owed to marry another within the third
degree of blood relationship.

Q. 1361. Who are in the third degree of blood relationship?
A. Second cousins are in the third degree of blood relationship, and
persons whose relationship is nearer than second cousins are in closer
degrees of kindred. It is unlawful for persons thus related to marry
without a dispensation or special permission of the Church.

Q. 1362. Are there other relationships besides blood relationship that
render marriage unlawful without a dispensation?
A. There are other relationships besides blood relationship that render
marriage unlawful without a dispensation, namely, the relationships
contracted by marriage, which are called degrees of affinity, and the
relationship contracted by being sponsors at Baptism, which is called
spiritual affinity.

Q. 1363. What should persons about to marry do, if they suspect they are
related to each other?
A. Persons about to marry, if they suspect they are related to each
other, should make known the facts to the priest, that he may examine
the degree of relationship and procure a dispensation if necessary.

Q. 1364. {404} What is the meaning of the command not to marry
privately?
A. The command not to marry privately means that none should marry
without the blessing of God's priests or without witnesses.

Q. 1365. What sin is it for Catholics to be married before the minister
of another religion?
A. It is a mortal sin for Catholics to be married before the minister of
another religion, and they who attempt to do so incur excommunication,
and absolution from their sin is reserved to the bishop.

Q. 1366. {405} What is the meaning of the precept not to solemnize
marriage at forbidden times?
A. The meaning of the precept not to solemnize marriage at forbidden
times is that during Lent and Advent the marriage ceremony should not be
performed with pomp or a nuptial Mass.

Q. 1367. {406} What is the nuptial Mass?
A. The nuptial Mass is a Mass appointed by the Church to invoke a
special blessing upon the married couple.

Q. 1368. {407} Should Catholics be married at a nuptial Mass?
A. Catholics should be married at a nuptial Mass, because they thereby
show greater reverence for the holy Sacrament and bring richer blessings
upon their wedded life.

Q. 1369. What restrictions does the Church place on the ceremonies of
marriage when one of the persons is not a Catholic?
A. The Church places several restrictions on th