Expert: Fr. Michael - 8/29/2007

Question
I am a Catholic, and I have a very close friend who has asked me to be the officiant at her wedding because I am also friends with the groom, and have known them since before they met.

They have both said it would mean a lot to them for me to perform the ceremony, however it involves going online to become "ordained" as an officiant.

Does this present a problem in terms of my standing with the Church? Am I prohibited from doing this favor?

It doesn't appear from these online sites that signing up to be able to perform the ceremony requires a declaration of faith or acceptance of another doctrine. And the last thing I want to do is let down two very good friends by refusing their request.

Thanks.

Answer
Yes, you are prohibited.  What you are speaking of is sacrilege and simulation of a Sacrament, which carries with it a grave penalty, even excommunication from the Church, a penalty that would apply to the other two, since they are complicit in the sacrilege.  Of course, the "marriage" itself would be null and void, just as the mail-order "ordination" would be.