Basic Rules Concerning Marriage
The Roman Catholic Church
The Church has always seen the family, not only as the basic unit of society, but also as the cradle of the Faith. It is by the Sacrament Matrimony that the family unit is established and supported. The Church must, therefore, concerned that her members be properly prepared, in faith to confer and to receive the Sacrament. She must also be concerned to ensure, as far as possible, that those who would enter this state have a realistic appreciation of the capability for life-long commitment which Christian marriage demands.
Notice
No marriage may be celebrated unless the appropriate notice thereof shall be given to the competent priest not less that three months in advance of the date of the proposed marriage. Please see below for more details about the Legal requirements for marriage in the Republin of Ireland.
Pre-Nuptial Arrangements
- If you are ‘domiciled’ which means resident in the Parish of Ballyroan, I am happy to do your Wedding papers no matter where you are getting married.
- If you live outside the parish you should go to the priest of the parish where you live for this service. It normally takes an hour or so and it’s best to make an appointment with the priest.
Documents
The documents required for a wedding are:-
1. A Certificate of Baptism from the parish in which you were christened. It has to be a recent certificate, that's within the last six months. (The reason for this is that only a baptised person can receive the Sacrament of Matrimony and the certificate is proof of your baptism).
2. A Certificate of Confirmation.
3. A Pre-Nuptial Enquiry Form
Your priest will fill this out with you and then you sign it. (It ensures that you understand and accept what you are undertaking in Christian marriage).
4. A Letter of Freedom from each parish you have lived in since you were 16 years of age. (This indicates that you are free to marry).
5. A Pre-Marriage Course Certificate
(This indicates that you have successfully completed a pre-marriage course)
6. If your prospective spouse is not a Roman Catholic, you will need to get a Dispensation. Also if you are getting married in a non-Catholic Church you will also need a dispensation. Your priest will get these for you from your bishop.
7. Some couples like to have the Pope's Blessing on the occasion of their wedding. It is available only to two practising Catholics. If you wish to get it, you must get a letter of recommendation from your priest. (see below).
8. In cases where one or both parties have been previously married, certificates and full details of previous marriages are required. Where applicable, death certificates or nullity certificates are also required.
9. If you wish to get married abroad, make sure you inform your priest in good time. He will tell you what other arrangements you need to make.
Getting a Papal Blessing for your Wedding
Apply for it in good time. If you wishes to have a Papal Blessing read out at the wedding ceremony, apply for it almost three months in advance of that date.
1. Get letter of recommendation from your parish Priest (of one or other party,) indicating that you are a practicing Catholic - and suitable for this sign of adhesion to the Church.
2. Select the kind of scroll you want, and the wording you want on it. You might try Veritas in Abbey St., Dublin; Almost any major bookshop can provide this service.
3. Make your application, consigning to your agent the letter of recommendation from the parish Priest; and paying for the scroll in advance.
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