Matrimonial Concerns

Prenuptial Investigation Procedures

• Prior Marriages (Resolved by nullity decree or death certificate)
• Validation
• Mixed Marriages and Disparity of Worship
• Inter-ecclesial Marriages (One party is an Eastern Catholic)
• Non Practicing Catholic
• Wedding to Take Place in Another Diocese
• Permission (An approved chapel or non-Catholic church) (Wedding of two Catholics to take place without Mass)
• Either Party is under Twenty-One Years of Age.
• One or Both Parties are from Another Diocese
• Either Party has no Permanent Residence. 
• A Civil Obligation has been Placed on Either Party (Toward another party or children of a prior union)

When do the Promises (cautiones) Need to be Signed by the Catholic Party?

• When one party is non-Catholic.
• When one party is a non-practicing Catholic

When are the two MB Witness Affidavits Needed?

• If a party is non-Catholic (To provide proof of freedom to marry)
• If a Catholic has lived outside the Diocese of Pittsburgh for more than six months after  the age of 16, excluding college.
• If baptismal information is missing or incomplete.
• If a party claims non-Baptism.
• If the celebrant suspects coercion or a prior bond.
• If a party is a minor

• The office for Matrimonial Concerns will seek Testimonial Letters and Permissions from the Proper Eastern Catholic Eparchy.
• Questions regarding membership in a Eastern (or Ritual) and jurisdiction regarding weddings should be addressed with the Office for Matrimonial Concerns early in the marriage preparation process.

Checklist for Parish Permanent Marriage File

• Form MA for both the Bride and the Groom (with MB’s as applicable)
• Baptismal Certificates as applicable.
• Copies of Decrees of Nullity or Death Certificates.
• Decrees of Mixed Religion, Disparity of Cult, Canonical Form.
• Letters of Delegation
• Record of Premarital Instructions.
• Civil Marriage License (Validations need copy of civil marriage record)
• Return of MC Forms. (Notification of wedding to parish of baptism)