I am Methodist and my boyfriend is Catholic. I just found out that I am pregnant and we wanted to get married before the baby came. He is planning on contacting a Priest, but has not yet. We know we have sinned and have both asked forgiveness for this. I have agreed to let our children be baptised in the Church, and convert, but I did not think it would be possible to do all of this before the baby comes. Any advice I could get would be appreciated. Thanks you. Misty

-- Misty Lingenfelter (mistylingenfelter@hotmail.com), February 09, 2005

Answers

Misty,

You do not have to convert to marry a Catholic, or agree to have the children raised Catholic (he must promise to do his best to raise the children Catholic, and you need only be aware of the fact that he must promise). The two of you need to see his Pastor (priest) and fill out some papers. The first papers to be filed are known as the Pre-Nuptial Inquiry to help establish that the two of you are free to get married. Your pregnancy could qualify as an impediment to his or your freedom to marry, but do not worry about it. The pre-nups will help the Bishop (or his delegate) to decide whether or not to permit the marriage.

God Bless.

-- Fr. Paul (pjdoucet@hotmail.com), February 11, 2005.