Marriage question

mjb472012 · #1 Jul 30, '12, 9:04 pm

If a couple is getting married within the catholic church and doing all the pre-cana classes. And the couple falls into fornication resulting in a pregnancy, will they still be allowed to get married? What are the consequences here?

Wowbagger · #2 Jul 30, '12, 10:44 pm

If anything, they would be encouraged to marry a little faster. It is terribly unfortunate for both persons when they fall into fornication, because they have made the physical vows of marriage before they are fully prepared to take the verbal vows, but, the damage having been done, nothing else has changed.

It is strongly urged, however, that both members of the couple make a special devotion to learning chastity -- not just so they can survive the final months of the engagement in celibacy, but so that their marriage does not fail under the weight of the selfish lust that led them to fornicate.

babygirl6152 · #3 Jul 31, '12, 1:05 am

Get to confession and start fresh. The consequence will be a beautiful child and a heart reconciled with our Lord

**1ke** · #4 Jul 31, '12, 3:35 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by mjb472012

If a couple is getting married within the catholic church and doing all the pre-cana classes. And the couple falls into fornication resulting in a pregnancy, will they still be allowed to get married? What are the consequences here?

The couple needs to talk to their priest. If the couple is already in premarital preparation, there may be less question as to coersion or marrying under duress. But I am sure the priest will want to explore the situation through counseling with the couple.

Go talk to the priest.

**1ke** · #5 Jul 31, '12, 3:36 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wowbagger

If anything, they would be encouraged to marry a little faster.

Actually the opposite is true. The priest will need to ensure there is no coersion or pressure to move up the marriage or to get married. Such conditions are a foundation of many nullity cases, and the priest needs to ensure the couple is marrying with full freedom and no undue pressure.

Blenderx · #6 Jul 31, '12, 8:11 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by babygirl6152

Get to confession and start fresh. The consequence will be a beautiful child and a heart reconciled with our Lord

My husband and I unfortunately fell into this situation. It only takes one time. We were already deep in the process and simply moved the wedding up (which we needed to do for other reasons anyhow).

God is merciful and good.

Wowbagger · #7 Jul 31, '12, 12:22 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1ke

Actually the opposite is true. The priest will need to ensure there is no coersion or pressure to move up the marriage or to get married. Such conditions are a foundation of many nullity cases, and the priest needs to ensure the couple is marrying with full freedom and no undue pressure.

Good point. I figured that, if they are already engaged and freedom already discussed and established, freedom would be presumed, but, on second thought, that's stupid. So you're right.