Q: I am engaged to a non-baptized person and he is not willing to be baptized to marry me in the Catholic Church, as he thinks it is hypocritical. I would like some advice regarding whether or not there is effectively “any point” from a Catholic perspective in having a non-sacramental marriage vs a blessing following a civil ceremony.
My fiancé says he is an atheist. I still believe in God and the fundamentals of Catholicism. I’ve heeded the warnings, don’t worry, but we share exactly the same moral views … [and] my fiancé is willing to raise our children as Catholic.
Anyway, I have read your website on Canon Law and understand that if I marry a non-baptized person that it is then just a “natural marriage.” If this is the case, then is there any real benefit from the Catholic point of view in marrying in a Church if the marriage is not recognized as a Catholic marriage? I wondered what the difference is really, if at all, from a non-sacramental marriage and a civil ceremony with a blessing afterwards? … Whilst your website is very helpful, I have not as yet come across anything to suggest that there is really any benefit in the eyes of God between a blessing following a civil ceremony and a non-sacramental marriage. –Aisha Continue reading