Hi! I'm getting married in the Church in October. My fiance' is Episcopalian, but since my Catholic faith is so important to me, we'll be married at a Catholic nuptial mass.

However, I would like to acknowledge my fiance's background, too. We have selected a few hymns from his church, and I'd also like to take the marriage vows from the Book of Common prayer instead of the modern Catholic vows. Essentially, the vows are the same, but in more florid language.

I've heard that use of some "Anglican Rite" prayers and services has been officially sanctioned in US Catholic churches. Does this include the wording of the marriage vows? What is the best way for me to ask my parish priest for this?

Thanks!

-- Kathleen Seeker (kathleenseeker@hotmail.com), July 22, 2004

Answers

Dear Kathleen,

You may wish to view this website of an entire congregation that converted from Episcopal to Catholic: Our Lady of the Atonement Catholic Church. The site contains information about the Anglican Use Liturgy that this parish uses, as approved by the Catholic Church. I don't know the answer to your question, but perhaps one of the contacts on that page could give you more information.

God bless,

-- Emily ("jesusfollower7@yahoo.com), July 22, 2004.