Mixing Handfasting & Catholic ceremonies in the church

Question

My husband and I were married 3 years ago in a non religious quicky ceremony. Note: He is Catholic and I am Pagan.

We plan to renew our vows on our 5th year anniversary in his Catholic Church but I wanted to tie in a few things. I thought of the tying of the hands but other than that.. I'm stumped.

Did anyone do this? Any suggestions?

Answer 1

First step is check that his church will allow it. Since they don't recognize the marriage they might not allow a renewal of vows.

I can't see there being any more objection to incorporating pagan rituals than incorporating ones from other religious traditions, which is very much encouraged.

And yes, there are a lot of pagan rituals done in RC churches. Go there at Christmas or Easter some time and watch the service.

Answer 2

ok basically catholic church means CATHOLIC!!!!x*x

i don't mean that in a rude way but you cant really do anything un-catholic!! maybe if you just did the normal christian thing like rings!!

Answer 3

Have you had your marriage validated by the Catholic church? Had you received dispensation before marrying outside the Church?

If not, you're going to have to do some talking to your parish priest before you can renew your vows.

As for the binding, Hispanic couples often use the lazo to bind the couple together. In this ceremony, a lasso or oversized rosary is placed around the couple, tying them together.

You really don't get a whole lot of quirkiness in a Catholic ceremony. It's a solemn sacrament.

Answer 4

The Catholic church is very strict, usually you cannot change their ceremony at all. People can't write their own vows or even just leave out the line about obeying your husband. Some churches are more relaxed and may allow it, but I really think any pagan ritual would be too much for most priests.

Other churches may be more accommodating. Unitarian Universalists are no longer Christians, but that's where their roots are and all UU really means is "accept everyone". They would be more than happy to have a diverse service.

Answer 5

The Catholic church will not allow Pagan rituals or traditions to be performed in what they consider a holy place.

Answer 6

I find it hard to believe that a typical Catholic Church is going to be too thrilled at adding a bunch of Pagan rituals into their ceremonies.  I think there is only so much they would be willing to deviate from their traditional ceremonies.

Answer 7

When you renew your vows in the Catholic Church, you are not allowed to add any non-Catholic rites to the ceremony. You'd have to do that separately.