Catechism On the sixth Commandment of the Church
Q. What is the sixth Commandment of the Church?
A. The sixth Commandment of the Church is, ‘Not to marry within certain degrees of kindred, nor
to solemnize marriage at the forbidden times’.
Certain degrees, etc. Certain states of relationship, as first or second cousins. In the
Catholic Church none can contract matrimony who are related by blood up to the third
degree inclusive, unless they obtain a dispensation or leave to do so.
Solemnize. To do anything in a religious or solemn manner, with all the ceremonies.
Q. Which are the times in which it is forbidden to marry with solemnity?
A. Now, marriage may be contracted at any time of the year. However, the pastor shall advise the
spouses to take into account the special character of the liturgical season and abstain from
excessive festivity during Advent and Lent.
Ash Wednesday. So called because ashes are blessed and distributed on this day, to
remind us of our origin and of our end.