Expert: Fr. Michael - 12/10/2007

Question
Hello,

My fiance and I were raised catholics, however we are going to marry in a episcopalian hurch because is close by and besides I have already paid 50% to reserve a date. The church is the spanish monastery in miami. I did not know they don't do mass, so I am worried. Does it make us bad people for doing it like that? They say I have to baptized christian. I know my faith and after that even though I will be baptized christian, I will always be catholic. Can you help me?



Thanks



Maria


Answer
The short answer is that if you marry before a Protestant minister, you are publicly proclaiming heresy and are automatically excommunicated from the Catholic Church, and the marriage is invalid.

Frankly, it amazes us that for such an important step as marriage, so many Catholics give so little thought to what they need to prepare properly for this Sacrament.  You need to consult a traditional priest immediately.  If you do not know one, see the Official Traditional Catholic Directory at www.traditio.com/nat.htm.