Understanding why Counseling by a Priest Prior to Marriage may be Warranted.

 UNDERSTANDING WHY COUNSELING BY A PRIEST PRIOR TO MARRIAGE MAY BE WARRANTED

By Eileen Renders                                       October 21, 2023

   When a man and a woman feel that they are deeply in love and want to be together, they may not understand exactly why the parish priest may have suggested that they participate in counseling prior to their marriage. Of course, it seems fair to believe that in most cases, the priest himself will convey to the couple why he is suggesting counseling.

   There are many reasons why some couples, and not all couples are asked to include some counseling prior to their marriage. They may be very young, and young people often are blinded by their feelings of love, and excitement and possibly not considering some of the obstacles, or hurdles that clearly may confront them. Such as either the man, or woman being of a different religion, race, or with a huge difference in age. Maybe one has been previously married in the church and has not received a dispensation, and therefore cannot be married in the Catholic church again without the church’s approval.

   The priest is motivated to ensure that both parties are mature and clear on any obstacles they may be facing. This love and its all-consuming feeling often can become dampened when suddenly she is pregnant, and he is out of work. There is a strong sense of understanding that marriage is a sacrament, a promise to one another in front of Christ. Love is not always a feeling, rather it is always a commitment. For better or for worse, in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, until death do us part. And what God has joined together, let no man put asunder. How often do we hear a divorced person say; “I did not know he, or she was like that before we married.” And perhaps, this is the best reason to get to know a person for at least a year, or so before deciding to marry.