Topic:  Does premarital pregnancy interfere with marriage?

Source of this posting: Moderator response

Date originally posted: November 3, 2003

Moderator who originally posted this source: Cathy Rusin

Question:   This is the first time that I have ever used this web site, but it appears to be just the format that I am looking for. I consider myself a man of deep faith in the teachings of Christ and the Catholic church, though some of my past choices have not always reflected this. My girlfriend of 1.5 years is now pregnant and I have two major questions: 1. Does the fact that we have child affect our ability to get married in a Catholic church? I have always intended to marry this woman, however the pregnancy is a bit more time-sensitive issue at the moment. 2. Because we are not married, will the baby be able to be babtized and if so, what are the steps that we take. We both want to raise a strong Catholic family. The timing of the events leading up to this end are just a bit mixed up. I would appreciate some thoughts of the church concerning these matters.

Answer: 

Brian,

I am glad that you have found our website, and have thought to raise thse questions here. While as you say,the timing of the events is a bit "mixed-up", there is no barrier to either the sacrament of marriage due to a pregnancy or baptism due to unmarried parents.

Your first step is to schedule an appointment with your local priest to begin the marriage preparation process (and baptismal preparation, when the time comes). He will, I'm sure, want you two to talk about marriage in light of this pregnancy ... to make sure that you two are not rushing into a sacramental relationship for the wrong reasons.

Let me also direct you to a helpful website - while each diocese may have slightly different regulations about marriage preparation and weddings, I think this site, from the Diocese of Raleigh (NC)covers a lot of good points.

dioceseofraleigh.org/sites/marriage/index.html

Brian, while this certainly isn't the ideal situation, please remember that our church, while being the Body of Christ, is made up of people who continually make mistakes and recognize the need for God's forgiveness and healing in our lives. Our prayers for and support of each other can help us rise to new life, to learn to follow Jesus ever more closely, and to celebrate the great gift of love that comes from God.

Peace to you,
Cathy Rusin