Canon 1063 Section 1
In addition to apologetics and evangelization, areas of particular areas of concern in working with this couple in marriage preparation may include helping them understand both what it means for marriage as being “a partnership of the whole of life” ordered to “the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of children” as described Canon 1055 and unity and indissolubility as essential properties of marriage as detailed in Canon 1056. This understanding is essential in light of Canon 1101 §1: “The internal consent of the mind is presumed to conform to the words and signs used in celebrating the marriage.”
Canon law uses the word “personal” in Canon 1063 §2: “personal preparation to enter marriage.” The New Commentary on the Code …show more content…
While the Code does not explicitly state that a recent baptismal certificate is required, Canon 1067 would allow a conference of bishops to set such a requirement. Experience (and a survey of online requirements) indicates that in the U.S., a baptismal certificate issued within the last six months is required. Since this certificate should indicate sacraments received as well as any details affecting canonical status, it can be a helpful tool in establishing freedom to marry. On non-Catholic baptismal certificate may not include the same notations but it is necessary to establish that the non-Catholic party has been baptized in a Christian church which is recognized as having valid baptism. Also required for all marriages are the forms for the pre-marriage investigation of bride and groom as well as the testimonies of freedom for both parties as well as a civil marriage license within the proper time frame relative to the wedding date. In this case, the man’s baptismal certificate should indicate whether he has been married previously and whether or not a decree of nullity was obtained. However, as indicated by Canon 1069, he has an obligation to reveal any impediment to a valid marriage, which any prior marriage without a decree of nullity or death of spouse would be. This information should be obtained in the Pre-Marriage Investigation
Canon law uses the word “personal” in Canon 1063 §2: “personal preparation to enter marriage.” The New Commentary on the Code …show more content…
While the Code does not explicitly state that a recent baptismal certificate is required, Canon 1067 would allow a conference of bishops to set such a requirement. Experience (and a survey of online requirements) indicates that in the U.S., a baptismal certificate issued within the last six months is required. Since this certificate should indicate sacraments received as well as any details affecting canonical status, it can be a helpful tool in establishing freedom to marry. On non-Catholic baptismal certificate may not include the same notations but it is necessary to establish that the non-Catholic party has been baptized in a Christian church which is recognized as having valid baptism. Also required for all marriages are the forms for the pre-marriage investigation of bride and groom as well as the testimonies of freedom for both parties as well as a civil marriage license within the proper time frame relative to the wedding date. In this case, the man’s baptismal certificate should indicate whether he has been married previously and whether or not a decree of nullity was obtained. However, as indicated by Canon 1069, he has an obligation to reveal any impediment to a valid marriage, which any prior marriage without a decree of nullity or death of spouse would be. This information should be obtained in the Pre-Marriage Investigation