Msg Base:  AREA 3  - ASK FATHER (AMDG)
  Msg No: 135.  Mon 11-02-92 22:35  (NO KILL)  (RECV'D)
    From: Father Mateo
      To: Hugh Morrow
 Subject: wedding

ÚÄ
³ What should a mindful Catholic do when asked to attend a family
³ wedding between a former (fallen away) Catholic and a non-Catholic?
³ We think it would give rise to scandal and betray our faith if we
³ were to participate and in essence, approve of, the validity of this
³ marriage. On the other hand, of course, it's likely to cause stress
³ within the family. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
³ Thank you.
³ -Hugh Morrow
ÀÄ[HM=>F]
 
Dear Hugh,
 
Under the new Code of Canon Law (1983), if a Catholic joins another
religion by some formal act, e.g., submitting to baptism or public
profession in his new religion, he ceases to be a Catholic and is not
bound by our marriage laws.  If, then, he is otherwise free to marry
and the other party is also free to marry, the marriage will be
valid. Catholic relatives may attend.
 
If, however, a person is fallen-away in that he has simply ceased to
practice the Catholic faith, he is still a Catholic and is bound by
Catholic marriage laws.  Hence a marriage attempted before a
non-Catholic minister or a judge will be invalid.  Catholics
should not attend such ceremonies
 
But if the strain within the family is foreseen to be very great, if
you attend, care must be taken to avoid scandal, the appearance of
approving an invalid union.  The couple (or at least the fallen-away
person) should be kindly told that your attendance signifies family
affection, but not approval of the union.  Other relatives and friends
who might be scandalized should also be so informed.
 
This message is sent to you privately, but you may wish to show it to
interested parties if you think it helpful.
 
                                Sincerely in Christ,
 
 
                                        Father Mateo
 
 
 
  *** I will praise your name for ever, my king and my God. ***