priest who will marry son/fiance

[Pepper]

Originally Posted by pit martin

My son from Boston and his fiance from south of Boston, are getting married in Meredith in Sept. He his having difficulty finding a priest who will perform the ceremony(which wil be at Church Landing under a tent). We have checked with several Catholic churches who will not accomodate them because they are not members of their church. He never even got to mention that they would prefer not being required to attend any classes sometimes required.Any help would be appreciated. thanks

I'm guessing that your future daughter-in-law is Catholic, and is hoping to have a "church wedding" at Church landing. Sadly, as there is no longer a Catholic Church located there, this will be impossible.

There are, in any organized religion, certain rules. The Catholic Church is no exception - in fact their rules are stricter than most. Wedding ceremonies are only performed inside a church or in a location considered to be holy ground. I'm surprised your son's fiance was not aware of this. Additionally, in order for any couple to be married by a Catholic Priest, they must first attend the prescribed Pre Canna, or preparation-for-marriage sessions. Again, I'm very surprised the bride is not aware of this requirement.

Many disagree with the rigid structure of the Catholic Church, as is their right. However, it is equally within the right of the Church to uphold their tenets.

It is unfortunate that your son and his bride-to-be will likely not have the wedding they envisioned. Perhaps they might be willing to enlist the services of an Episcopal Priest - the service is remarkably similar, and the location is much less of an issue. It would certainly be worth a call to one of the local Episcopal Churches in this area.

I wish them the very best of luck as they search for the perfect solution, and as they embark on the road of life together!