Form, use of the Life Center Policies (if requested), use of the church or chapel for pre-rehearsal meeting, And rehearsal, marriage ceremony. : suggested $10 offering Customs Auxiliary Services Fees: Music Coordinator — $100 For Roman Catholic Organist /Musician - $50 each Servers - $10 each Marriage Rites Possible additional Tribunal fees payable to the of Las Cruces:  Lack of Form —$50 Formal Cases — $400  — $100  — $50

St. Jude Diocese of Las Cruces Alamogordo, NM 44 Revised: July, 2012 1

document jacket, Request for Marriage MARRIAGE form, Guidelines for The intimate partnership of life and the love information sheet, Practical Norms for which constitutes the married state has been Weddings informational sheet, Beginning established by the creator and endowed by him Your Marriage booklet, Matrimony from with its own proper laws …. the Diocese of Las Cruces Pastoral Christ our Lord has abundantly blessed this love, Manual, Preparation for Marriage form, which is rich in its various features, coming as it MA Forms, MB Forms, Review of all does from the spring of divine love and modeled preparations, paperwork, and final on Christ’s own union with the Church…. approval by pastor, etc. Spouses, therefore, are fortified and, as it were, Marriage Facilitator Preparation fee of $100: consecrated for the duties and dignity of their Includes FOCCUS materials, scoring, state by a special sacrament. Vatican Council II, The Church administering, and review session of in the Modern World, n. 48 FOCUSS results. (Additional marriage preparation sessions @ $50/hour if required.) This booklet has been prepared by Sponsoring Couple fee of $100: Includes parishioners of St. Jude Parish to help minimum of three gatherings with our parish community review the sponsoring couple for sharing and Church’s vision, understanding, evaluation, Sponsoring Couple teaching, and discipline of the Evaluation forms, workbooks, review Sacrament of Marriage and the local of forms by marriage facilitator and Customs for celebrating the Sacrament pastor. at St. Jude Parish. Rental Fees: $750: includes Together for Life Workbook, Ceremony for

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Church Stole Fee: $250 DIOCESAN PASTORAL MANUAL

Mass Stipend: suggested $10 offering Order of Christian Marriage

Auxiliary Services Fees: Policies and Practical Adaptations for the  Music Coordinator — $100 Diocese of Las Cruces, January 1993, June  Organist /Musician(s) - $50 each 1993, December 1996, December 1998, and  Altar Servers - $10 each July 2007. Possible additional Tribunal fees payable directly to the Diocese of Las Cruces: INTRODUCTION  Lack of Form —$50 The Formal Cases — $400 teaches us that marriage is rooted in Ligamen — $100 the conjugal covenant of irrevocable Pauline Privilege — $50 personal consent. It is a reflection of the living covenant uniting Christ and OUT OF PARISH GUIDELINES FOR STIPENDS Church. In the communion of life and AND FEES love that defines marriage, a couple (Not registered, or registered less than six may give themselves to each other in a months, or not living within the parish unique manner that preserves their boundaries, and if preparation is to be done individuality, while becoming one in by St. Jude Parish. Permission of pastor with heart and mind as well as "one flesh." jurisdiction still must be obtained. Fees The Code of Law presents may be paid in three installments payable us a legal description of marriage in to St. Jude Parish.) canon 1055: The matrimonial covenant, Initial fee of $100: includes forms, copying, by which a man and a woman establish cost of materials, initial meeting with between themselves a partnership of the marriage facilitator, permanent whole of life, is by its nature ordered 42 3 toward the good of the spouses and the New Mexico within 30 days procreation and education of offspring; before the . The license may be this covenant between baptized people obtained at any New Mexico county has been raised by Christ the Lord to the courthouse. This document must be dignity of a sacrament. submitted to the parish office no later than The couple themselves creates the noon of the Wednesday before the wedding marriage bond which is brought about date so the information may be registered in through the legitimate manifestation of the parish office and the ecclesiastical marriage consent to each other. The marriage certificate prepared. covenant is ordered toward both the The license is signed by the couple, two good of the spouses and also the witnesses, and the minister celebrating the procreation and education of children. wedding immediately after the wedding. St. Furthermore, both spouses have equal Jude Parish then forwards the license to the rights in a marriage. county courthouse of issue. The county clerk will send the copy to the couple after THE RIGHT TO MARRY recording it. The parish only issues an In the all people ecclesiastical marriage certificate. who are not prohibited by law can contract marriage. in which IN PARISH GUIDELINES FOR STIPENDS AND FEES one person at least is Catholic are (Active, registered parishioners, or individuals regulated by Church law. living within the parish boundaries, and family The following marriages are members who maintain a permanent address recognized by the Catholic Church: with the family, but may temporarily reside A. Any marriage between two elsewhere for part of the year, e.g., military Catholics, both of whom are free of service or schooling.)

4 41 they do not interrupt the ceremony or impediments, who give their consent obstruct the view of family and guests. for marriage before a duly authorized E. The couple is responsible for priest or deacon and two witnesses. flowers, if desired. Flowers may be taken B. Any marriage between two to the reception after the wedding or non-Catholics, both of whom are free donated to the parish. of impediments (including the bond of F. No rice, birdseed, confetti, etc. prior marriage), who give their consent may be used at any time in the church, for marriage before a non-Catholic chapel, hall, or anywhere on the property. minister, civil magistrate or official, or, G. The couple is responsible for in those states where common-law restoring the church to its original order marriage is recognized, by cohabitation after the wedding. This includes removing with marital intent. candelabra, flower vases, runners, pew C. Any marriage between a decorations, etc. It also includes Catholic and a non-Catholic, both of discarding waste paper, boxes, trash, etc. whom are free of impediments, who This may be done through the florist or give their consent, with the required other designated persons. The church is to dispensation (mixed marriage or be left as it was found and ready for the 4 ), before a priest or PM service. deacon and two witnesses, or before a non-Catholic minister or civil REGARDING THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO magistrate with a dispensation from REQUIREMENTS canonical form. This marriage would All civil requirements must be either be sacramental or natural, completed before the wedding rehearsal. depending on the baptism or non - The couple is required to obtain a valid baptism of the other party.

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MARRIAGE PREPARATION OF COUPLES Saturday between 1 PM and 3 PM. Other days The preparation for the celebration and times may be arranged at the discretion of of marriage is a special time for all the minister celebrating the wedding and after concerned and presents a unique consulting with the parish office. The church opportunity of evangelization for couples. must be vacated and cleaned before 3:45 PM Pastoral concern is focused on helping on Saturdays to allow time for the 4 PM them to grow in the awareness of who service. they are and what they are being called to B. Candlelight, pew decorations, when they enter a marriage covenant. runners, trellises, and other paraphernalia are In the actual process of preparation permitted as long as they do not clutter the for marriage, the following components are sanctuary, obstruct the view, or impede traffic. to be found: Anything complicated or unusual should be A. The foundation of the pre-marriage discussed with the minister celebrating the process is in a dedicated, faith-filled, and well wedding well in advance of placing orders with informed pastoral team; e.g., priest, deacon, suppliers. religious and/or lay pastoral ministers. C. The parish Life Center building is B. The pre-marriage preparation available to the wedding party to prepare on should be experienced by both parties, the day of the wedding at no charge. If the preferably together. In the event that one parish hall is required for lunch or for the cannot be present due to great distance, each reception, please contact the parish office for person should, in his/her own locale, rental information, fees, and available dates experience a pre-marriage program. and times. The rental of the parish hall is C. A minimum of six months governed by the regulations of the Diocese of preparation period is normally required to Las Cruces. provide adequate preparation, allowing D. Photographers and videographers are

6 permitted to move about as needed as long39 as groom well since childhood may complete time for self-reflection on themselves as a the forms. couple, reflecting on the covenant and D. FOCCUS marriage preparation Sacrament of Marriage, and the option of questionnaire, discussion notes, and changing their minds. Pastoral discretion graphic analysis. should be applied judiciously in waiving or E. Any affidavits, tribunal reducing the requirement, e.g. for elderly permissions, dispositions, declarations, or couples. petitions that may have been executed. D. All marriage preparation should F. Other support materials such as be completed 60 to 90 days before the sponsor couple’s evaluation, engaged scheduled wedding date to provide time for couples encounter, etc. an assessment of the couple's readiness to assume the responsibilities of marriage. REGARDING MUSIC E. Formal preparation for marriage A. Music must be arranged through consists of: the St. Jude Parish music coordinator. a. A pre-marriage assessment B. Guest organists/pianists may use questionnaire , e.g., Premarital Inventory the equipment at the discretion of the (PMI), FOCCUS, etc. music coordinator. b. A pre-marriage program in the C. Guest musicians and vocalists are parish or vicariate, e.g., Pre-Cana Sponsor welcome to participate as long as their Couple or Host Couple, Evenings for the music is appropriate and approved in Engaged, Engaged Encounter. advance by the music coordinator. The pre-marriage programs should consist of the following categories which REGARDING THE CEREMONY are considered essential for a couple's A. Weddings are normally held on preparation for their vocation of marriage:

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If the pastor of jurisdiction gives a. Religious Formation: the couple's permission for the wedding to take place at St. prayer and spirituality and understanding of Jude Parish, but is not able to prepare and/or Church teachings. perform the wedding, another minister must b. Covenant and sacrament marriage: be delegated. Additional fees as outlined below the covenant of each person with the other are charged if the preparation is done by St. and with God, theology of grace, and Jude Parish staff. vocation of marriage. Every Sacrament of Marriage that is c. Lifestyles: attitudes, values, and celebrated at St. Jude Parish is officially expectations. recorded in the parish records and all d. Marital readiness: personal documents pertaining to the sacrament are adjustment, maturity, and a sense of retained on file. These documents include: responsibility. A. Recently issued (within the last six e. Communication skills: attitudes and months) baptismal certificates from the church values, including individual psychological in which the baptism was celebrated. needs. B. The diocesan MA Form (a personal f. Sex and sexuality: biological aspects, history) completed by both the and the cultural attitudes, values, and expectations. groom separately. The priest will discuss the g. Natural family planning: an responses with the couple. awareness presentation to assist couples to C. Two diocesan MB Forms (affidavits integrate the physical, spiritual, and establishing freedom to marry) for both bride relational aspects of family planning. and groom. The forms are returned to the h. Parenting: parent/child attitudes minister preparing the couple. It is preferable and relationship. that the parents of the bride and groom each i. Finances: budget skills and money complete the affidavits. In the absence of management. parents, those who have known the bride and 8 37 boundaries of the parish, they must consult j. Wedding liturgy: accepted forms with the pastor of the parish of one of the of the celebration. parties. After they receive their pastor’s F. In these times many baptized permission, that pastor of jurisdiction must Catholics, because of marriage break-up forwarded to the St. Jude Parish office the and/or the laxity of parental guidance in following: faith, are found to be inexperienced in A. The pastor’s permission for the faith or have not completed the wedding to take place at St. Jude Parish. sacraments of initiation. The preparation B. Confirmation that the pastor or his of marriage is a time when many people delegate will prepare the couple for the are receptive to instruction in the faith, marriage, will complete all required forms, and parishes should take this opportunity and will forward them to St. Jude Parish at to provide at least basic instruction in least two weeks before the date of the the sacraments when it is lacking. wedding ceremony. Individuals who have been baptized C. Confirmation that the pastor or his Catholic but have never made their First delegate will perform the wedding Communion should be provided the ceremony at St. Jude Parish and provide a proper preparation at which the other Letter of Good Standing from his bishop or party should be present, so that they may religious provincial superior. both share the experience of a growth in The wedding date will be confirmed faith awareness. Additionally, those when St. Jude Parish receives this baptized Catholics who have not been information from the officiating pastor or confirmed should be encouraged to enter his delegate and the out-of-- an adult confirmation program at a use and auxiliary services fees, as outlined convenient time. below, are paid.

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SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES Customs for At times couples, who for some Christian Marriage reason need special care when being At St. Jude Parish prepared for the covenant of marriage, will come seeking to be married in the Registered and active St. Jude Parish Catholic Church. This may sometimes parishioners must arrange for the Sacrament mean that no wedding date can be set of Matrimony with the parish at least six until the circumstances are resolved. In months before a wedding date can be such situations, pastoral compassion and reserved. Newly registered parishioners care should be taken by the marriage ordinarily must be active for at least three team members when dealing with the months prior to the initial meeting. couple. The couple themselves should call the parish and start the process with the parish. COHABITING COUPLES The parish cannot start the process through In the case of a couple already living third parties. Individuals who reside within together, even more care must be taken the parish boundaries and individuals who than already prescribed. It must be are registered in the parish have the right to discerned that the couple is truly ready marry in the parish church or chapel. At the for the deeper and life-long commitment first meeting a tentative wedding date may of marriage and that a sense of covenant be reserved. The date can be confirmed only community to one another and the larger when it is established that there are no communities is present in both people. impediments to the marriage. Each case must be carefully examined and If the couple wishes to be married at considered on its own merits (or St. Jude Parish, but neither party is limitations), with great care taken by the registered in the parish nor living within the

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While the Church sees it as marriage team members, cf. section on desirable for cohabitating couples to Wedding Liturgy. separate prior to marriage in the Church, this may not be possible in some cases. CONVALIDATION All Catholics preparing for marriage need When a Catholic has been married to be given the opportunity to celebrate outside the proper form and then decides the sacrament of reconciliation at an to validate that same marriage in the appropriate time. Thus the Church takes Catholic Church, he/she and the spouse on the role of the loving parent should meet with a parish priest or a welcoming home and celebrating with the member of the marriage team. Again, son or daughter who once was lost but each couple needs to be considered on an now is found. individual basis since there may be outside pressures or other dubious motives bearing upon the couple's decision to convalidate. Special care is needed when the civil marriage has not lasted long enough to appear healthy and stable. For couples seeking a convalidation, especially of a recent union, a marriage encounter, marriage enrichment weekend program, or a suitable pre-marital program followed by individual discernment by a sponsor or host couple is strongly recommended.

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PREVIOUS MARRIAGE(S) TO PREVIOUS situations freely and with an openness to SPOUSE the spirit of God moving in their lives. In the case of a Catholic married in Pastoral ministers need to view these the Catholic Church, a of nullity moments not as a time to condemn but must be obtained and placed in the pre- rather as an opportunity for evangelization nuptial file. If the person has not and formation in Christian values. The received a , then Church also realizes that for this formation the nullity processes should be initiated. to be really effective it needs to begin long However, no wedding date may be set before one is sharing a home with until a decree of nullity has been someone other than a spouse. Those obtained. charged with the responsibility of In the case of a Catholic or a non- preaching at the Sunday Eucharist need to Catholic whose spouse has died, a death use appropriate occasions to preach on the certificate must be provided and must be values underlying Christian marriage. included in the pre-nuptial file. Cohabitation is not an impediment In the case of a Catholic previously to marriage. Therefore, marriage married to someone else by a judge or preparation should never begin with or be by a non-Catholic minister in another based upon a decision about the kind or church without prior Catholic size of the wedding ceremony to be dispensation, a decree of lack of form allowed. The celebration of marriage, even must be obtained from the tribunal. for a cohabiting couple, is an act of the In the case of all non-Catholics, Church's public worship. The same baptized or not, previously married to a liturgical principles and norms apply for a non-Catholic, a formal decree of nullity cohabiting couple as for any other couple. must be obtained in the Catholic Church

12 33 permanent dimensions of marriage the and no wedding date may be set until Church turns to the Epistle to the an affirmative decision of nullity has Ephesians in which St. Paul encourages been obtained. spouses to love each other as Christ loves In the case of a non-Catholic, the Church. Christ's love for the Church is baptized or not, married to a Catholic faithful and forever. before a judge or minister in another Living together without the benefit church without prior dispensation, a of marriage contradicts these fundamental declaration of lack of form must be Church teachings. It becomes particularly sought from the tribunal office if he/ problematic when one considers the she now wishes to marry a Catholic in permanent dimension of marriage. By its the Catholic Church. very nature cohabitation does not infer In the case of a person or persons permanency. Couples living together prior with multiple prior marriages, these to or outside of marriage is of tremendous cases should be directed to the judicial pastoral concern for the Church. Special vicar of the diocese since they may be attention may need to be given to these canonically complicated. couples when they seek a church marriage. N.B.: If a declaration of nullity has Pastoral ministers who prepare been obtained for previous marriages, it couples for marriage need to articulate is still necessary to be sure that any clearly the Church’s teaching regarding the restrictions, prohibitions, or warnings sanctity of marriage. They need to address are investigated and the requirements issues surrounding cohabitation in a non- fulfilled before the party or parties can judgmental way. They need to create an actually marry in the Church. environment of trust where engaged cohabiting couples can discuss their

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TEEN-AGE MARRIAGES DOCUMENTATION Cases in which either person is This sacrament is to be recorded in younger than 18 years of age: Although the parochial marriage registry. a couple may prepare for marriage six Notification of the reception of this months prior to becoming 18, no sacrament must be made to the parish of marriage may be celebrated if one or baptism. both of the people is not yet 18 years of age. COHABITATION GUIDELINES Cases in which either person is Marriage is an intimate, permanent younger than 21 years of age: Each and exclusive partnership of the whole of couple should receive a full and careful life, a partnership which comes into evaluation in their initial interview, and existence at the moment a man and a in all areas of the process. A review of woman declare publicly their marital their reasons to marry and personal and commitment to one another. For family histories should be made. Some Catholics the exchange of marital consent form of pre-marriage assessment takes place in the presence of a duly questionnaire must be given and its authorized church minister and two results discussed by the marriage team witnesses. When consent is exchanged member(s) and the couple. between two baptized persons, the marriage becomes a sacrament. The PREGNANCY Church teaches that it is only in the Pregnancy alone is not reason context of marriage that the total giving enough to enter into marriage. Special and receiving of persons, as symbolically care must be taken that both people manifested in sexual relations, is truly right discern their personal histories, the and just. To underline the exclusive and

14 31 one of them. (c. 1109) A pastor or his history of their relationship, and what delegate needs no delegation to officiate drew them together, as well as the in his own church, even if both spouses length of time in which they have had a are from elsewhere, but in that case he chance to truly know themselves and ought, for liceity, to have consent of their partner. the pastor of one of them as noted It has been found that if marriage is above. An exception occurs if one of forced because of pregnancy, the chance of the spouses belongs to a non-territorial a stable and long-lasting relationship is jurisdiction such as the military. In this small. When a long or previous case the clergy of that jurisdiction plans to marry had already been considered, would also be competent. (c. 1110) there is less likelihood that the marriage is RESPONSIBILITY FOR PASTORAL CARE being entered for the wrong reasons or to In any case, responsibility for the save public image. pre-nuptial enquiry and the preparation of the couple falls on their own pastor OTHER MARRIAGE PROCEDURES (s), not on the officiating cleric or the A. Sanatio in Radice pastor where the wedding is celebrated. Radical sanation is a form of These latter should receive and rely on convalidation wherein the initial exchange of assurance from the former that the marital consent was invalid. In spite of this a proper enquiries and preparations have human commitment of the spouses to one been made, unless they have explicitly another still exists whereby they do not accepted such responsibility. It is they, consider themselves to be simply living however, who must see to proper together. Although this union is canonically recording of the marriage after it has invalid, it is usually recognized in civil law. taken place. Radical sanation occurs when one or both 30 15 parties to the invalid marriage are opposed to Two qualifications however: having their marriage validated by the a. Non-registration may perhaps renewal of consent. It does not involve an raise a doubt that one is a practicing exchange of consent. It is an action taken by Catholic and justify a more careful the bishop. This action has been delegated by enquiry about readiness for marriage. the bishop to the tribunal. The act of b. If one is actually registered as a sanation makes the original consent valid. member of another parish, that person Thus, the marriage itself is considered valid may perhaps have lost claim on the prior from the moment of initial consent. When a parish. radical sanation is granted, the marriage If, as often happens, a couple wishes covenant is considered in law to have existed to be married elsewhere, e.g., where the from the very beginning, and the effects of bride's family live, c. 1115 does require marriage are retroactive to the moment of the consent of the pastor of one of them initial consent. and of the pastor of the place of the Requirements for Sanatio in Radice: wedding. It is pastorally wise to be a. A letter from petitioner to the generous in granting this consent since bishop. refusal will rarely, if ever, have good b. A recommendation of priest- consequences. advisor arranging sanatio. c. At least, the MA for Catholic party THE OFFICIATING CLERIC and assurance of "freedom to marry" for Authority to officiate validly is both. territorial, belonging to the bishop of d. Reasonable belief that the marriage the diocese and the pastor of the parish is stable and will last. within whose boundaries the ceremony takes place or to a cleric delegated by

16 29 should be exhorted to take a minimum e. Radical sanation cannot be granted number of pictures during the if a previous bond or continuing diriment ceremony, and, as time permits, to take impediment of divine law continue to exist. pictures after the ceremony. Other diriment impediments of ecclesiastical Convalidations, marriages after law are dispensed with the sanation. , and marriages for those who are already cohabiting should not B. Brother-Sister Relationship be celebrated in the manner of the A brother-sister relationship concerns traditional first wedding. a couple who have entered into an invalid marriage which cannot be validated. The THE PROPER PLACE FOR WEDDINGS couple is of such an age or condition that Canon 1115 says that marriages they are able to totally abstain from sexual should be in the parish where one or intercourse. They may be allowed to receive both spouses reside. Any Catholic who the sacraments on the basis that they both resides within the parish boundaries agree to live chaste lives. Usually an attempt must be regarded as a parishioner. A must be made to obtain a decree of nullity pastor may not refuse the sacraments to and the brother-sister relationship should be anyone who is properly disposed simply used only as a last resort. because that person is not registered. This is handled in the internal forum Registration, like the parish census, is a unless there is danger of scandal. This fine pastoral procedure; lack of it is not relationship is available for the elderly and an impediment. If they are to be sick in large parishes or in hospital married at all, it is their right that it be situations. However, since we have many in the parish to which one of them small parishes where everyone is known and belongs. all invalid marriages are easily recognized,

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there may be danger of scandal. Thus, Wedding music, carefully the diocese has initiated a manner for selected and in good taste, must be parties who cannot have their consistent with the meaning of the marriages validated because of a sacrament. Popular tunes describing a previous marriage(s) which cannot be narrow view of married love and annulled, but who are willing to fulfill saying little or nothing about Christ's the requirements of a brother-sister love for his people are not to be used. relationship. A letter is sent to the Popular tunes in good taste, unless bishop stating that the couple will live they describe or advocate positions continent lives, and due to serious contrary to Christian belief or practice, hardships, separation is impossible. In may be used before the wedding the letter the couple must give the liturgy begins. Music and musicians bishop permission to reveal their must be approved by the priest in brother-sister relationship if it proves sufficient time for adjustments to be necessary because of scandal. made if necessary. Often photographers create a C. Internal Forum Solution disturbance which diminishes the This is a conscious decision solemnity of the celebration. For these whereby the couple themselves reasons, it is best to discuss a plan in recognize their previous marriage(s) to which photographs and videos may be be invalid even though it cannot be taken without causing such a proven in the external forum and distraction. Qualified photographers believe that they are now truly married are permitted to take pictures during to each other and so seek to receive the the ceremony provided they are not a sacraments. Their situation cannot be distraction or cause interruptions. They

18 27 relationship and their hopes for their publicly known nor can it be a cause of marriage. scandal in the community. Because marriage remains a The internal forum solution is to community event and not simply one for be used only when the tribunal has the spouses and their families, the parish advised that there is no possibility of church remains the place for marriage. proving nullity in the external forum. Weddings are not private or family affairs With the advance in jurisprudence this is only, but celebrations of the whole Church. less frequently used. Nuptial Masses are not to be celebrated on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation. NECESSARY PROCEDURE TO BE FOLLOWED Marriages during the Lenten Season should AND DOCUMENTS TO BE OBTAINED be discouraged as much as possible. Simplicity of symbol and regard for a. MA and MB forms are to be cultural symbols should be carefully filled out before a pastoral minister. discerned by the couple's pastoral team Parents are best witnesses for MB forms member. Decorations in the church and should be sought, especially where should reflect the dignity of the there might be parental opposition; ceremony. Flowers, candles, banners, otherwise, the witnesses should have and other decorations should not known the party since the age of 16. hinder movement in the sanctuary nor Ordinarily, there should be two MB obstruct the view of the wedding forms for each party entering a ceremony, the preaching of the Word of marriage. God, or the altar. Thus, a floral arch b. Banns of Marriage should be over the bride and groom should be announced in the parish of both bride discouraged. and groom.

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c. If both parties are Catholic but you advise couples to go to the local are living in different parishes, the county court house and have their Mexican marriage may take place in the parish of marriage recorded or to keep a copy of their the bride or the groom without civil Mexican marriage license in the pre- preference. It is a matter of professional nuptial files so that recourse may be made courtesy to inform the other pastor to either of these places at a later date. that a marriage is going to take place in your parish. If banns are published in THE WEDDING LITURGY both parishes, you may consider this as By its very nature, the Eucharistic sufficient notification. Liturgy is the best setting for the Sacrament d. If the marriage of two Catholics of Matrimony. This is especially true when is going to take place outside of the both people are Catholic and the majority of parishes of bride or groom, permission their friends are able to share in the prayer of from the pastor of either the bride or the Church and the Lord's Supper. groom needs to be obtained. On the other hand, when one person e. The certificate of participation is not Catholic and is uncomfortable or in an approved marriage preparation unfamiliar with Catholic prayer, or when program should be obtained. families may be ill-at-ease praying the mass, f. For baptized persons, a copy of or when few friends or relatives would their baptismal certificate is required. understand the mass, couples often decide it Catholics are to present a copy of their is best to celebrate the wedding outside the baptismal certificate re-issued within six Eucharistic Liturgy. months and which lists all notations of Whatever the couple decides, it sacraments received. should always be a ceremony which reflects in a special way the couple's own

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Catholic Church in the state of New N.B.: Baptismal certificates and other Mexico must fulfill the requirements of official documents from foreign countries the civil laws of the State of New Mexico. may be difficult to obtain. Pastoral At present there are two requirements: understanding should be taken that the a. Marriage license: A civil marriage marriage is not unnecessarily delayed because license is effective for an indefinite period of this. Testimony from witnesses may have of time. One should never witness a to suffice if such documents cannot be marriage in which a civil marriage license obtained. has not been obtained. To witness a g. The promise of the Catholic party is marriage which is not authorized by the required in a mixed marriage. It is the pastoral civil authorities opens one to the minister's responsibility to instruct the possibility of civil prosecution or . Catholic of his/her responsibilities with regard b. Two witnesses are required to to the Catholic baptism and education of testify to the marriage. children and to acquaint the other party of Common-law marriage is not the promise of the Catholic. recognized in law by the State of New Only the Catholic party need make an Mexico. explicit declaration either orally or in writing N.B.: Regarding a civil marriage that regarding the baptism and education of the took place in Mexico which is now children in the Catholic faith, to be made in convalidated in the United States: The civil the presence of the pastoral minister using law marriage is also recognized in the the formula that is found on the paper United States but the convalidation in the requesting dispensation from banns, mixed United States may create difficulties later religion, and/or disparity of cult. in life when the application for social Although no formal statement of the security is made. It is recommended that non-Catholic is required, the priest is to

24 21 certify over his own signature that the pre-nuptial file. declaration has been made by the Catholic l. Delegation must be given for a and the non-Catholic is aware of it. visiting priest or deacon to witness a The promise of the Catholic is marriage, even if he already has faculties in presumed to be made sincerely. If the this diocese. Catholic party absolutely refuses to cooperate in the matter, no dispensation can DISPENSATION be granted. Marriage team member(s) are to seek h. The pastoral team minister may wish a dispensation from the tribunal office in to include a confidential personal letter the specific cases found in canons 1083- concerning his/her opinions, reservations, 1094 and 1124-1127. Any dispensations and beliefs about the marriage to take place. should be sought at the beginning of the i. If the marriage is a second marriage marriage preparations rather than at the last for either or both people, the death minute. certificate(s) of the first spouse(s) or the If the marriage involves at least one documents which re-establish the right to Catholic and is taking place in a non- marry (Decree of Nullity, or Lack of Forum) Catholic Church with both the Catholic are to be included in the pre-marital file of priest/deacon and a non-Catholic minister the couple. participating but the Catholic priest j. If the couple was civilly married, a officiating for the , an copy of the civil record of marriage should ecumenical permission should be obtained. be included for the convalidation. k. If a prior marriage received a CIVIL LAW REQUIREMENTS IN THE STATE OF dissolution or Declaration of Nullity, the NEW MEXICO proper information should be inserted in the Marriages which take place in the

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