Expert: Rick Jackson - 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
Hi Robert.  I have no clue what church "laws" would say about this but I cannot help but think that even if the answer is not a complete "no", then it would at least be very highly frowned upon.

Since we view it to be a sacrament, then you'd basically be, in my humble opinion "pretending" to perform a sacrament or Performing an invalid sacrament...or something like that.  

I just don't know, Robert, but it just does not sit right with me.  I'm sorry to not be able to give an "official" answer, so maybe I should have checked the "sorry, I cannot answer this question" option, but I just could not resist sharing my thoughts.

I think you should ask your priest.  And I can understand if might not want to ask a priest you know, so maybe ask the priest of another local parish.

Be prayerful in your considerations too.

Rick.