Category Archives: Canonical Issues Involving Non-Catholics

Do Catholics Have to be Confirmed Before Getting Married?

Q: In our parish RCIA program, I have a couple that were married civilly, but plan to marry next year in the Catholic Church back in her hometown. Both are baptized Catholic and have received Holy Communion, but neither has … Continue reading

Posted in Canonical Issues Involving Non-Catholics, Confirmation, Marriage | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Do Catholics Have to be Confirmed Before Getting Married?

How Does the Presence of a Priest at My Non-Catholic Wedding Make it Okay?

Q: I am Catholic and my fiancée is unbaptized. I want to have the wedding ceremony in the Catholic Church, but [there are problems]… I know that as a Catholic I should not marry in a ceremony in my fiancée’s religion. … Continue reading

Posted in Canonical Issues Involving Non-Catholics, Marriage, Sacraments | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on How Does the Presence of a Priest at My Non-Catholic Wedding Make it Okay?

When Can Catholic Soldiers Receive Sacraments from Non-Catholic Chaplains?

Q: I am [in the U.S. armed forces] and we were discussing the fact that military chaplains come in all denominations.  Can a Jewish, Muslim, or Sikh chaplain baptize someone a Catholic? Can a Jewish, Muslim, or Sikh chaplain give … Continue reading

Posted in Canonical Issues Involving Non-Catholics, Sacraments | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments Off on When Can Catholic Soldiers Receive Sacraments from Non-Catholic Chaplains?

When Can Catholics Receive Communion at a Non-Catholic Service?

Q: Can Catholics receive communion at Episcopal services?  One article I read … states that the Canon Law deems reception of communion from a non-Catholic minister is blasphemy and, as such, a mortal sin. –Paula

Posted in Canonical Issues Involving Non-Catholics, Holy Mass, The Eucharist | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on When Can Catholics Receive Communion at a Non-Catholic Service?

Can a Catholic Ever Attend an Orthodox Liturgy Instead of Sunday Mass?

Q:  I would like to know if my children and I (Roman Catholics) meet our Sunday obligation at an Orthodox Divine Liturgy?  Canon law seems to reference meeting the obligation “anywhere a Catholic rite is offered.”  Therefore, strictly speaking, I … Continue reading

Posted in Canonical Issues Involving Non-Catholics, Holy Mass, The Eucharist | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Can a Catholic Ever Attend an Orthodox Liturgy Instead of Sunday Mass?