In the Catholic Church marriage during Lent and Advent are discouraged due to the seriousness of the season and the difference of the mood between Lent/Advent and the celebration of a marriage.
It doesn't mean it
never happens, and it would depend on the local priests or possibly approval by the bishop.
Found this:
"When a marriage is celebrated during Advent or Lent or other days of penance, the parish priest should advise the couple to take into consideration the special nature of these liturgical seasons."
Quote:
The new (2002) official English translation of the new (2000) edition of the General Instruction of the Roman Missal has this directive, which I think covers "Anon's" query:
"305. Moderation should be observed in the decoration of the altar [throughout the whole year].
During Advent the floral decoration of the altar should be marked by a moderation suited to the character of this season, without expressing prematurely the full joy of the Nativity of the Lord.
During Lent it is forbidden for the altar to be decorated with flowers. Laetare Sunday (Fourth Sunday of Lent), Solemnities, and Feasts are exceptions.
Floral decorations should always be done with moderation and placed around the altar rather than on its mensa [table-top]."
From this, it follows that a wedding in Lent, with some festive spirit and flowers, is best celebrated on Laetare Sunday or on one of the special days known as "solemnities" and "feasts" (but not ordinary "memorials"). In 2003, there were no "feasts," but there were two solemnities:
March 19: Solemnity of St. Joseph, Husband of Mary.
March 25: Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord.
|
ETA:
http://www.nccbuscc.org/liturgy/q&a/...calendar.shtml
Prohibiting baptism during lent is probably not correct but not terribly uncommon. It would depend on how long you were made to wait (for the RCC that is.) Kind of like removing the holy water from the font(s). Not supposed to happen, does all the time.