participation in civil ceremony Catholic & non-Catholic

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My divorced sister-in-law -- a non-Catholic -- is marrying a Catholic man in a civil ceremony in a few weeks. My question: can I attend the ceremony and the reception? Also, I know that she has not received an annulment of her first marriage. Thanks!

-- Dino Piccinini (dpiccinini@integrity.com), January 06, 2005

Answers

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-- (bump@bump.bump), January 06, 2005.

Dino, In my opinion -if a Catholic -the answer for me would always be no.

Here is a link to similar question and answer (go read it!):

Attending Non-Catholic Wedding

-small paraphrased excerpt:

"...keep in mind that attendance at such a ceremony is a public gesture, seen by all present. Attendance may appear to be approval of what is happening. If people know that you are a Catholic, and they know that what is happening is wrong, then you give scandal by attending...."

-- Daniel Hawkenberry (dlm@catholic.org), January 06, 2005.


"It is not licit for the faithful by any manner to assist actively or to have part in the sacred [rites] of non-Catholics. Passive or material presence can be tolerated for the sake of honor or civil office, for grave reason approved by the Bishop in case of doubt, . . . provided danger of perversion and scandal is absent." (1917 Code of Canon Law, Canon 1258 ġġ1,2)

-- - (David@excite.com), January 06, 2005.

Passive or material presence at a non-Catholic worship service can certainly be allowed or "tolerated" for just reason. However, even passive material presence at a sacriligeous event like the formal entry of two people into a life of objectively grave sin through a perverted parody of marriage should be avoided.

-- Paul M. (PaulCyp@cox.net), January 07, 2005.

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