Controversial Church Question(Catholic) *UPDATE*

(I am not sure if I am editing this right)
* I asked the deacon why they still needed the release form when they already had a letter from the doctor. He said that the Diocese needs permission to open the letter. Because if they do open it we can say I never released the iformatiuon and I could sue them. I kinda understand that but if you sign the release can't they still call the doctor then and get the details of sessions.
(P.S. Therapist said he will NOT release any details either way.He thinks this is ridiculous)


If the church asked you to sign a medical release form so they can talk to your doctor(therapist), would you sign it? Keep in mind that if you did not sign it they cannot move further in your prepartations, I guess meaning they won't marry you in the church. Do you think the Catholic church has the right to ask this of people?
I am curious to see people's opinions on this subject. Thanks!

How would they know you saw a therapist? and what if you dont? That seems really strange to me

IMHO -- absolutely 100% NO WAY

that is overstepping some boundaries for me.

if they want to talk to you as a couple--the priest should sit down with you. there is no need to delve into your personal therapy sessions at all.....i think its totally unnecessary to sign a release like that. how dare they!

Oh Sorry. When you meet with them you have to fill out a prenuptial investigation form and they ask if you have ever sought professsional counseling.
A little strange if you ask me.

I thought a therapist couldn't release your info to anybody....that would be a breach of their confidentiality....besides....the church has no right to know.

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Posted by jbean36251

Oh Sorry. When you meet with them you have to fill out a prenuptial investigation form and they ask if you have ever sought professsional counseling.
A little strange if you ask me.

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well around they a bit presumptious to think they have the right to ask such things. i mean really -- isn't the point of pre-cana, FOCUS, and speaking with your priest, the whole point of them making sure you understand the sacrament and find out what kind of couple you are together?

that is the first time i've ever heard of this before---and i would NOT feel right releasing such information. i'd find another catholic church.

I went through this when I first met with my deacon. He asked me in the course of what seemed to be a casual conversation and I told him yes. I wasn't even thinkign that this could somehow hinder my getting married in the church. Well, FH and I were then told that they couldnt reserve our date without getting a letter from my therapist stating that I was 'of sound mind to enter into marriage.' I got the letter and my ceremony is now booked but I was very upset about it for awhile. I felt like I had spoken to a confidant about something personal and was then betrayed.

ETA: I believe that this is the 'norm' in all catholic churches. Also, they would really never find out on their own. When my deacon asked me and I said yes, he said thanks for answering honestly, lol.

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Posted by jbean36251

I was told that a letter would be sufficient and now the Diocese is saying we still need to sign the release form. It is a tough decision to make.

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Wait, I just reread you OP. They want to actually speak to your doctor? Why would that be relevant if your doctor simply sends a letter stating you're fine?

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Posted by jbean36251

Oh Sorry. When you meet with them you have to fill out a prenuptial investigation form and they ask if you have ever sought professsional counseling.
A little strange if you ask me.

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I was asked the same thing...and I was honest and said that I had been in therapy years before.

They had to 'look into it.' The deacon spoke to someone else within the church about it (a priest or something- i forget who) and decided it wasn't a big deal. I never had to sign a form for them to talk to my doctors.

That's ridiculous and I wouldn't sign it.

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Posted by jbean36251

I was told that a letter would be sufficient and now the Diocese is saying we still need to sign the release form. It is a tough decision to make.

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What Diocese is this??

Our priest asked us if we've ever sought conceling together or individually. I didn't think much of the question, but we weren't asked anything beyond that regarding counceling. My church is in the Rockville Center Diocese.

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Posted by Lten10

This is standard procedure to ensure that all people who ever received therapy (who clearly can run the gamut from mentally incapacitated to routine problems) are able to FREELY give their consent to marry in the Catholic church.

Since marriage is a sacrament, they need to ensure your ability to make rational decisions and to be clear that you are making this choice of your own free will.

So I understand that this is uncomfortable but its just standard procedure to make sure that you are not being coerced and that you are capable of making a decision for yourself. You will be fine!!! This is really just a check that the church does for EVERYONE who has ever had a problem like this.

Also, I would recommend you mention to your priest how you are confused why this needs to happen. I am sure he will be understanding and explain the church's point of view clearly.

FM me if I can help clarify in any way.

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I've never heard of this.

My FH has seen a couselor/therapist and our priest was made aware of this but we never had to get anything proving that he was of sound mind. Is there a certain time frame that this is applicable??

even if you sign the conset form the doctor cannot speak to anyone about your sessions per HIPPA laws...so the church can shove it....


(and what stinks is when i was 15 i saw a therapist and he no longer practices anymore...i mentioned it to my deacon during our initial interview and now watch him tell me i cant get married in a church...stinking rockville center diocese...)

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Posted by Lten10

This is standard procedure to ensure that all people who ever received therapy (who clearly can run the gamut from mentally incapacitated to routine problems) are able to FREELY give their consent to marry in the Catholic church.

Since marriage is a sacrament, they need to ensure your ability to make rational decisions and to be clear that you are making this choice of your own free will.

So I understand that this is uncomfortable but its just standard procedure to make sure that you are not being coerced and that you are capable of making a decision for yourself. You will be fine!!! This is really just a check that the church does for EVERYONE who has ever had a problem like this.

Also, I would recommend you mention to your priest how you are confused why this needs to happen. I am sure he will be understanding and explain the church's point of view clearly.

FM me if I can help clarify in any way.

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I undertand that it might be some thing they want to make sure you aren't 'coerced' into doing--but a letter from the therapist should be sufficient. The fact that this church is asking for a MEDICAL release and stating they need to speak to the therapist--is taking it too far and they should be able to take the word of the doctor in a letter. That is my huge issue with it.