Protestants who are properly baptized are Catholics, whether they know it or not, or like it or not, albeit imperfect members of the Church, not "card-carrying Catholics".

Since they are not confirmed Catholics they are not bound by the marriage laws of the Church. But, the indissolvability of marriage is law of God, not of the Church. God will have to sort out their situation since they do not look to the authority the God appointed -- the Magisterium of the Catholic Church.

Since marriage between two baptized persons is automatically considered Sacramental, unless proven otherwise, should they ever convert to the Catholic Church, they will need anulments in order to have their marriage blessed (convalidated) in the Catholic Church before they will be allowed to be Confirmed.

As for their impending marriage now, under NO CIRCUMSTANCES may you officiate at this marriage. That would be a violation of your Catholic Faith and encouraging their improper wedding (officiated by a non-minister).

You must decline the invitation and politely tell them that your Church does not allow you to do this, and that marriage is a sacred estate that should be done in a Church before God and an ordained Christian Minister, not before a justice-of-peace, or other judge, or any other person other than an ordained minister.

God Bless,
Bro. Ignatius Mary

 


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