Catholics Defying Sex Teachings Denied Lavish Rites in Houston

Traditional, lavish church weddings will not be conducted for couples already living together who wish to marry in Roman Catholic churches of the Diocese of Galveston-Houston, according to a new directive.

Those couples, presumably sexually active, will be allowed simpler and smaller church weddings, the Houston Chronicle reported. Couples living together can have a full wedding with bridesmaids, groomsmen and a white wedding dress if, after being advised of the policy, they decide to separate during a six-month preparatory period.

The new rules are described in a three-page pastoral letter dated Oct. 8 and written by Bishop Joseph Fiorenza to all his priests and bishops, the newspaper said.

Fiorenza’s letter instructs priests and deacons to conduct interviews with couples who plan to marry, determining, among other things, if they live together and why. No wedding date will be set until the couple reveals whether they are living together, the letter said.

The rules are designed to help couples better prepare for marriage, said Father Frank Rossi, vice chancellor.

“Sexual intimacy should be an expression of commitment,” Rossi said. “The greatest commitment is for life, in marriage. The church wishes couples to see that sexual intimacy should reflect lifelong commitment.”

The new guidelines ensure that couples first are advised by a priest or deacon that sex outside of marriage is a sin. Those who are not willing to postpone further sex until marriage may still marry within the church, but without the frills of a traditional ceremony.