Grace Thompson
In a video titled Can a Catholic Marry a Non-Catholic?, Fr. Mike Schmitz answers one of the most common questions he receives, clarifying that Catholics marrying non-Catholics is not a sin but a matter of wisdom. He emphasizes that marriage is inherently challenging, and it is wiser to marry someone who shares your religious beliefs. While Fr. Mike acknowledges the endless reasons for marrying someone with the same faith, he stresses that loving Jesus and the Catholic Church should not be seen as an imposition. He also discusses Natural Family Planning (NFP), a method used by Catholic couples to plan or prevent pregnancy while aligning with the Church's teachings on marriage, openness to life, and human sexuality.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Fr. Mike Schmitz |
| Topic | Whether a Catholic can marry a non-Catholic |
| Answer | Catholics marrying non-Catholics is not a sin but a matter of wisdom. It is wise to marry someone of the same faith as you. |
| Other Topics Covered | Contraception, Natural Family Planning, Same-sex marriage, Entertainment choices, Vocation, Confession, Prayer |
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What You'll Learn
Catholics marrying non-Catholics is not a sin, but an issue of wisdom
Catholics marrying non-Catholics is not a sin, but it is an issue of wisdom. Marriage is a naturally difficult endeavour, and it is wise to marry someone who shares your faith and is on the same page as you spiritually. While it is not a sin for a Catholic to marry a non-Catholic, the Church does not encourage such unions.
The Catholic Church refers to marriages between a Catholic and a non-Catholic as mixed marriages. If both parties are baptised Christians, it is called a "mixed religion marriage", and if one party is unbaptised, it is called a "disparity of cult marriage". For a Catholic to marry a non-Catholic, the couple must meet certain criteria. The Catholic Church requires that the Catholic spouse promise to do everything in their power to raise any children as Catholics and inform the other spouse of this promise. Additionally, both parties must be prepared to accept children and raise them in the Church, without the use of contraception.
While the Catholic Church does allow mixed marriages, there are specific requirements that must be met. The wedding must usually take place in a Catholic parish, witnessed by a Catholic priest or deacon, and using the Catholic ritual. However, a bishop can grant permission for the marriage to take place in a non-Catholic church with a non-Catholic minister as the officiating witness. In this case, a Catholic priest may still attend and bless the union. Obtaining the necessary dispensations from the bishop is typically straightforward, and the priest often applies for these on the couple's behalf. Nevertheless, it is important to involve the parish priest from the beginning to ensure the marriage is recognised by the Catholic Church.
Although the Catholic Church accommodates mixed marriages, it is worth noting that they are only tolerated and not actively encouraged. Historically, the Church has been reluctant to approve such unions, requiring a "grave necessity" to permit them. This reluctance stems from the concern that a Catholic spouse might defect from their faith due to their intimate union with someone who does not share their beliefs. Furthermore, studies have shown that children with one Catholic and one non-Catholic parent are less likely to remain Catholic in adulthood compared to children with two Catholic parents.
In conclusion, while it is not a sin for Catholics to marry non-Catholics, it is an issue of wisdom. The Catholic Church allows mixed marriages but does not encourage them due to the potential challenges and complexities they may present. It is essential for couples considering such a union to carefully consider the spiritual implications and seek guidance from their parish priest to ensure they meet the necessary requirements for their marriage to be recognised by the Church.
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The Catholic Church accommodates mixed marriages
The Catholic Church has historically opposed marriages between Catholics and non-Catholics, believing that such unions "degrade the holy character of matrimony". However, the Church does accommodate mixed marriages, recognising them as sacramental.
For a Catholic, marriage to a non-Catholic Christian is considered a "mixed marriage", and for this type of union, the Catholic party must seek permission from their diocesan bishop. This permission is known as "dispensation to enter into a mixed marriage" or "dispensation from disparity of cult". The Church grants these dispensations, although it discourages mixed marriages, believing that they can cause pain for the spouses and set a poor example for children in terms of faith and unity.
If a Catholic enters a mixed marriage without the necessary permission, the union is still considered valid, although illicit, as long as the other conditions for a valid marriage are met. These conditions include that the spouses are free to marry, they freely exchange their consent, they intend to marry for life and be faithful, and they give their consent in the canonical form, i.e., before witnesses and an authorised church official.
The Catholic Church also recognises marriages between two non-Christians or between a Catholic Christian and a non-Christian. However, these unions are not considered sacramental, and the Catholic party must still obtain permission from their bishop, known as "dispensation from disparity of cult".
While the Church accommodates these mixed marriages, Father Mike Schmitz, a Catholic priest, advises that it is wise to marry someone who shares your faith. He emphasises that loving Jesus and the Catholic Church is not an imposition, and faith can be the cornerstone of a marriage.
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The Catholic Church does not allow same-sex marriages
The Catholic Church has been vocal about its stance on same-sex marriages, and its position is clear: it does not recognize or perform them. This stance has been maintained even for countries where same-sex marriage has been legalized. The Church has actively campaigned against the legalization of same-sex marriage and has instructed priests not to participate in any way that could be construed as support.
In 2015, bishops at the Synod of Bishops in Rome reiterated that the Church viewed same-sex marriage as "not even remotely analogous" to heterosexual marriage. This view is reflected in the teachings of the Church, which considers homosexuality a sin and sexual activity between people of the same sex as a "grave sin." Despite this, some priests have secretly blessed same-sex couples, and in 2024, Pope Francis officially allowed priests to do so.
While the Church does not recognize same-sex marriages, some Catholic communities have reached out to LGBTQ+ members, offering them a welcome within the constraints of Church policy. Organizations like DignityUSA and Fortunate Families work for the inclusion and equality of LGBTQ+ individuals within the Church. Additionally, Catholic laity in the United States has increasingly supported same-sex marriage, with 52% in favor, according to a 2012 poll.
The Catholic Church's stance on same-sex marriage is at odds with the growing acceptance of LGBTQ+ rights globally, and the Church has been criticized for its position. Despite this, the Church maintains its teachings on homosexuality and marriage, and it continues to influence political campaigns and shape the views of its members.
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Contraception is considered evil by the Catholic Church
Contraception is considered to be evil by the Catholic Church, with Pope Paul VI's Humanae vitae in 1968 formally explaining and expressing the Catholic position. The Catechism of the Catholic Church specifies that all sex acts must be both unitive and procreative. The Church teaches that the sexual union of husband and wife is meant to express the full meaning of love, its power to bind a couple together, and its openness to new life.
The Church's teaching on contraception is considered definitive and irreformable. It is gravely opposed to marital chastity and is contrary to the good of the transmission of life, or the procreative aspect of matrimony. It also goes against the reciprocal self-giving of the spouses, or the unitive aspect of matrimony. Contraception is believed to harm true love and deny the sovereign role of God in the transmission of human life.
The Church's stance on contraception is supported by Scripture. For instance, Augustine of Hippo, in 'On Marriage and Concupiscence', states that whoever engages in intercourse out of lust without intending procreation, "although they be called husband and wife, are not; nor do they retain any reality of marriage, but use the respectable name [of marriage] to cover a shame". Augustine also used the biblical story of Onan to denounce contraception, with early Jewish and Christian commentators believing that Onan violated God's natural law by spilling his semen.
The Catholic Church upholds the practice of natural family planning, or NFP, as it maintains the unitive aspect of the sexual union while still being open to procreation. NFP involves "a method of birth regulation based on self-observation and the use of infertile periods". However, the Church condemns the use of artificial birth control as intrinsically evil.
Some Catholics disagree with the Church's teachings on contraception, with Western Catholics in particular voicing significant disagreement. The Church's stance has been criticised as outdated and oppressive, and some studies have shown that NFP is associated with a reduced divorce rate, healthier marriages, and happier, more successful children. However, others argue that the Church's teachings on contraception are necessary to uphold the sanctity of marriage and respect for life.
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Marriage preparation with Fr. Mike enriches relationships
During marriage preparation with Fr. Mike, couples are encouraged to deepen their understanding of the sacramental aspect of marriage and its relevance in today's world. They are provided with concrete examples and teachings that they can incorporate into their daily lives, such as praying together, attending natural family planning courses, and expressing gratitude. This holistic approach ensures that couples not only strengthen their relationship with God but also enhance their communication and understanding of each other.
Fr. Mike also offers valuable insights into the challenges and dynamics of relationships. Through his guidance, couples can identify their strengths and growth areas, navigate personality differences, and manage stress effectively. Additionally, Fr. Mike's marriage preparation provides opportunities for couples to connect with other Catholics who have decades of marriage experience. This community support is invaluable as it allows couples to learn from each other and build a network of like-minded individuals.
One of the key aspects of Fr. Mike's marriage preparation is its adaptability to the changing dynamics of relationships. He recognises that relationships evolve, and through continued research and development, he ensures that the resources and assessments provided are relevant and effective. Fr. Mike's marriage preparation is not a one-size-fits-all approach but is tailored to meet the unique needs of each couple.
By participating in marriage preparation with Fr. Mike, couples can be assured that they are investing in their future together. The preparation enriches their relationship with God, fosters a deeper understanding of each other, and empowers them with the skills to navigate the joys and challenges of married life. Through Fr. Mike's guidance, couples can confidently build a strong foundation for a joyful and lasting marriage.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, so long as you do so with the assistance of your parish priest from the beginning. Catholic/non-Catholic weddings are called mixed marriages.
A sacramental marriage is when a Catholic marries a baptised non-Catholic, such as an Episcopalian, Presbyterian, or Baptist. A non-sacramental marriage is when a Catholic marries a non-baptised person, such as a Hindu, Jew, or Muslim.
Fr. Mike Schmitz says that contraception "sterilizes" the act of love. He recommends Natural Family Planning (NFP) as an alternative, which is a method used to plan or prevent pregnancy based on observing natural signs and symptoms of fertility in a woman's cycle.
