Just when you thought you'd seen everything, BAM!! Thanks to Deacon Greg over at The Deacon's Bench for that. Hmmmm. I wonder if the Archbishop would consecrate an inflatable church to accommodate those couples who want to tie the knot on the beach, or in the park, or at the zoo, or where ever?
Or how about setting a few up around the Superdome for those 12 o'clock kick-offs? Maybe a 10:30 Mass to accommodate the "faithful" who regularly miss Mass if the Saints have an early home game?
5 comments:
Okay, for once I am not trying to be a smartass, but if God is everywhere, why does it matter where you get married? Serious question.
Hannah,
This is a short, and therefore totally inadequate response, but here goes.If you are not Catholic, then it probably doesn't matter where you hold the wedding. If you ARE Catholic, then you are bound by the norms (rules) as established by the head of the local church (the bishop or archbishop). In the case of New Orleans, our Archbishop has determined that celebration of the SACRAMENT of Holy Matrimony (ask Mike what a sacrament is), which in most places includes celebration of the Mass, will take place in a sacred place, that being a consecrated Catholic church, chapel, or oratory. The focus is, and should be, not only on the couple, but also on Jesus Christ, who performed His first miracle at the wedding feast in Cana, and who instituted the sacrament of Holy Matrimony by which the married couple receives abundant graces to help them to live their marriage vows sincerely, faithfully, and lovingly.
What makes the church "consecrated", and why can't a priest "consecrate" anywhere?
The church is consecrated with a solemn rite performed by the (arch)bishop, normally when it is first built, but also after major reconstruction as has occurred at several parishes here in NOLA.
In a "Church" wedding, more is involved than just making it "legal." That's why divorce is not recognized by the Church. Divorce is just the legal side of ending the marriage. An annulment regards the Sacramental side of it. (See your Catholic spouses for more information.).....(I hope they paid attention in HS religion)
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