Jewish Catholic wedding

It is tricky. Have you got counseling or figured out how you would make this work after marriage? Rabbis often would expect you to accept Judaism. Catholic priests would require him to become Catholic.

Have you figured out what aspects of the ceremony would be Jewish and which would be Catholic? A minister who did this would not be committed to either religion -- probably having to be some sort of interfaith minister.

Sorry to hear that planning has been frustrating. May I ask what you've done so far? Have you already been able to meet with your parish priest or your FH's rabbi? I can only speak to the Catholic side, but I know that there's likely to be extra legwork to be able to have a joint ceremony. Not to say that it's impossible - my cousin and his wife had a joint Catholic-Jewish ceremony - but you'll likely have to make concessions. For example, I can't remember the exact venue for their wedding, but it was not in a church or a temple. They did have a chuppah, and I believe that both a rabbi and priest were present, but it was not a mass. To have the ceremony outside of a church, you'll likely need to get special permission. I feel like you may have to choose which tradition will guide the outline of the ceremony - I doubt that you'll be able to create a "mash-up" of the parts that you like from both traditions. That being said, Catholic tradition comes from Jewish tradition, so there will be elements that are similar to both ceremonies - consent, vows, and exchange of rings.

Unlike what PP said, neither of you will be expected to convert to the other's faith. In fact, quite the opposite. Conversion to a different faith should come from a conversion of the heart - not because the couple wants to have a "Jewish" or a "Catholic" wedding ceremony. There are Catholic wedding rites that are specifically for Catholic individuals who marry non-Christian individuals - no conversion necessary.

Anyway, my first step would be to talk to your priest and to FH's rabbi and to be really clear about what you want to do. Ask them specifically about what elements are required for the marriage to be considered valid in both faiths, and ask if they'd be willing to meet to discuss the best way to hold a joint ceremony.

No, the Catholic priests no longer require that the non-Catholic party convert. Marriage to a non-Christian usually requires permission from the Archdiocese. Catholics must be married by a priest in the church to be recognized by the Catholic Church.

First of all, a Catholic must be married in a Catholic church by a Catholic priest. This is a requirement to receive the Sacrament of Matrimony. BTW, you would receive the Sacrament but a non-Christian would not. First step - look up the marriage requirements on your diocesan website then make an appointment to meet with the priest in your parish - he will fill you in on how to plan the ceremony. Typically, marrying a non-Christian has certain requirements, one of which, I believe, is to get permission from the Archdiocese. Have your fiance consult his rabbi. Typically, no other clergy are allowed to officiate at a Catholic wedding. I'm not sure if a rabbi would be permitted as part of the ceremony, and I'm reasonably sure a chupah would not be allowed on the altar - Catholic churches do not permit any decoration that blocks the altar.

Note: a Catholic must be married in a Catholic church by a Catholic priest for the marriage to be considered legitimate in the Catholic Church and Sacramental. Joint services or ceremonies that don't take place in a Catholic church are not recognized by the Catholic Church. This is a requirement according to Canon Law. Conversion, however, is not a requirement, although marriage to a non-Christian may require permission from the Archdiocese.

So they could do one ceremony in the Catholic church and then rush to the synagogue and do a second ceremony.

As long he's reformed or conservative (not orthodox), the Rabbi piece shouldn't be too difficult, they're pretty laxed on guidelines. That said, I do not think a Rabbi would marry the couple inside of a church - and from what I understand about Catholic ceremonies is they must be held in a Catholic church. I would recommend speaking with your specific Priest/Rabbi so they can best guide you.

I apologize if you've already read this - it looks like my previous replies have disappeared, but that's besides the point.

Don't be discouraged! You can be married in a valid ceremony outside of a Catholic church in special circumstances - such as marrying someone of a different faith. According to the marriage website hosted by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, interfaith Jewish-Catholic ceremonies are often held at a "neutral site" (neither a church nor a temple) so that no one feels uncomfortable. The ceremony usually follows the Jewish tradition and is officiated by a rabbi, but a Catholic priest may be present. You will need to get special permission for the ceremony to be held outside of the church, but it seems like they would understand why you're making the request. Still, as with any marriage in the church, you'll need to see your priest as a first step. They should be able to guide you through the process of getting the permissions that you need.