Mass and the Nuptial Blessing for marriages of Catholics with others has been authorized in the archdiocese, according to an announcement made today by Archbishop Paul J. Hallinan.

The announcement was made in a directive issued by the archbishop and effective immediately. It is based on instructions received this week from the Sacred Congregation of the Holy Office and the Decree on Ecumenism of December, 1964. The following are the main points of the new directive: *Marriage of Catholics with others, when all canonical requirements are fulfilled, are to be celebrated in a Catholic Church, and the Ordinary may permit the celebration of Mass. The Mass and Nuptial Blessing are hereby authorized by the archbishop for all such marriages in the archdiocese.

*The non-Catholic spouse may invite a clergyman to offer a prayer, sermon and blessing in the home of either spouse immediately after the Catholic ceremony. There is to be no renewal of consent by the parties. This practice is to be encouraged, and of course, priests may attend if they so desire.

*The Catholic wedding is to be completely liturgical. A prior word of welcome and explanation would be in order. All Masses are to be “participated.” Leaflets should be provided, and music arranged according to the Archdiocesan Directory issued this year. The commentator and/or lector should be specially trained. All present should take part in the Liturgy of the Word if they desire.

The Catholic spouse may receive Holy Communion under both species. The partner may accompany and kneel beside the Catholic, but of course, may not receive the Eucharist which still remains both the sign and cause of the unity of the Church and a sad reminder of our present separation.

*Sponsors and attendants may be of the Catholic or other faith. (In Baptism and Confirmation, however, only Catholics may serve because they must represent the Catholic Church and stand as guarantors of the faith of the candidate). In weddings, a lapsed Catholic may serve as sponsor only if there is no reasonable fear of scandal.

*Marriages may take place in the morning, afternoon, or evening, but the ceremony my not begin after 8 p.m. Because of other pastoral duties for priests, marriages are not permitted on Sundays; because of impropriety they may not take place when regular confessions or other services are going on in the Church.

*With due regard for the liturgical rules, flowers and candles may be used in all church weddings.

Archbishop Hallinan said the new regulations are a happy consequence of the prayers and dialogues of many, and the ecumenical spirit of the present Council.