Rachel Evans
Catholicism has a rich tapestry of traditions and rituals surrounding marriage. For those who were baptized as infants but not raised in the faith, there is a perception of being a baptized pagan. This label can create confusion and uncertainty when it comes to marriage, especially if one wishes to marry a Catholic in the Catholic Church. While some may assume that a previous marriage outside the Catholic Church would need to be annulled, this is not the case. Instead, the Church considers such a union invalid, and the individual is free to marry in the Catholic Church without needing to go through the annulment process. However, those who were baptized Catholic but never practiced the faith as adults may still be subject to Church law regarding canonical form for marriage. This means that their marriage outside of the prescribed Catholic rite may not be considered valid.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Marriage in the Catholic Church | Requires a Catholic to be free to marry |
| Baptism | An indelible mark on the soul |
| Canonical form | Required for a valid marriage |
| Annulment | Not required if the Catholic was married outside the Catholic Church |
| Celibacy | A divine calling |
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What You'll Learn
Catholics who were not married in the Church
The Catholic Church has always opposed marriage between a Catholic and a non-Catholic, seeing it as "degrading the holy character of matrimony". From an early stage, Church councils forbade Catholic Christians to marry heretics or schismatics. Marriage with a non-Christian was considered invalid, while marriage with a heretic was seen as valid but illicit unless a dispensation was obtained. In the 12th century, Pope Alexander III decreed that what made a marriage valid was the free mutual consent of the spouses themselves, not the decision of their parents or guardians. This led to an increase in clandestine marriages or youthful elopements, which the Church acknowledged as valid, despite being "detested and forbidden".
In some cases, one of the spouses is not Catholic, or one of the spouses has been previously married and has not received a Decree of Invalidity (an Annulment). In other cases, a Catholic spouse may not be active in the Church, or a couple may not feel that they are able to embrace the Church's understanding of sacramental marriage.
If a Catholic wishes to marry a non-Catholic in the Catholic Church, the non-Catholic spouse does not have to convert to Catholicism. However, they may need to participate in marriage preparation and understand the significance of the sacrament of marriage for their spouse. If a Catholic marries outside of the Church without dispensation, their marriage may be considered invalid.
Today, the benefits of being married in the Church are more personal and spiritual, and some couples may choose to have their marriage recognized and blessed by the Church after the fact.
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Baptized pagans
The term "baptized pagans" refers to individuals who were baptized in the Catholic Church but did not actively practice the Catholic faith as adults. These individuals may have been raised in different religious traditions or none at all, despite their Catholic baptism. In the context of marriage, "baptized pagans" who wish to marry outside of the Catholic Church may still be subject to Catholic Canon Law regarding marriage and annulments.
According to Catholic doctrine, baptism leaves an "indelible mark on the soul," signifying a lifelong connection to the Church. As a result, even those who were baptized as infants but did not grow up practicing Catholicism may still be considered Catholic by the Church. This can have significant implications for marriage within the Church.
For example, if a "baptized pagan" wishes to marry a non-Catholic partner in a secular ceremony, their marriage may not be recognized by the Catholic Church. This is because the Church requires a canonical form for marriage, which means that a baptized Catholic must follow the prescribed rites for their marriage to be considered valid. If a "baptized pagan" does not obtain a dispensation from the Church and marries outside of the canonical form, their marriage may be considered invalid by the Church.
In such cases, the "baptized pagan" may need to approach their pastor and initiate the marriage preparation process, which may include providing documentation of their baptism and confirming that they have never been married in the Catholic Church. This process ensures that the individual is recognized as a Catholic who is free to marry within the Church.
The book "Baptized Paganism" by Dennis Crews explores the introduction of pagan customs into Christianity and how these practices may impact Christian living and faith today. It delves into the history of how pagan customs became integrated into Christian traditions and provides an investigation into the true origins of certain practices and holidays, such as Christmas, Easter, and Sunday worship.
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Canon Law and annulments
Annulments are a declaration by a Church tribunal, or a Catholic Church court, that a marriage once considered valid is actually invalid according to Church law. This declaration does not deny the existence of the relationship but states that it was missing an essential element required for a binding union. There are three main grounds for annulment recognized by Catholic Canon Law: lack of capacity, lack of consent, and lack of form. Lack of capacity refers to any impediment that prevents an individual from entering into a valid marriage, such as age or mental incapacity. Lack of consent implies that the consent exchanged during the wedding ceremony was defective in some way, rendering the marriage invalid. Finally, lack of form pertains specifically to Catholics or individuals baptized in the Catholic Church who marry outside of the Church's rites without obtaining a dispensation.
The process of obtaining an annulment typically involves a tribunal, with both parties able to read submitted testimony unless protected by civil law. Each party may appoint a Church advocate to represent them, and a representative of the Church, known as the defender of the bond, will argue for the validity of the marriage. If the tribunal decides in favor of nullity, the parties are then free to marry in the Catholic Church, unless an appeal is lodged or there are underlying issues to be resolved. It is important to note that a declaration of nullity does not affect the legitimacy of any children born within the union, and parental obligations remain.
The Catholic Church's stance on annulments and Canon Law has evolved over time. Previously, Canon 1117 allowed for "a formal act of defection" from the Church, providing a dispensation from canonical form. However, in 2009, Pope Benedict XVI removed this provision, emphasizing the indelible nature of baptism and the Church's authority. While some view these laws as obstacles to re-engaging with the Church, others argue they are necessary to maintain the integrity of Catholic marriage rites and discourage secret marriages.
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Celibacy as a calling
The Catholic Church teaches that love is the fundamental and innate vocation of every human being. While some people are called to express this love through marriage, others are called to a life of celibacy. This may involve a commitment to religious service, such as becoming a nun or priest, or it may simply be a calling to remain single.
For those who are called to celibacy, it is not because they were unable to find a spouse or were prevented from marrying due to illness. Rather, it is a positive choice to enter willingly and joyfully into the single state. These individuals are chosen by God to love Him and others in a unique and powerful way. They contribute their time, treasure, and talents to the building up of the Church, and their love is an essential part of Christ's love for the world.
In the Catholic tradition, marriage is a sacred covenant between a man and a woman that symbolizes Christ's love for his followers. It is meant to be a faithful, permanent, and fruitful union, reflecting God's relationship with humankind. However, the Church recognizes that not everyone is called to marriage. Some people forgo it to care for their families, devote themselves to their professions, or serve other honorable ends.
It's important to distinguish between those who are supernaturally called to celibacy and those who are single due to tragic circumstances. While God may allow unfortunate events to occur, it does not mean He positively willed for those individuals to remain unmarried. Encouraging single people to see their circumstances as a special calling can be unhelpful and even harmful.
For Catholics who choose not to marry or are unable to find a spouse, their participation in the faith community is still vital. They can attend Mass, celebrate sacraments, and contribute to the spiritual and social life of the parish. While they may not serve in public ministries or leadership positions, they are valued members of the Church, and their presence and contributions are cherished.
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Catholics who never marry or have children
Catholicism has specific beliefs about marriage and children. According to the Catechism, marriage is one of the three goods of marriage, along with indissolubility and faithfulness. These goods are expressed verbally in the vows taken during the Rite of Matrimony and physically when a couple consummates their marriage.
The Catholic Church teaches that infertility does not prevent a person from validly entering into marriage. The Code of Canon Law states, "Sterility neither prohibits nor invalidates marriage" (No. 1084.3). The Catechism expresses appreciation for the suffering of an infertile couple, stating, "Spouses to whom God has not granted children can nevertheless have a conjugal life full of meaning, in both human and Christian terms. Their marriage can radiate a fruitfulness of charity, of hospitality, and of sacrifice" (No. 1654).
However, the Church makes a distinction between infertility and impotence. Infertility involves the inability to conceive a child, while impotence is a physical or psychological condition that prevents a person from consummating the marriage. According to the Catechism, impotence presents an impediment to entering into marriage, as the couple cannot physically express their conjugal love and consummate the marriage.
It is important to note that the Catholic Church's teachings on marriage and children are based on its interpretation of Scripture and tradition. While these teachings provide guidance for Catholics, individuals who do not identify with the Catholic faith may not adhere to these specific beliefs.
In terms of individuals who never marry or have children, the Catholic Church recognizes that not everyone is called to marriage and family life. Some Catholics may choose to remain single and celibate, dedicating their lives to God and serving others. This choice is respected within the Church, and these individuals can still lead fulfilling lives of service and community within the Catholic faith.
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Frequently asked questions
You must make contact with the Catholic Church where you were baptized and request a newly issued copy of your baptismal record. This document will also provide information that you were never married in the Catholic Church and never received your First Communion or Confirmation. With this document, you can approach your pastor to begin the marriage preparation process.
No, it does not make you a bad Catholic. There is another divine calling that comes in here, and that is the single life. Some people forgo marriage in order to care for their parents or siblings, to give themselves more completely to a profession, or to serve other honorable ends.
Catholics who marry outside the Catholic Church are considered members of the Church living in an irregular marriage. They are not excommunicated and are free to participate in some but not all aspects of the Catholic faith community.
