Converting to catholasism(sp?)

[spiff]

If a man wants to marry a woman who is catholic,and they want a church wedding,does the man have to  convert to be married in a catholic church? if so, what exactly does this entail? Cheers.

[tpfan]

You don't have to convert to be married in a catholic church.You will probably have a meeting or two with the priest of the parish you marry into.A catholic, of course,has to marry in church otherwise the marriage is not recognised.

[kick3m0n]

my brother married a catholic girl but he didn't convert.  They had a sort of 'diluted' version of the lengthy catholic wedding service....making it much easier for any non-believers or protestants at the wedding.  Bruv had to promise to bring any children up in catholic faith (and any godparents would have to be catholic too...what a crock!) etc, but other than that it was pretty straightforward.  Priest will happily advise you as to the options.

[Merlin]

You don't have to convert. You can have the full nuptial mass.

As a non-Catholic, you will be deemed an 'impediment' to the marriage (LOL - your absence would be a greater impediment to the marriage!). You will have to sign a promise that children will be brought up in the Catholic faith.

If you are an atheist, keeping this promise and avoiding hypocrisy can be very tricky at times, but not impossible.

[ursula62]

Also, you may have to attend pre-marriage classes at the church where you intend to have the service. But most churches require this, it's not a "catholic" thing.

[El D]

Personally Merlin I would regard this as fudging the issue. I would never make a promise I didn't intend to honour in the spirit which it is intended. If the girl I love would not accept my atheism, I could not accept her faith. If she puts her indoctrination above her love for me you have to question the relationship imo.

[-Em-mE-]

You will need to participate in pre-cana classes.

I am not sure about converting