[Magdalen] Weddings during Advent?

[Lynn Ronkainen]

Yes, it is true that Advent, in our lifetimes was considered penitential in 
TEC also...

I have run into this with a number of priests (and seminary deans) when blue 
vestments were being discussed.

Lynn

website: www.ichthysdesigns.com

When I stand before God at the end of my life I would hope that I have not a 
single bit of talent left and could say, "I used everything You gave me." 
attributed to Erma Bombeck
 "Either Freedom for all or stop talking about Freedom at all" from a talk 
by Richard Rohr

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From: "Scott Knitter" <scottknitter at gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, November 05, 2015 9:39 PM
To: "Magdalen at herberthouse.org" <magdalen at herberthouse.org>
Subject: Re: [Magdalen] Weddings during Advent?

> On Thu, Nov 5, 2015 at 8:48 PM, Grace Cangialosi <gracecan at gmail.com> 
> wrote:
>> Is there any restriction about performing weddings during Advent? I've 
>> never had it come up, but someone asked that question today. I don't know 
>> where to look, because I don't even know where the proscription about 
>> weddings during Lent is found; I just know that's what I was told.
>
> I agree with Jim H that there's no exclusion of marriage in Advent. I
> don't see anything in the BCP or Constitution and Canons.
>
> Here's something I found from RC circles...of course, they don't apply
> to us, but I could imagine some folks taking this approach even if not
> required:
> "A wedding may be celebrated at any season of the year, although
> during the penitential seasons of Advent and Lent couples are asked by
> the Church to consider the special nature of these times and keep it
> simple. On Sundays of Advent, Lent and Easter, the liturgy of the
> Sunday with the wedding rites inserted is used."
>
> And in the venerable traditional Ritual Notes (which presumes a Church
> of England of the Catholic variety) puts it this way:
> "Marriage should not be solemnized during the 'closed seasons,' i.e.
> from Advent Sunday to Christmas day, and from Ash Wednesday to Easter
> day, all inclusive. This does not mean that weddings are altogether
> forbidden in those seasons, for marriage (when in the opinion of the
> bishop there is sufficient justification) may at all times be lawfully
> and canonically contracted; and recent rulings now permit the nuptial
> blessing to be given at all times, even in Advent and Lent, except on
> the last three days of Holy week and on All Souls' day. If marriage is
> contracted in such circumstances the customary social festivities
> should be omitted and all display avoided."
>
> So I think one can conclude there are really no actual restrictions.
> Or one can conclude that there should be some scaling back of
> festivities in keeping with a preparatory or penitential season. Or
> not...just interesting to consider.
>
> -- 
> Scott R. Knitter
> Edgewater, Chicago, Illinois USA