Office of Family Ministries at 601 S. Jefferson Ave., Springfield, MO 65806-3143 US - Diocesan Marriage Preparation Policy

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES TO BE ADDRESSED WITH YOUR PASTOR

1)  Catholic/Non-Catholic Marriage - Since unity in religious belief is a major source of strength in marriage, the Catholic Church encourages Catholics to marry Catholics. In those instances where the parties are of different faith backgrounds, the Catholic party must request written permission from the bishop to marry in the Church. Special sessions to acquaint or update the couple's understanding of Catholic beliefs and practices will be provided.

2)  Marriage Under Age 19 - When either of the parties is under the age of 19 at the time they make their intention to marry known to the pastor, the decision to proceed may be given by the pastor only after consultation with the parents or guardians is accomplished and the approved diocesan evaluation is completed.

3)  Pregnancy - Pregnancy does not constitute an exception to this common policy for Marriage Preparation. The primary concern must be to evaluate the couple's readiness for marriage exclusive of the pregnancy.

If the couple made the decision to marry, i.e., were engaged prior to the pregnancy, plans for the wedding may be made if the pastor, in consultation with the parents of both parties, assesses the couple as sufficiently prepared for marriage and after all applicable steps of the policy are completed.

If the decision to marry was not made prior to the pregnancy, the pastor must seek additional input from an approved diocesan consultant. In this case, the pastor and parents should strongly encourage the consideration of a delay of the wedding until after the birth of the child.

Role of the Engaged Couple
Couples desiring to be married in the community of the Church are to notify the pastor in person as soon as they have the intention to marry.  They also must be willing to take an active part in all the steps of the policy which apply to them.  The date of their wedding shall be set only after they have completed the assessment process.

Role of the Pastor
The pastor has serious moral and ministerial responsibilities for all marriages that take place within his parish.  As representative of God and delegate of the Church, he is to consider if the essential elements are present for a valid Christian marriage.

Common Obsticles to Readiness for Marriage 
The following obsticles may prevent the couple from being married in the Catholic Church.  These items should be discussed with the pastor.

1. Non-practice of the Catholic faith by the Catholic party or parties with no evidence of a true intention of renewal.
2. Lack of freedom, maturity or readiness for marriage.
3. Substantial lack of appreciation for the spiritual and sacramental aspects of marriage.
4. An expressed intention by either of the parties to deny the other's right to a permanent and exclusive union and/or the procreation and education of children.
5. Canonical impediments (until dispensed). If no dispensation is possible, the wedding cannot take place.
6. Apparent indifference by the Catholic party, or disdain by either party for Catholic formation of children.
7. Refusal to cooperate with the marriage preparation policy.

If the marriage is delayed, the couple may have recourse to the bishop or his delegate who can review the case and recommend further consideration. Final determination rests with the bishop. The approval of the bishop is required for a pastor to proceed with a marriage after the marriage has been delayed by another pastor.

Exceptions to this policy and its procedures are solely at the discretion of the local bishop.