Expert: Griff Ruby - 8/31/2009

Question
I am a Catholic baptized in the novus ordo rite. I am thinking of getting married but my boyfriend is Coptic. What is the procedure for a case like this?

Answer
I assume you speak of the Coptic Rite as being a alternate Rite within the Church.  In this case, the only thing required is that you and he will have to decide whether the two of you will belong to the Coptic Rite or the Latin Rite.  Perhaps the Coptic Rite has not been corrupted?  If he is of like mind to you on Tradition, he should be able to answer that.  If it has not been corrupted as yet, then by all means get married in that Rite.  But if it has, then it is a toss up as to where you get married.
There might be some other steps involved in such a marriage, but his priest should be able to guide you into the specifics of that.  That really is the person to talk to.  I can only point you to him and give you a heads up regarding some of the things you might expect, namely that the two of you will choose from the two Rites one for your family.  That does not mean that you cannot attend at either Rite, but only that for all other sacraments (baptism/confirmation/holy orders for your children, extreme unction), you now have recourse to his Rite (or he to yours should you decide in that direction).  Other than that it should be the same as with any other marriage.
If by Coptic you refer to some historically schismatic group, then that is a larger concern, and I think I will need to hear you say that you need that before I attempt to bite off that much larger elephant to chew.