Catholic Dictionary

Find accurate definitions of over 5,000 Catholic terms and phrases (including abbreviations). Based on Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.

Random Term from the Dictionary:

CLOSED TIMES

Seasons of the ecclesiastical year during which there are restrictions concerning the celebration of marriage. Formerly a marriage at Mass was not allowed from the beginning of Advent until after the Epiphany, and during Lent and the octave of Easter. The present legislation does not forbid a Mass at the marriage during these times but does prohibit the distinctive Missa pro Sponsis (Mass for the Spouses) on the Sundays of Advent, Lent, and Easter, on the last three days of Holy Week, on solemn feasts, and during the octave of Easter. Moreover, "if matrimony is celebrated during Advent, or Lent, or other days that have a penitential character, the pastor should admonish the spouses to take into account the distinctive nature of these liturgical seasons" (Rituale Romanum, Ordo Celebrandi Matrimonium, Praenotanda).