On Mondays, I answer questions frequently asked by those considering a return to the Catholic Church. How do I know this stuff? I was away for more than 30 years myself, and am the co-author of When They Come Home: Ways to Welcome Returning Catholics, a book for pastors and parish leaders interested in this ministry.
My boyfriend and I just got engaged! We were both raised Catholic, but haven’t been to Mass in a long time. His parents really want us to have a Church wedding, but they live halfway across the country and we’re getting married here.
First: Congratulations! That’s very exciting. You probably remember that it was at a wedding at Cana where the first miracle of Jesus’s public ministry occurred.
Generally, you’ll need to participate in a six-month course (appropriately called pre-Cana) that includes a retreat, some meetings with a priest, and some gatherings with other engaged couples. Learn more about all this at the web site in the diocese where you live, and contact the parish where you would like to be married.
I know it all seems a bit overwhelming, but you’ll probably be surprised at how warmly you’re received. You may also want to consider going to a course for returning Catholics if one is offered at the parish. And please try going to Mass together; you may be surprised at how much of a chord the liturgy strikes with the two of you as adults.
