I'm 16, haven't started dating yet (not in a hurry to). I've never really understood why I can't get married outside of a church, until I watched this video. Starting a couple months ago, I've started trying to strengthen my faith by learning about issues I don't fully understand, and also praying more, and I've noticed a change in how I view the world. Thank you so much for posting this video, it was very helpful!!
Wow, what a wise 16 yr old you are! :) And a incredible Woman of God you will become!! That says a lot about you..that instead of saying " oh well that doesn't make since!" And turning your heart away from God. But better to figure it out.
So because YOU want a church wedding, every other Catholic (1.5 billion) also want a church wedding? The more mature we are, the more we realize that not everyone else is just like you or me.
I'd love to get married but unfortunately being on a disability in Canada I can't get married legally in a church to somebody who is on medical social services take it away what do you think about that what can I do father or anybody else that has ideas
Father, I am Catholic. In the church, we have the real presence of Jesus Christ in the tabernacle. When you are married in the Church you are quite LITERALLY and married in front of God incarnate who makes himself manifest in the Holy Eucharist.
Why do you have Jesus in the tabernacle?? The holiest of holy's are now us when we get filled by the Holy Spirit. God is no longer in the tabernacle, that is in the OT and we are in the NT. The veil was destroyed when Jesus died. PS, why do you call him Father? Matthew 23:9 - And do not call anyone on earth 'father,' for you have one Father, and he is in heaven.
Sando Raouf We believe that during the Eucharist celebration at Mass that the bread and wine transform (called transubstantiation) into the body and blood of Jesus Christ. Jesus told his disciples that this was his body and blood at The Last Supper and told them to do it in memory of him. After communion, the priest puts left over hosts(which have been blessed/ consecrated by him & contain the body/ blood of Jesus) in the tabernacle behind the altar to show respect and honor to our savior. It is stored in a special chalice with a lid that has a cross on top of it(ciborium). I hope this helps you understand the Catholic faith a little better. God bless! Lena
Sando Raouf God was not literal with that text you are misinterpreting Matthew 23:9, You call your dad father you are already wrong? No.. John 8:56 James 2:21 Luke 1:73 all call Abraham father. 1 timothy 1:1-2 Paul is calling himself father of faith. That's just few verses there's more. Do a little research and you'll find out that the Catholic Church is the correct church don't just take what others say about the church.
Sando Raouf you protestants call your selves spiritual fathers left and right. Protestant always try to discredit tge Catholic church and they do the exact same thing. I guess they never heard Jesus saying "your father abraham" or Paul and John saying sons.... When we say father to the priest we dont mean he is our creator. Simply a spiritual guide. If that text was literall then you cant even call your dad father because itvsays call NO ONE FATHER ON EARTH. It doesnt say call no priest or pastor father on earth.
I am a cradle Catholic but living in this modern world, I’ve had so many of these questions that you answer so clearly in these videos. Thank you so much Fr. Mike!
As a 20-year-old Catholic, I never understand why Catholics had to get married in a church. I would it would be much more lovely to get married in a garden or on a beach; until I saw this video! I learnt so much!! Thank you Fr Mike for a great video!
I think it odd too, since the church building is just that, a building. The true church is the body of believers so the setting shouldn't matter. The people are the witnesses to the wedding and the legitimacy of the wedding should be established by pastors and priests before the wedding even takes place. This is a weird rule that isn't in the Bible, meanwhile the Catholic church allows Catholics to marry non-Christians and athiests, which is against scripture as that is unequally yoked. They used to not allow this, but then changed the rules at the second vatican council to go against scripture after allowing leaders of other faiths to give their input when the Bible teaches there is only one way and that is through Christ alone and not to be unequally yoked with an unbeliever.
Kate Frances I am assuming though if you ever want to renew your vows to celebrate your wedding day that could probably be done on a beach or in a garden curious maybe you should ask and then if it’s permissible you get your dreams and your wedding double fold
@@abc123fhdi The Church is just a building? Maybe I would think that if I didn't believe in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. But to be married in a room that houses Our Lord himself - that's such a beautiful blessing. It would be so lovely to be married outdoors with birds singing and a beautiful canopy of green-leafed trees, but how much more glorious is it to take your vows before the One who created them all? He's right there in that Tabernacle, just a few feet away, when you take those vows in a Catholic Church.
No! I find outdoor weddings rather odd. Receptions outdoors are lovely if it’s the right time of year. Here in Ireland, outdoor weddings don’t happen very often. 😆🍀
Plus it adds so much extra stress! Your wedding is stressful enough to plan as is, I wouldn’t also want to be constantly worrying if it might rain or be windy!
Father Mike; my wife and I are happily married practicing Catholics and have been blessed by God with a beautiful daughter who is now 13. Your videos are excellent, faith-filled and inspiring! Your explanations are clear and inspired by the Holy Spirit. You truly reflect Christ in every video you post. Thank you and God bless you. I'm praying that God the Father will continue to bless you in your vocation so that you may continually experience His love by bringing Christ to all you preach to. Giovanni Pagliari
Love this. Thank you Father Michael. This will be great to share with those who aren't Catholic and don't understand why it is important to be married in the church. It will also be great for those who are Catholic and still might have questions. God Bless!
When I was a young teacher I moved into a new area and picked my parish based on where I wanted to get married. I stay at that Parish, got involved, and tithed for years before I met my groom lol. It’s Our Lady of the Rosary in New Orleans, beautiful church!
Well, I married a Non-Catholic, so church wedding was out of question at the time. Married on top of my hometown mountain. I always feel closer to God when I am in nature anyway. Thank you for your videos, Father. You are the last connection between the Catholic Church and myself.
@@Donna-cc1kt- It wasn’t the Sacrament of Matrimony, not because there was no Mass, but because for marriage to be a sacrament both parties must be baptized. I didn’t have a Mass either, because my husband is not Catholic, but he is baptized so our marriage is sacramental.
That's so interesting, it makes sense from a historical perspective. The whole, making sure people are being honest and only being married to one person because "you're coming before your community and God and making this contract, this covenant with everyone in time." In my marriage prep course we're learning about the sacraments and this makes sense too because God ordained this union between man and woman so the only way to "prove it" to God and be granted the strength in marriage from God is to do it before His glory. Fascinating Father Mike!
Speaking as a theologian, I agree with absolutely everything Fr. Mike said...except that the logic of the specialness of the church building vs. the specialness of really anywhere else (to God, that is) is dubious. With great love for our tradition of church-building marriages and those who uphold and laud it, I do nevertheless feel the need to insist on us being honest about this. God does not need buildings to connect with us. And were there no civilization, God would still have God's sacramental relationship with us always and everywhere. But...the point about marriage "not being about you," as it were, is very well taken and important. God bless.
+GuaiEye im just interested because you say your a theologian, when G D asked for sacrifice did he say you can do it anywhere or in the temple? (old covenant)
God is not bound by the building just as he is not bound by the sacraments, but we are. He chose the sacraments for a reason and we need to continue to meditate on why. This same logic could also say that the presence of God in the Eucharist in Church is not special because he can choose to manifest himself wherever and whenever he wants.
Hi David, Thanks so much for your question. There are numerous approaches to sacrifice in the Hebrew scriptures. If you're looking specifically at those books (ex. Leviticus, Deuteronomy), it depends on the book and the context. I'm admittedly not an expert in this area (my area is New Testament, specifically translation, and I'm by no means an expert in that area either). But overall, there's no quick and easy answer. This is really a great topic for a Bible study group, as there are many sources to consider and reflect on. I've been looking for some kind of succinct online resource to refer you to, and the Jewish Encyclopedia does a pretty good job of addressing the topic of sacrifice: www.jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/12984-sacrifice. In the Catholic/Christian context, I would encourage reflecting on Jesus' approach to sacrifice as the lens by which teachings from the Hebrew scriptures on sacrifice are interpreted. There's no one portrayal of sacrifice in the Gospels either, but a common emphasis on sacrifice as self-giving (the Greek theological term "kenosis" is helpful here). And I'd also put all of this in the context of 2 Cor. 3:6, that God has made us "servants of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life." It's wonderful that we gather in churches (literally, "gathering places"), and they are a sensible place for us to celebrate the life, death, and resurrection of Christ as a united community, one body in Christ together at the table. All I want to bring to mind is that sacrifice, a gift of the Spirit, is always and everywhere acceptable when it is in the Spirit of self-giving as Christ taught us. Should all the church buildings in the world crumble to ruin, our celebration of the Eucharist would not be hindered. The Eucharist is about the spirit of thanksgiving, enriched but not limited by any church structure. And, of course, I would always say that you should never take my or anyone else's word for it. Theologians are students of the faith just as much as anyone else, ever prone to sin and error. But I hope, nevertheless, that I have been helpful in some small way! Thank you again for posing this very compelling question!
GuaiEye The Eucharist resides in the Church. The Host IS the physical body of Christ. When you marry in the Church building you are marrying directly in the presence of the One, True, Living God.
St. Andrews by the sea…. The only open air Catholic Church is located is Corpus Christi Texas. It’s so beautiful. I know several people married “outside” because it’s a church with an altar a tabernacle and everything
Too late, but I have to say, my sister got married by our favorite priest in a tent at a wedding facility by the ocean (cold and rainy in May). 2nd marriage with an annulment. I asked the good father if that was the difference in her being married outside, he said no, it was with a dispensation from, and here I'm fuzzy, either from him or the bishop. One of the most beautiful weddings I've ever been to and thanks to patience on both sides, they have been married 30 years.
Hi Father Mike, thanks for your explanation. Again I learned something new. By the way... I married in church. It was quite nice - my wife thinks so too... and we are still together.
Great explanation. Father. Teaching my high school Sacred Studies class (sophomores) Mass & Sacraments and we are currently discussing the Sacrament of Matrimony. Just went through this with my 3 sections today. So, the Holy Spirit's timing is AWESOME (literally) once again in dropping this into my RUclips suggestions this evening. I mentioned a little of what you are saying here about marriage not being a "right" but a vocation, and therefore, a gift to the Church, but I didn't follow the implications to what this means for marrying inside the church. Was struggling a a bit with the answer to that question (having brought that up as part of the liceity of the form), but without having a better answer than, "You mean apart from because the Church says so? ...Yeah, well, let me get back to you on that..." Now I can!
I am a Southern Baptist and I really appreciate this viewpoint that the Marriage is your calling from God to live the Christian life. It is not about you. It is about God. I have been married for 25 years with three children. All of whom are professing Christians. It really is a working out of your faith because the sacrifice is daily. Yes, I was married in a Baptist church in a small Mississippi town....in late July. Being married inside because it was 95 degrees with high humidity and a brutal sun was probably a major reason for the indoor nuptials.
@Kevin Johnson I m Irish Catholic and I used to feel the same way about Protestant churches but now I leave the judgement up to God and recognise the presence of jesus in your church ( where two or three are gathered in my name ......) I would happily say a rosary in a protestant church without it threatening my catholic faith.I am a republican and do believe in a united Ireland and your faith is not the issue.
Tell me about it. My husband is a devout catholic and even though i am not a devout Catholic we had to get married in a church but he said I could do what I wanted to at the reception. Yippee !
Wait . . . So my wedding to my wife was like me sacrificing both our lives on the altar as a gift to God? This is much more dramatic than the pictures make it out to be. 😉
I have seen Catholic and all kinds of outdoor wedding oreformed by Priests Pastors, Reverends and Rabbis. It's what is said in a ceremony and by whom and commitment to God and your spouse that matters.
Sooo, marriage isn’t a sacrifice? Ahhh, yeah it is. 💕💕. Love yes, sacrifice yes and we are faithful for the sake of what God has blest. If I utterly missed your point and you were sardonic, apologies here.
Hey Father Mike! I enjoy your yt a lot. One thing I have found is the churches seemed to forget the singles. We feel lost. We are not called to the Priest or religious vocation and yet we aren't married. Most people in their 30s and 40s feel forgotten. Will you please speak on this. Why is their so much on getting married. Single people are not cursed.
Naw, we are definitely cursed. Sure marriage doesn't guarantee happiness but lonelines is a pretty miserable alternative. If singlehood was on Yelp I rate it one star.
I am not forgotten in Gods heart. I am single and no man counts more to me than He. Our days alone are also a part of His plan. We are all called in different ways, on different roads and at different times. How could it be otherwise? I am an individual soul traveling forward ( sadly, sometimes backyards). Don’t trouble your own heart. There is enough for that. Love what God loves, you and your path. May God bless you abundantly with the resolve of Paul.
Father I would just like to add that the Catholic Church does recognize certain outdoor areas, such as Saint Anne's Shrine in Vermont. Catholics do have a few options to the traditional.
I think I arrived 6 years late to this video, but last year I married, and when my now wife and I were looking for churches we went looking for some around her parents house, and suddenly I just suggested to her if she wanted to go to a Cathedral close to my mother´s house. It is devoted to the Virgin Mary in her "Los Remedios" appeareance and is almost 500 years old. Once we got there and we went inside she was marveled, I took her to every place we were allowed to go in the Cathedral. We looked nowhere else, she just said Yes!, This is where I want us to get married. No beach, nor public space would´ve been a match for that Cathedral, I´m glad we got married there.
There is one exception to Father Mike's Schmidtz Once a year there are Catholic weddings conducted at St Peter's square. If you want to get married outside that is the only way I know. And you are married by Pope Francis himself. You better make plans a year-and-a-half in advance with the Vatican. As long as you meet the necessary requirements by your Bishop. He cannot deny that marriage.
I discerned that bad people defiled me completely and now they trying to pretend that it was all my fault. But God sees everything and felt everything true me, so the justice will come I have no doubt in this.
So I used to be catholic im a Christian chaplain and I like to refer to myself as a follower of Jesus and minister of the gospels. The Kingdom of heaven in within us not within a building.
I do respect your opinion and I'm not saying you're wrong but I see God's presence, power and beauty not only in the church but in everything He created. I think God is looking more at the content of the ceremony rather than the location.
Fr. Mike, as a church organist, I've had hardly any weddings to play for in recent times. I wonder if this could have anything to do with more weddings happening out of church......🤔
Kind of a bummer because I think outside weddings are beautiful and meaningful...but at the same time I understand why it isn't a good idea at the same time 😕
Father Schmitz, I am a Catholic attending daily masses. I am also Eucharistic minister. I raised five children, all live according to Catholic Church principles. I helped my wife to convert to Catholic Church. I think that your reasoning here is a lot of Church bureaucratic technicalities. Bishops make mistakes and this is one of them. But we obey it because obedience is more than sacrifice. That does not make this decision right. This is an example when we chew on gnat and swallow a camel, when we lose the Spirit and make technicality god. God created this Universe and this fantastic nature therefore he is present outside as he is present in man made structures. I would say that he is more preset outside than in a man made buildings. Even best Churches in the World look like a barn in comparison to the beauty of natural world.The Holy Eucharist can be outside so can marriage wows be given outside. After all, at the weddings, Church is only a witness. The true wedding is between a man and a woman and they should have freedom to decide where and when they want to have their sacrament established. Sorry, but I totally disagree with you. The bureaucracy is dangerous because It kills the Holy Spirit in the Church.
Jesus is present in the Blessed Sacrament in every church. How it is possible that a Catholic doesn't want to get marriage in the church, in front of tabernacle? Are such Catholics are aware of what they believe in?
I still don't understand what you said about having a wedding outside. It's not about us I got married outside my whole family friends and everybody was there so didn't God create the trees the outdoors the wonderful fresh air so I'm still not understanding what was the difference if you got married in church or Outdoors what God created
Protestant ministers who convert to Catholicism and were already married remain married when they join the Priesthood. There are hundreds of them in the Catholic Church today and so far the Vatican hasn't crumbled into dust.
Fr Mike, I sooo enjoy your messages --- when I can understand them! I just wish you would speak a little slower...I am profoundly deaf so yes, I am at a disadvantage. However I have hearing friends and family who have perfectly good hearing and they think you speak too fast also!!!
A lot of RUclipsrs add text... Hey, Fr. Mike, just a thought! Doing so could help you spread your messages to even more people! I'm not deaf, but I respond well to written text, so sometimes text at the bottom of the screen helps me out too!
thats a great point of you, I always wondered why these kinds of weddings felt off, but I still don't think it has to be like this unless you want to and are committed in this way
What if you get married outside, not for your own wants/desires, but because the outdoors is God's creation? I'm not discounting the points made, but would there really be any difference if you were to get married inside the church vs. right outside the church? I understand you want the Eucharist present, but what if you had the Eucharist present at an outdoor wedding?
So crazy that this just happened to pop up on my recommended watch feed because I am going to my brother-in-law’s out door garden wedding next weekend LOL I don’t think I’ll show him this
My local Catholic church has an outdoor grotto. There's an altar there, in front of a statue of Mary. Would that be the same, even though it isn't under a roof?
I'm a Baptist, yet I really enjoy your videos. I don't agree with all of them, or even many of them, if I did I would be Catholic instead of Baptist. This is one however I wholeheartedly agree with one hundred percent. My mother is Catholic,. I went to Catholic school for a time (jr. high years), yet I am Baptist. I learn a lot from your channel. Your points here are well made and spot on. Every Christian young couple should see this. Catholic, Protestant or Eastern Orthodox. Thank you.
My Aunt and Uncle had a private ceremony in the church with the Priest and two witnesses before their "outdoor" wedding by the lake. They had the same "ceremony" with the priest outdoors in front of all their family and friends. They were told (40 years ago) that that was the only way that they could still have an outdoor wedding. I'm assuming that worked, right?
As a wedding photographer I documented numerous weddings outside with priests and rabbis One wedding was in a protestant church with priest, rabbi, and the reverend of the church. officiating. The rabbi said "And now over to the other station" All were beautiful ceremonies with no upsmanship of one particular faith. God doesn't care what religion you are.
This is true, as long as you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you are saved. The Catholic Church has so many rituals as to keep your eye on the greater pictures of Christ. But it can be overwhelming and not one person is perfect at is since only God is without flaw. God doesn't care your church denomination, he only cares that you come to him completely, through the free will He gave all of us.
Need your prayers for family and friends who do not ssem to believe anymore in the sacrament of matrimony, some of them together for years now and with children..
I’m not married and strongly feel called to religious life. That being said, knowing that Jesus is right there in the tabernacle makes me wonder why anyone would want to get married anywhere else. God’s creation is beautiful but it’s not more beautiful than Him.
God gave you this beautiful wife of yours and it must be in the church and God is blessing you with beautiful children. A beautiful wife, beautiful children and beautiful family. We must obey God and this beautiful family God has blessed you with is God given.
Father you can get permission to get married out side the building from the Bishop, I've had family who did so and it was granted, they got married out on a boat in the river. lol
What if one wall falls down during the wedding? What if someone accidentally leaves the doors open? What if it's really windy and the whole building flies away in the middle of the ceremony?
Somebody once said "Not my will be done, God's will be done." Have some faith in God knowing all of our secrets. Every breath you take, every vow you make, every move you make, he is watching you. Braveheart should have shouted "Free Will"! (sorry different movie)
I looked up this question and online sources say that there are 2 places that allow outdoor Catholic weddings: some U.S. dioceses are starting to test the boundaries of that law, which says that with permission of the proper Catholic authority, a priest can perform a marriage in “another suitable place.” The Archdiocese of Baltimore began testing a new policy in February that allows priests and deacons to request to marry a couple somewhere other than their parish church.
I think what he is saying is beautiful although not sure I will ever truly understand it. To me it makes more sense to have a wedding in a place that He made instead of a building that "he" meaning man made.
I now see marriage as a covenant of God. Not only do we ask permission from our earthly fathers/mothers to join in marriage but also from God our Father. Before marriage, the man and woman are not one or whole but split apart just like the sacrifice of animals in the Old Testament. Yet, they beseech the Father to join them together. To have this done in His house is so profound to think about! Plus, you can always have your celebrations outside after the ceremony. I have no evidence to back up my claim, but it could be like The Wedding Feast at Cana where they held their joyous activities outside the physical church.
If the church is Christ's body (Ephesians 1:22-23) and we are Christ's body (1 Corinthians 12:27) than what makes "the church" a building, if marriage is giving vocation to the church it doesn't matter about the building, but about the people right?
Yep me and the wife got married in a park in Maui but now the Catholic church says, Nope we don't recognize it and you need to get re-married in the Catholic church. So we are getting all the records, meeting with the Priest, We have only been married for 26 years but I guess we need to make this right.
But can't a Mass be celebrated outside? This happens all the time. This happened when the Pope visited the US; it happened during the pro-life rally in the middle of a snowstorm on an altar of snow, etc. So why can't the Mass be moved outdoors for a wedding? Isn't the "Church" the body of Christ which are His followers? It's certainly not the buildings? This needs more explanation...
+Preston Jones Yes Preston...I did...the whole thing too. But I don't think the explanation was significant. So it's a vocation...ok, so where does the physical building come into play? And how does that make a difference? This explanation certainly doesn't cover it. Weddings are usually always by private invitation whether in a church or outside a church, so the William Wallace example really doesn't fit here because it still isn't technically public. I could understand if this was about a beach wedding with just a priest and the bride and groom, with no one else invited...but its pretty inaccurate to say your marriage isn't about you, because of course it is. It's obviously not ONLY about you, as the Church teaches, it's between God and the spouses. Obviously the Church has sole authority over the institution of the vocation through the priesthood, but why does the physical location make any difference at all? My wife and I were married in my church, that's the only thing I wanted out of the entire wedding, but if we had been married in the back yard of the church by the same priest and with the same people in attendance, and still receiving Christ with all our heart, where is the difference? Where is the evidence or where is the divine revelation from the Holy Spirit to suggest God recognizes marriage with the physical location of the event considered into it's validity? God is only interested in the matter of the heart. The marriage is validated or invalidated by the intention and will of the spouses in cooperation with the will of God. Nothing else matters. This is what the current annulment process seeks to discover in order to be granted or denied. Another question to consider...why then, if this is fully true, does the Church recognize marriages instituted outside the Church? Also, don't get me wrong...I firmly believe that if the Church has revealed this as truth, than I am obliged to follow it, but it's never wrong to ask questions and seek the truth.
+Andy Drees I can see your point. The way he explained priestly ordination though makes sense to me - a man giving himself as a gift to Christ and His Church. So it makes sense that the gift would be given in a church since he is giving himself to the Church. In the same way a wedding is the spouses giving themselves as a gift to each other and to Christ and His Church. I'm guessing that if there was no Catholic church building for hundreds of miles around, another building could be used for either an ordination or a wedding as needed if it was set up for mass...But in the US I suppose that isn't the case very many places. I wonder too (this happened with someone I knew who wasn't Catholic) what if one of the spouses is very ill and in the hospital. Can they get married in their hospital room or the chapel at the hospital if they couldn't safely leave the hospital to go to a church?
+Andy Drees I agree. I need more of an explanation too. The Masses I've been to outside were some of the most beautiful inspiring Masses, including ones on top of a mountainside in Aspen, surrounded by all the grandeur of God's creation!!!
I was really hoping to get a believable response to this question of outdoor Catholic weddings. Sadly, no. I even listened twice, truly seeking an answer that makes sense.
Religion is non-sensical, what about the millions of christians of other denominations marrying in their backyards?, and what about marriage in other religions? and marriage between lgbt+ floks? what about marriage between atheists?, aren't they married? in a world where every cm2 is watched by a camera, this explanation lacks validity even in their own faith, also, marriage is a truly ancient institution that predates recorded history, predates christianity, these folks have hijacked this concept for their own sinister money making enterprise.
My only question would be; and it’s more in curiosity, is why are marriages considered valid if done before becoming a Catholic, and outside without being done by a male who’s not considered a church’s pastor?
I respectfully disagree with this. What about all the impoverished countries in Africa and Asia who either cannot afford to even build a physical building or it's illegal to build a church? This interpretation (that has no biblical foundation) is suggesting that a marriage service that happens inside gold painted walls is true and holy, but one that happens 40 yards over on the grass is not. Marriage is two people vowing to come together as one under God. This is the most important part, not the physical location. The followers of Jesus are the church. The church is not a building, but an inclusive, worldly family of believers.
So basically its tradition... Because there is nothing wrong about being married outdoors. Everything you said while well presented was just a summary of why traditionally you should marry in a church. (Having it be a public display, and a symbol for the people of the church) Those reasons also can be applied to a lovely outdoor ceremony should you choose.
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I'm 16, haven't started dating yet (not in a hurry to). I've never really understood why I can't get married outside of a church, until I watched this video. Starting a couple months ago, I've started trying to strengthen my faith by learning about issues I don't fully understand, and also praying more, and I've noticed a change in how I view the world. Thank you so much for posting this video, it was very helpful!!
Wow, what a wise 16 yr old you are! :) And a incredible Woman of God you will become!! That says a lot about you..that instead of saying " oh well that doesn't make since!" And turning your heart away from God. But better to figure it out.
What Catholic doesn't want a church wedding!? I've been waiting all my life to walk down the aisle and receive God's blessing.
So because YOU want a church wedding, every other Catholic (1.5 billion) also want a church wedding? The more mature we are, the more we realize that not everyone else is just like you or me.
@@ArizonaWillful She's just expressing her desire to get married in a church, I'm sure she's not judging Catholics who'd like to get married outside.
I'd love to get married but unfortunately being on a disability in Canada I can't get married legally in a church to somebody who is on medical social services take it away what do you think about that what can I do father or anybody else that has ideas
Same💯
Yes because God's blessing is limited to the church building
So good. Will share this with many teens who have asked me the same question. Thank you, Fr. Mike!
Hi Emily! Nice to see two of my favorite RUclipsrs at the same place! 😊
Father, I am Catholic. In the church, we have the real presence of Jesus Christ in the tabernacle. When you are married in the Church you are quite LITERALLY and married in front of God incarnate who makes himself manifest in the Holy Eucharist.
Why do you have Jesus in the tabernacle?? The holiest of holy's are now us when we get filled by the Holy Spirit. God is no longer in the tabernacle, that is in the OT and we are in the NT. The veil was destroyed when Jesus died. PS, why do you call him Father? Matthew 23:9 - And do not call anyone on earth 'father,' for you have one Father, and he is in heaven.
Sando Raouf
We believe that during the Eucharist celebration at Mass that the bread and wine transform (called transubstantiation) into the body and blood of Jesus Christ. Jesus told his disciples that this was his body and blood at The Last Supper and told them to do it in memory of him. After communion, the priest puts left over hosts(which have been blessed/ consecrated by him & contain the body/ blood of Jesus) in the tabernacle behind the altar to show respect and honor to our savior. It is stored in a special chalice with a lid that has a cross on top of it(ciborium). I hope this helps you understand the Catholic faith a little better.
God bless!
Lena
Sando Raouf God was not literal with that text you are misinterpreting Matthew 23:9, You call your dad father you are already wrong? No.. John 8:56 James 2:21 Luke 1:73 all call Abraham father. 1 timothy 1:1-2 Paul is calling himself father of faith. That's just few verses there's more. Do a little research and you'll find out that the Catholic Church is the correct church don't just take what others say about the church.
Sando Raouf you protestants call your selves spiritual fathers left and right.
Protestant always try to discredit tge Catholic church and they do the exact same thing. I guess they never heard Jesus saying "your father abraham" or Paul and John saying sons.... When we say father to the priest we dont mean he is our creator. Simply a spiritual guide. If that text was literall then you cant even call your dad father because itvsays call NO ONE FATHER ON EARTH. It doesnt say call no priest or pastor father on earth.
Because you are Protestant...
I am a cradle Catholic but living in this modern world, I’ve had so many of these questions that you answer so clearly in these videos. Thank you so much Fr. Mike!
As a 20-year-old Catholic, I never understand why Catholics had to get married in a church. I would it would be much more lovely to get married in a garden or on a beach; until I saw this video! I learnt so much!! Thank you Fr Mike for a great video!
I think it odd too, since the church building is just that, a building. The true church is the body of believers so the setting shouldn't matter. The people are the witnesses to the wedding and the legitimacy of the wedding should be established by pastors and priests before the wedding even takes place. This is a weird rule that isn't in the Bible, meanwhile the Catholic church allows Catholics to marry non-Christians and athiests, which is against scripture as that is unequally yoked. They used to not allow this, but then changed the rules at the second vatican council to go against scripture after allowing leaders of other faiths to give their input when the Bible teaches there is only one way and that is through Christ alone and not to be unequally yoked with an unbeliever.
Kate Frances I am assuming though if you ever want to renew your vows to celebrate your wedding day that could probably be done on a beach or in a garden curious maybe you should ask and then if it’s permissible you get your dreams and your wedding double fold
How many papal visits around the world had out door Masses. I attended an ordination in a football stadium.
@@abc123fhdi The Church is just a building? Maybe I would think that if I didn't believe in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. But to be married in a room that houses Our Lord himself - that's such a beautiful blessing. It would be so lovely to be married outdoors with birds singing and a beautiful canopy of green-leafed trees, but how much more glorious is it to take your vows before the One who created them all? He's right there in that Tabernacle, just a few feet away, when you take those vows in a Catholic Church.
it is a consecrated place
Am I the only one who feels like it's nicer to get married in a church than outside anyway?
Nope
I mean I don't like the idea of standing around in the sun in a suit for an hour.
My daughter got married outside and it was beautiful! We were surrounded by the beauty of God’s creation and He was right there with us!!
No! I find outdoor weddings rather odd. Receptions outdoors are lovely if it’s the right time of year. Here in Ireland, outdoor weddings don’t happen very often. 😆🍀
Plus it adds so much extra stress! Your wedding is stressful enough to plan as is, I wouldn’t also want to be constantly worrying if it might rain or be windy!
Father Mike; my wife and I are happily married practicing Catholics and have been blessed by God with a beautiful daughter who is now 13. Your videos are excellent, faith-filled and inspiring! Your explanations are clear and inspired by the Holy Spirit. You truly reflect Christ in every video you post. Thank you and God bless you. I'm praying that God the Father will continue to bless you in your vocation so that you may continually experience His love by bringing Christ to all you preach to.
Giovanni Pagliari
His responses have nothing to do with the Holy Spirit and a whole lot more to do with Catholic Dogma.
@@ArizonaWillful
Being married in a church building isn’t dogma. It’s established Church tradition, as Fr. Mike said.
Love this. Thank you Father Michael. This will be great to share with those who aren't Catholic and don't understand why it is important to be married in the church. It will also be great for those who are Catholic and still might have questions. God Bless!
Wow he's speaking so fast I had to check if my play speed was normal :D
hahhaha, yeppp, that's Fr. Mike! ;)
@@AscensionPresents I don't mind him getting straight to the point!
That shows how brilliant he is. For example Steve Martin does the same with banjo picking and clogging.
G C LOL
Ben Shapiro talk faster than him.
When I was a young teacher I moved into a new area and picked my parish based on where I wanted to get married. I stay at that Parish, got involved, and tithed for years before I met my groom lol. It’s Our Lady of the Rosary in New Orleans, beautiful church!
Fr. Mike, you make me more proud of being Catholic
Well, I married a Non-Catholic, so church wedding was out of question at the time. Married on top of my hometown mountain.
I always feel closer to God when I am in nature anyway. Thank you for your videos, Father. You are the last connection between the Catholic Church and myself.
I married an unbaptized man in church. It wasn’t the Sacrament of Matrimony (Mass) but a ceremony. I wanted God as my wedding guest.
@@Donna-cc1kt God is by your side where ever you go!
@@Donna-cc1kt- It wasn’t the Sacrament of Matrimony, not because there was no Mass, but because for marriage to be a sacrament both parties must be baptized. I didn’t have a Mass either, because my husband is not Catholic, but he is baptized so our marriage is sacramental.
I’m really hoping my annulment goes through so I can re-marry in church
Please pray for us
Praying my daughter and her fiance will get married in the Catholic church.
Sent to sons an daughters, right on time! FAITHFUL! FATHER.THANKYOU! JESUS LIVES!AMEN!!!
That's so interesting, it makes sense from a historical perspective. The whole, making sure people are being honest and only being married to one person because "you're coming before your community and God and making this contract, this covenant with everyone in time." In my marriage prep course we're learning about the sacraments and this makes sense too because God ordained this union between man and woman so the only way to "prove it" to God and be granted the strength in marriage from God is to do it before His glory. Fascinating Father Mike!
Speaking as a theologian, I agree with absolutely everything Fr. Mike said...except that the logic of the specialness of the church building vs. the specialness of really anywhere else (to God, that is) is dubious. With great love for our tradition of church-building marriages and those who uphold and laud it, I do nevertheless feel the need to insist on us being honest about this. God does not need buildings to connect with us. And were there no civilization, God would still have God's sacramental relationship with us always and everywhere. But...the point about marriage "not being about you," as it were, is very well taken and important. God bless.
+GuaiEye im just interested because you say your a theologian, when G D asked for sacrifice did he say you can do it anywhere or in the temple? (old covenant)
God is not bound by the building just as he is not bound by the sacraments, but we are. He chose the sacraments for a reason and we need to continue to meditate on why. This same logic could also say that the presence of God in the Eucharist in Church is not special because he can choose to manifest himself wherever and whenever he wants.
Hi David,
Thanks so much for your question. There are numerous approaches to sacrifice in the Hebrew scriptures. If you're looking specifically at those books (ex. Leviticus, Deuteronomy), it depends on the book and the context. I'm admittedly not an expert in this area (my area is New Testament, specifically translation, and I'm by no means an expert in that area either). But overall, there's no quick and easy answer. This is really a great topic for a Bible study group, as there are many sources to consider and reflect on. I've been looking for some kind of succinct online resource to refer you to, and the Jewish Encyclopedia does a pretty good job of addressing the topic of sacrifice: www.jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/12984-sacrifice. In the Catholic/Christian context, I would encourage reflecting on Jesus' approach to sacrifice as the lens by which teachings from the Hebrew scriptures on sacrifice are interpreted. There's no one portrayal of sacrifice in the Gospels either, but a common emphasis on sacrifice as self-giving (the Greek theological term "kenosis" is helpful here). And I'd also put all of this in the context of 2 Cor. 3:6, that God has made us "servants of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life." It's wonderful that we gather in churches (literally, "gathering places"), and they are a sensible place for us to celebrate the life, death, and resurrection of Christ as a united community, one body in Christ together at the table. All I want to bring to mind is that sacrifice, a gift of the Spirit, is always and everywhere acceptable when it is in the Spirit of self-giving as Christ taught us. Should all the church buildings in the world crumble to ruin, our celebration of the Eucharist would not be hindered. The Eucharist is about the spirit of thanksgiving, enriched but not limited by any church structure. And, of course, I would always say that you should never take my or anyone else's word for it. Theologians are students of the faith just as much as anyone else, ever prone to sin and error. But I hope, nevertheless, that I have been helpful in some small way! Thank you again for posing this very compelling question!
John Golebiewski beautifully said.
GuaiEye
The Eucharist resides in the Church. The Host IS the physical body of Christ. When you marry in the Church building you are marrying directly in the presence of the One, True, Living God.
Thank you Fr Mike. Yes I got married in the church and suggest the same to the younger ones
St. Andrews by the sea…. The only open air Catholic Church is located is Corpus Christi Texas. It’s so beautiful. I know several people married “outside” because it’s a church with an altar a tabernacle and everything
Too late, but I have to say, my sister got married by our favorite priest in a tent at a wedding facility by the ocean (cold and rainy in May). 2nd marriage with an annulment. I asked the good father if that was the difference in her being married outside, he said no, it was with a dispensation from, and here I'm fuzzy, either from him or the bishop. One of the most beautiful weddings I've ever been to and thanks to patience on both sides, they have been married 30 years.
Hi Father Mike, thanks for your explanation. Again I learned something new. By the way... I married in church. It was quite nice - my wife thinks so too... and we are still together.
Your do right Father I hope the young listen I hope everyone's listening
Great explanation. Father. Teaching my high school Sacred Studies class (sophomores) Mass & Sacraments and we are currently discussing the Sacrament of Matrimony. Just went through this with my 3 sections today. So, the Holy Spirit's timing is AWESOME (literally) once again in dropping this into my RUclips suggestions this evening. I mentioned a little of what you are saying here about marriage not being a "right" but a vocation, and therefore, a gift to the Church, but I didn't follow the implications to what this means for marrying inside the church. Was struggling a a bit with the answer to that question (having brought that up as part of the liceity of the form), but without having a better answer than, "You mean apart from because the Church says so? ...Yeah, well, let me get back to you on that..." Now I can!
I am a Southern Baptist and I really appreciate this viewpoint that the Marriage is your calling from God to live the Christian life. It is not about you. It is about God. I have been married for 25 years with three children. All of whom are professing Christians. It really is a working out of your faith because the sacrifice is daily. Yes, I was married in a Baptist church in a small Mississippi town....in late July. Being married inside because it was 95 degrees with high humidity and a brutal sun was probably a major reason for the indoor nuptials.
Going through RCIA classes my husband and I had to get married (again) in a Catholic church as opposed to civil
Thanks Fr. Mike. You are a blessing to us.
Myself and my fiancé are getting married next year, this video was very helpful to me
Thank you, it helped clear a few things up
I am a Lutheran and I will get married in a Catholic Cathedral in France. Vive la France! Vive le Christianisme!!!!
Is your fiance Catholic?
Lilheven 12 I think that is beautiful! Congratuilations!
❤💘💞🌻🌺🥀🌹⚘🌼🌷
Lilheven 12 I don't think you can do that? You are not Catholic .
@Kevin Johnson then why are you here?
@Kevin Johnson I m Irish Catholic and I used to feel the same way about Protestant churches but now I leave the judgement up to God and recognise the presence of jesus in your church ( where two or three are gathered in my name ......) I would happily say a rosary in a protestant church without it threatening my catholic faith.I am a republican and do believe in a united Ireland and your faith is not the issue.
Love your talks Fr. Schmitz! They explain everything so well!
Tell me about it. My husband is a devout catholic and even though i am not a devout Catholic we had to get married in a church but he said I could do what I wanted to at the reception. Yippee !
Wait . . . So my wedding to my wife was like me sacrificing both our lives on the altar as a gift to God?
This is much more dramatic than the pictures make it out to be. 😉
As the kids today say it, yup.
I have seen Catholic and all kinds of outdoor wedding oreformed by Priests Pastors, Reverends and Rabbis.
It's what is said in a ceremony and by whom and commitment to God and your spouse that matters.
Sooo, marriage isn’t a sacrifice? Ahhh, yeah it is. 💕💕. Love yes, sacrifice yes and we are faithful for the sake of what God has blest. If I utterly missed your point and you were sardonic, apologies here.
Thank you so much Father Mike. Now I understand.
I love the vague Jimmy Stewart on "because I LOVE her!"
Thank you I love all the information you share with us. I love your sense of humor.
This man is amazing, thank you for your videos!
I absolutely love these videos!! Thank you so much!🙏🏾
Bang up video! Thanks Fr. Mike! These videos are tremendously helpful!
Hey Father Mike! I enjoy your yt a lot. One thing I have found is the churches seemed to forget the singles. We feel lost. We are not called to the Priest or religious vocation and yet we aren't married. Most people in their 30s and 40s feel forgotten. Will you please speak on this. Why is their so much on getting married. Single people are not cursed.
perhaps you could be called to laity/be part of the lay vocation? check out his vids on vocation!
Not all single people are felt left out.
Join a Traditional Catholic parish. You will be embraced and fully ibtegrated in so many ways. It's awesome.
Naw, we are definitely cursed. Sure marriage doesn't guarantee happiness but lonelines is a pretty miserable alternative. If singlehood was on Yelp I rate it one star.
I am not forgotten in Gods heart. I am single and no man counts more to me than He. Our days alone are also a part of His plan. We are all called in different ways, on different roads and at different times. How could it be otherwise? I am an individual soul traveling forward ( sadly, sometimes backyards). Don’t trouble your own heart. There is enough for that. Love what God loves, you and your path. May God bless you abundantly with the resolve of Paul.
What a great explanation. Now I have an answer to the question. Always wondered.
There is something called a reception. That’s for the beach, the hotel or wherever, you can have a party after the actual wedding.
Well said father Mike ❤❤❤🙏🙏🙏
Father I would just like to add that the Catholic Church does recognize certain outdoor areas, such as Saint Anne's Shrine in Vermont. Catholics do have a few options to the traditional.
Thank you and blessings
🙏✝️☮️
Good analogy with the ordination of being a priest. If I'm called to marriage, I'd want to do it in the church I grew up in.
I love my Roman Catholic Church
I would love to get married outside because I love spring and flowers. God is everywhere!
You videos so good and I'm learning much more about my Catholic faith
I think I arrived 6 years late to this video, but last year I married, and when my now wife and I were looking for churches we went looking for some around her parents house, and suddenly I just suggested to her if she wanted to go to a Cathedral close to my mother´s house. It is devoted to the Virgin Mary in her "Los Remedios" appeareance and is almost 500 years old. Once we got there and we went inside she was marveled, I took her to every place we were allowed to go in the Cathedral. We looked nowhere else, she just said Yes!, This is where I want us to get married. No beach, nor public space would´ve been a match for that Cathedral, I´m glad we got married there.
I love how he adds at the end unless you're called to be a priest or religious sister, in which case, do that instead :D
Thanks Fr Mike!
There is one exception to Father Mike's Schmidtz Once a year there are Catholic weddings conducted at St Peter's square. If you want to get married outside that is the only way I know. And you are married by Pope Francis himself. You better make plans a year-and-a-half in advance with the Vatican. As long as you meet the necessary requirements by your Bishop. He cannot deny that marriage.
Explained very well. Especially from 3:00 mark on
Thanks, Father Mike!
I discerned that bad people defiled me completely and now they trying to pretend that it was all my fault. But God sees everything and felt everything true me, so the justice will come I have no doubt in this.
So I used to be catholic im a Christian chaplain and I like to refer to myself as a follower of Jesus and minister of the gospels. The Kingdom of heaven in within us not within a building.
I do respect your opinion and I'm not saying you're wrong but I see God's presence, power and beauty not only in the church but in everything He created. I think God is looking more at the content of the ceremony rather than the location.
Yes this makes sense. Great attitude and enthusiastic when explaining, why aren't more priests like you. No offense-it just makes it easier to learn.
Fr. Mike, as a church organist, I've had hardly any weddings to play for in recent times. I wonder if this could have anything to do with more weddings happening out of church......🤔
Kind of a bummer because I think outside weddings are beautiful and meaningful...but at the same time I understand why it isn't a good idea at the same time 😕
Thank you for this it is really helpful!!
Thanks Fr. Mike for this video. Gbu.
I want nothing more too share this moment with our father.
Ps. Sorry for my English.
Father Schmitz, I am a Catholic attending daily masses. I am also Eucharistic minister. I raised five children, all live according to Catholic Church principles. I helped my wife to convert to Catholic Church. I think that your reasoning here is a lot of Church bureaucratic technicalities. Bishops make mistakes and this is one of them. But we obey it because obedience is more than sacrifice. That does not make this decision right. This is an example when we chew on gnat and swallow a camel, when we lose the Spirit and make technicality god. God created this Universe and this fantastic nature therefore he is present outside as he is present in man made structures. I would say that he is more preset outside than in a man made buildings. Even best Churches in the World look like a barn in comparison to the beauty of natural world.The Holy Eucharist can be outside so can marriage wows be given outside. After all, at the weddings, Church is only a witness. The true wedding is between a man and a woman and they should have freedom to decide where and when they want to have their sacrament established. Sorry, but I totally disagree with you. The bureaucracy is dangerous because It kills the Holy Spirit in the Church.
John Smith wouldn’t the church lose money if we were allowed to marry outside
@@kimberlykeefner9567 exactly
Jesus is present in the Blessed Sacrament in every church. How it is possible that a Catholic doesn't want to get marriage in the church, in front of tabernacle? Are such Catholics are aware of what they believe in?
Well said. Thank you 🙏🏻 🥰
I still don't understand what you said about having a wedding outside. It's not about us I got married outside my whole family friends and everybody was there so didn't God create the trees the outdoors the wonderful fresh air so I'm still not understanding what was the difference if you got married in church or Outdoors what God created
Caveat, Eastern Catholic priests can be married but only before ordination. And yes, they should still get married in the church.
Protestant ministers who convert to Catholicism and were already married remain married when they join the Priesthood. There are hundreds of them in the Catholic Church today and so far the Vatican hasn't crumbled into dust.
As a Protestant this is enlightening
Incredible answer!!!
Fr Mike, I sooo enjoy your messages --- when I can understand them! I just wish you would speak a little slower...I am profoundly deaf so yes, I am at a disadvantage. However I have hearing friends and family who have perfectly good hearing and they think you speak too fast also!!!
Yes, he just gets so excited about sharing this wisdom with all of us! ^^
A lot of RUclipsrs add text... Hey, Fr. Mike, just a thought! Doing so could help you spread your messages to even more people! I'm not deaf, but I respond well to written text, so sometimes text at the bottom of the screen helps me out too!
He can care less if you're deaf. He wont be answering you, he never answers anyone, nor will he speak slower. He just does what he wants.
@deafchick There's an option on RUclips videos to add subtitles. Click the CC button in the lower right hand corner. Hope this helps :)
Siobhán Wray that’s what I do too. And all RUclips videos...and television, movies etc.🙂
thats a great point of you, I always wondered why these kinds of weddings felt off, but I still don't think it has to be like this unless you want to and are committed in this way
So hypothetically speaking, (asking for a friend), Do we have to do it over if it didn't happen in a church?
He uses “jack and Jill” for every example 😂😭
What if you get married outside, not for your own wants/desires, but because the outdoors is God's creation? I'm not discounting the points made, but would there really be any difference if you were to get married inside the church vs. right outside the church? I understand you want the Eucharist present, but what if you had the Eucharist present at an outdoor wedding?
So crazy that this just happened to pop up on my recommended watch feed because I am going to my brother-in-law’s out door garden wedding next weekend LOL I don’t think I’ll show him this
My local Catholic church has an outdoor grotto. There's an altar there, in front of a statue of Mary. Would that be the same, even though it isn't under a roof?
I would talk to your priest, but technically anywhere the Eucharist is present, a mass can be performed there.
@@emilyd.6371 True.
I'm a Baptist, yet I really enjoy your videos. I don't agree with all of them, or even many of them, if I did I would be Catholic instead of Baptist. This is one however I wholeheartedly agree with one hundred percent. My mother is Catholic,. I went to Catholic school for a time (jr. high years), yet I am Baptist. I learn a lot from your channel. Your points here are well made and spot on. Every Christian young couple should see this. Catholic, Protestant or Eastern Orthodox. Thank you.
Did you get baptized as a Catholic when you were a baby? Just curious
My Aunt and Uncle had a private ceremony in the church with the Priest and two witnesses before their "outdoor" wedding by the lake. They had the same "ceremony" with the priest outdoors in front of all their family and friends. They were told (40 years ago) that that was the only way that they could still have an outdoor wedding. I'm assuming that worked, right?
As a wedding photographer I documented numerous weddings outside with priests and rabbis
One wedding was in a protestant church
with priest, rabbi, and the reverend of the
church. officiating. The rabbi said "And now over to the other station" All were
beautiful ceremonies with no upsmanship of one particular faith.
God doesn't care what religion you are.
This is true, as long as you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you are saved. The Catholic Church has so many rituals as to keep your eye on the greater pictures of Christ. But it can be overwhelming and not one person is perfect at is since only God is without flaw. God doesn't care your church denomination, he only cares that you come to him completely, through the free will He gave all of us.
This makes sense for all but 1 thing. We are a mix faithed couple and my church closed
Need your prayers for family and friends who do not ssem to believe anymore in the sacrament of matrimony, some of them together for years now and with children..
I loved this but when a Catholic marries a non Catholic they are often given Dispensation from Canonical Form which you neglected to mention.
I was wondering about this! Could you elaborate a bit?
I’m not married and strongly feel called to religious life. That being said, knowing that Jesus is right there in the tabernacle makes me wonder why anyone would want to get married anywhere else. God’s creation is beautiful but it’s not more beautiful than Him.
God gave you this beautiful wife of yours and it must be in the church and God is blessing you with beautiful children. A beautiful wife, beautiful children and beautiful family. We must obey God and this beautiful family God has blessed you with is God given.
Father you can get permission to get married out side the building from the Bishop, I've had family who did so and it was granted, they got married out on a boat in the river. lol
It’s possible, but not granted frequently, I’ll bet.
What if one wall falls down during the wedding? What if someone accidentally leaves the doors open? What if it's really windy and the whole building flies away in the middle of the ceremony?
I've wondered this before since I've watched a lot of those beautiful wedding videos and love the explanation that Fr.Mike gave. Makes total sense!
Mike Schmitz....Please give chapter and verse where Jesus said you had to get married in a church
Somebody once said "Not my will be done, God's will be done." Have some faith in God knowing all of our secrets. Every breath you take, every vow you make, every move you make, he is watching you. Braveheart should have shouted "Free Will"! (sorry different movie)
I looked up this question and online sources say that there are 2 places that allow outdoor Catholic weddings: some U.S. dioceses are starting to test the boundaries of that law, which says that with permission of the proper Catholic authority, a priest can perform a marriage in “another suitable place.” The Archdiocese of Baltimore began testing a new policy in February that allows priests and deacons to request to marry a couple somewhere other than their parish church.
I think what he is saying is beautiful although not sure I will ever truly understand it. To me it makes more sense to have a wedding in a place that He made instead of a building that "he" meaning man made.
I now see marriage as a covenant of God. Not only do we ask permission from our earthly fathers/mothers to join in marriage but also from God our Father. Before marriage, the man and woman are not one or whole but split apart just like the sacrifice of animals in the Old Testament. Yet, they beseech the Father to join them together. To have this done in His house is so profound to think about! Plus, you can always have your celebrations outside after the ceremony. I have no evidence to back up my claim, but it could be like The Wedding Feast at Cana where they held their joyous activities outside the physical church.
If the church is Christ's body (Ephesians 1:22-23) and we are Christ's body (1 Corinthians 12:27) than what makes "the church" a building, if marriage is giving vocation to the church it doesn't matter about the building, but about the people right?
Yep me and the wife got married in a park in Maui but now the Catholic church says, Nope we don't recognize it and you need to get re-married in the Catholic church. So we are getting all the records, meeting with the Priest, We have only been married for 26 years but I guess we need to make this right.
No you don’t
But can't a Mass be celebrated outside? This happens all the time. This happened when the Pope visited the US; it happened during the pro-life rally in the middle of a snowstorm on an altar of snow, etc. So why can't the Mass be moved outdoors for a wedding? Isn't the "Church" the body of Christ which are His followers? It's certainly not the buildings? This needs more explanation...
+Andy Drees Ha, I was there when they had Mass on the snow altar.
What I understand: its about the vocation. I agree that the info is very reduced, so you can just go ask a priest or search in the Cathecism.
+Preston Jones Yes Preston...I did...the whole thing too. But I don't think the explanation was significant. So it's a vocation...ok, so where does the physical building come into play? And how does that make a difference? This explanation certainly doesn't cover it.
Weddings are usually always by private invitation whether in a church or outside a church, so the William Wallace example really doesn't fit here because it still isn't technically public. I could understand if this was about a beach wedding with just a priest and the bride and groom, with no one else invited...but its pretty inaccurate to say your marriage isn't about you, because of course it is. It's obviously not ONLY about you, as the Church teaches, it's between God and the spouses. Obviously the Church has sole authority over the institution of the vocation through the priesthood, but why does the physical location make any difference at all?
My wife and I were married in my church, that's the only thing I wanted out of the entire wedding, but if we had been married in the back yard of the church by the same priest and with the same people in attendance, and still receiving Christ with all our heart, where is the difference? Where is the evidence or where is the divine revelation from the Holy Spirit to suggest God recognizes marriage with the physical location of the event considered into it's validity? God is only interested in the matter of the heart. The marriage is validated or invalidated by the intention and will of the spouses in cooperation with the will of God. Nothing else matters. This is what the current annulment process seeks to discover in order to be granted or denied.
Another question to consider...why then, if this is fully true, does the Church recognize marriages instituted outside the Church?
Also, don't get me wrong...I firmly believe that if the Church has revealed this as truth, than I am obliged to follow it, but it's never wrong to ask questions and seek the truth.
+Andy Drees
I can see your point. The way he explained priestly ordination though makes sense to me - a man giving himself as a gift to Christ and His Church. So it makes sense that the gift would be given in a church since he is giving himself to the Church. In the same way a wedding is the spouses giving themselves as a gift to each other and to Christ and His Church.
I'm guessing that if there was no Catholic church building for hundreds of miles around, another building could be used for either an ordination or a wedding as needed if it was set up for mass...But in the US I suppose that isn't the case very many places.
I wonder too (this happened with someone I knew who wasn't Catholic) what if one of the spouses is very ill and in the hospital. Can they get married in their hospital room or the chapel at the hospital if they couldn't safely leave the hospital to go to a church?
+Andy Drees I agree. I need more of an explanation too. The Masses I've been to outside were some of the most beautiful inspiring Masses, including ones on top of a mountainside in Aspen, surrounded by all the grandeur of God's creation!!!
I was really hoping to get a believable response to this question of outdoor Catholic weddings. Sadly, no. I even listened twice, truly seeking an answer that makes sense.
Religion is non-sensical, what about the millions of christians of other denominations marrying in their backyards?, and what about marriage in other religions? and marriage between lgbt+ floks? what about marriage between atheists?, aren't they married? in a world where every cm2 is watched by a camera, this explanation lacks validity even in their own faith, also, marriage is a truly ancient institution that predates recorded history, predates christianity, these folks have hijacked this concept for their own sinister money making enterprise.
My only question would be; and it’s more in curiosity, is why are marriages considered valid if done before becoming a Catholic, and outside without being done by a male who’s not considered a church’s pastor?
Great question
I respectfully disagree with this. What about all the impoverished countries in Africa and Asia who either cannot afford to even build a physical building or it's illegal to build a church? This interpretation (that has no biblical foundation) is suggesting that a marriage service that happens inside gold painted walls is true and holy, but one that happens 40 yards over on the grass is not. Marriage is two people vowing to come together as one under God. This is the most important part, not the physical location. The followers of Jesus are the church. The church is not a building, but an inclusive, worldly family of believers.
Well said
So basically its tradition... Because there is nothing wrong about being married outdoors.
Everything you said while well presented was just a summary of why traditionally you should marry in a church. (Having it be a public display, and a symbol for the people of the church) Those reasons also can be applied to a lovely outdoor ceremony should you choose.