Pastoral Outreach to Christian Marriage

Formation, Preparation, Celebration, and Continuing Education

2.1  Our Catholic Heritage
2.2  Responsibilities of the Archdiocese
2.3  Responsibilities of the Parish
2.4  Responsibilities of the Engaged Couple
2.5  Preparation Process
2.6  Special Circumstances
2.7  Process for Special Circumstances

Home In the Spirit of Cana Table of Contents Acknowledgements Preface Introduction Formation Preparation Celebration Continuing Education Conclusion Appendices Other Resources

2.6  Special Circumstances

 Part of what a successful marriage requires of a couple is to be mature, responsible, and free. Christian marriage requires that the dimension of faith also be present in a couple’s relationship. Since each couple is unique, there is no single, objective standard by which one can judge a couple’s readiness to marry, nor guarantee the success of their marriage. However, specific, identifiable special circumstances may be present which indicate a need for further assessment and growth before the final decision is made to proceed with the marriage. The following are considered special circumstances.

2.6.1  Marriage After a Previous Bond 2.6.2  Marriage After the Death of a Spouse 2.6.3  Marriage After a Declaration of Nullity from the Tribunal 2.6.4  Children from a Previous (Non-Marital) Relationship 2.6.5  Canonical Impediments 2.6.6  Cohabitation 2.6.7  Persons with Mental Illness 2.6.8  Weddings Taking Place in Other Dioceses 2.6.9  Convalidation (Re-Validation/“Blessing the Marriage”) 2.6.10  Marriage to a Member of Another Christian Church 2.6.11  Marriage to a Member of a Non-Christian Religion 2.6.12  Non-Practicing Catholics 2.6.13  Non-Registered Couples 2.6.14  Cross-Cultural/Interracial Marriages 2.6.15  Immigration Issues 2.6.16  Previous Abortion 2.6.17  Health Concerns 2.6.18  Marriage of Minors 2.6.19  Pregnancy 2.6.20  Extended Separation Before or After the Wedding 2.6.21  Older Couple 2.6.22  Fulfillment of Requirements of Church Law

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