Yes, a Catholic can marry a non-Catholic in the Catholic Church. However, whether or not the marriage can take place with a full Mass depends on certain factors.
Here's a breakdown:
* Permission/Dispensation: A Catholic marrying a non-Catholic needs permission from the local bishop (or a priest delegated by him) to marry validly. This permission is usually granted routinely, provided the Catholic party affirms their commitment to raise their children in the Catholic faith and does their best to ensure that happens. The non-Catholic party must be informed of this commitment.
* Form of Marriage: The Catholic Church requires Catholics to marry in the presence of an authorized priest or deacon and two witnesses (the "canonical form"). This is necessary for validity.
* Marriage with or without Mass:
* Marriage Normally Takes Place Within Mass: The Church teaches that marriage between two Catholics is a sacrament and is therefore, normally celebrated within the context of Mass, as the Eucharist is the source and summit of Christian life.
* Dispensation from Canonical Form: If the Catholic marrying a non-Catholic requests it, the bishop can grant a dispensation from canonical form, allowing the marriage to take place outside the Catholic Church in a different religious setting. This is usually done to accommodate the non-Catholic partner's faith or family traditions. In this case, the wedding would not be a Catholic Mass.
* Marriage with Mass or Service: If the permission is granted to marry in the Catholic Church, the decision of whether to have a full Mass or a simple wedding ceremony depends on several factors:
* Preference of the Couple: The priest will consider the couple's wishes.
* Religious Background of the Non-Catholic: If the non-Catholic is baptized (even in another Christian denomination), having a Mass may be more appropriate, as both parties share a belief in the Eucharist.
* Potential for Offense: If the non-Catholic or their family would be uncomfortable with a Catholic Mass, a simpler ceremony without the Eucharist might be preferred.
* Practical Considerations: Logistical factors, such as time constraints, can also play a role.
In summary:
* A Catholic *can* marry a non-Catholic in the Catholic Church with the permission of the bishop.
* Whether that marriage includes a full Mass depends on the specific circumstances, the couple's preferences, and the priest's guidance.
* The priest will usually discuss the options with the couple during marriage preparation and help them decide what is most appropriate for their situation.
It is always best to contact a Catholic priest as early as possible during wedding planning to discuss the specific requirements and options available. They can provide personalized guidance based on the couple's circumstances.