Catholic marrying an atheistRiikka Williams & Alexandra Vinogradova

Definitions

Catholic religion

Catholics are, first and foremost, Christians who believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Catholicism shares some beliefs with other Christian practices, but essential Catholic beliefs include the following

The bible, revealed word of god

Baptism

God’s ten commands, the ethical standard to live by

Holy trinity (Father, Son & Holy Spirit)

Atheism

Atheists don’t believe in God/Gods, soul, afterlife and other religious beliefs

Older dictionaries define atheism as "a belief that there is no God."

Is not a religion!

Atheists do not have a common belief system, sacred scripture or atheist Pope

Atheists often disagree on many issues and ideas

Rules of catholic faith Attend Mass every Sunday and holy day of obligation.

Go to confession annually if not more often or when needed.

Receive Holy Communion during Easter. Receiving weekly or daily is encouraged, though.

Observe laws on fasting and abstinence: one full meal on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday; not eating meat on Fridays during Lent.

Obey the marriage laws of the Church.

Support the Church financially and otherwise.

Catholic wedding traditions

There is generally little flexibility to incorporate personal touches of the bride and groom to reflect their own personal creativity or style (old Catholics)

Wedding dress with covered shoulders

Wearing a veil

Modern ceremonies allowed more often (with own vows)

Ceremony lasts about an hour

Mass only included if a catholic marries another catholic

Atheist wedding

Purely civil wedding performed by a Justice of the Peace

license

couple of witnesses

simple statement of contractual vows

Ceremony

transition from being single to being a couple

may take place in a church no religious readings and songs

the rituals have a wholly secular meaning for the participants

Humanist Weddings Vows are written by the couple or by a

humanist celebrant in consultation with the couple

Theme of the vows will focus on topics like love and commitment

There may be rituals (like a unity candle) which have religious meaning in religious ceremonies, but in humanist weddings same rituals have a secular meaning

These weddings provide a familiar context for friends and relatives (which might be religious)

Rules of marrying an atheistIn a Catholic church

You need permission from the local Bishop to be married

The Catholic spouse must make a promise to remove all barriers to remaining Catholic and must remain Catholic

The Catholic spouse must make a promise to raise any children from the marriage Catholic

The Catholic spouse must inform his/her partner of the above promises prior to marriage

Both spouses must be instructed as to the purpose and essential properties of marriage

The ceremony must be conducted in proper canonical form (that is, before a member of the Catholic clergy) unless a dispensation is received from the local Bishop

It is forbidden for you to hold two ceremonies wherein you take the marital vows

Things to consider when marrying outside your faith

Where to get married?

How do the families feel about it?

How to raise your children?

How far are you willing to compromise your own beliefs?

Can you respect the other person’s religious and try not to convert them?

Everyday rituals?

Holidays?

Positive side of religious believers and non-believers marrying

1. Many partners discover that religious and nonreligious people can share morals and values.

2. Many partners report becoming a better example of their own worldview.

3. Many conservative religious believers adopt more progressive and tolerant social views

4. Many nonbelievers are better able to let go of paralyzing resentments toward religion.

5. The difference often leads partners to learn more about each other than they otherwise would have.

6. Both believers and nonbelievers find themselves examining their own beliefs more closely.

Sources

http://atheism.about.com/od/atheistsweddings/a/nonreligious.htm

http://atheists.org/activism/resources/what-is-atheism