Q. 1031. {286} To receive the Sacrament of Matrimony worthily is it necessary to be in the state of grace?  A. To receive the Sacrament of Matrimony worthily it is necessary to be in the state of grace, and it is necessary also to comply with the laws of the Church.

Q. 1032.  With what laws of the Church are we bound to comply in receiving the Sacrament of Matrimony?  A. In receiving the Sacrament of matrimony we are bound to comply with whatever laws of the Church concern Matrimony; such as laws forbidding solemn marriage in Lent and Advent; or marriage with relatives or with persons of a different religion, and in general all laws that refer to any impediment to marriage.

Q. 1033.  In how many ways may persons be related?  A. Persons may be related in four ways.  When they are related by blood their relationship is called consanguinity; when they are related by marriage it is called affinity; when they are related by being god-parents in Baptism or Confirmation, it is called spiritual affinity; when they are related by adoption, it is called legal affinity.

Q. 1034. {287} Who has the right to make laws concerning the Sacrament of marriage?  A. The Church alone has the right to make laws concerning the Sacrament of marriage, though the state also has the right to make laws concerning the civil effects of the marriage contract.

Q. 1035.  What do we mean by laws concerning the civil effects of the marriage contract?  A. By laws concerning the civil effects of the marriage contract we mean laws with regard to the property or debts of the husband and wife, the inheritance of their children, or whatever pertains to their temporal affairs.  All persons are bound to obey the laws of their country when these laws are not opposed to the laws of God.

Q. 1036. {288} Does the Church forbid the marriage of Catholics with persons who have a different religion or no religion at all?  A. The Church does forbid the marriage of Catholics with persons who have a different religion or no religion at all.

Q. 1037. {289} Why does the Church forbid the marriage of Catholics with persons who have a different religion or no religion at all?  A. The Church forbids the marriage of Catholics with persons who have a different religion, or no religion at all, because such marriages generally lead to indifference, loss of faith, and to the neglect of the religious education of the children.

Q. 1038.  What are the marriages of Catholics with persons of a different religion called, and when does the Church permit them by dispensation?  A. The marriages of Catholics with persons of a different religion are called mixed marriages.  The Church permits them by dispensation only under certain conditions and for urgent reasons; chiefly to prevent a greater evil.