Frequently Asked Questions about Weddings
1. If you officiate at our marriage will it be legal in the eyes of the state?
Since I am a minister of religion, your marriage will be legal in the eyes of the state.
2. What can we do when we can't find a priest who will marry us?
There are several options. Most Roman Catholic parishes, and many other churches, will require that you have at least some connection to it before they allow you to marry there. If you are open to doing so, seek out a church or parish where you feel comfortable, meet with the pastor and explain that you would like to join the parish and have plans to marry. If you do not feel you are being welcomed or treated kindly by your local priest or parish,I will treat you with kindness and acceptance – non-judgmentally. .
3. Can you help us when one or both of us are divorced?
Unlike the Roman Catholic Church, other Catholic Churches (such as the Eastern Orthodox Churches) teach that second marriages may be blessed.
I welcome divorced people who want to marry again. I will gladly bless your second marriage in the name of God’s people.
4. Will the Roman Church recognize our marriage?
I marry couples who are not following the form of Roman Catholic Canon
Law, so the Roman Catholic Church Hierarchy considers these marriages
illicit and will not recognize them as sacramental.
I am an ordained Catholic priest who has left ministry in the Roman Catholic Church but actively minister with CITI Ministries, a lay Catholic organization. I am a recognized minister in good standing with the International Council of Community Churches (ICCC). I am recognized by every state in the nation to officiate at wedding ceremonies, and to engage in other ministry. Since I am a minister of religion, your marriage will be legal in the eyes of the state.
The International Council of Community Churches and all other Christian denominations will recognize your marriage.
5. Will you perform an outdoor ceremony?
Yes, I will be happy to perform your ceremony at a reception hall, home, or other appropriate setting, inside or outside.
6. Will you perform ecumenical, interfaith, or non-denominational marriages, or gay commitment services?
Yes, as long as you ask God’s blessing on your marriage or commitment to each other, I will be happy, and privileged, to help you. I will celebrate with rabbis and ministers of other Christian denominations. I also officiate at civil (non-religious) ceremonies.
7. What does it cost for you to officiate at a wedding?
I request a fee to defray the expenses I incur in planning, preparing and celebrating a wedding ceremony. A fee to match your wedding ceremony will be arranged.
8. What if this is more than I can afford?
This is a ministry, and no couple should feel that they shouldn’t call me simply because of the cost. If the offering listed above is beyond your means please let me know, we’ll work something out.
9. What about Rehearsals?
Most wedding venues have professionals to assist with your rehearsal. If you want me to be physically present at your rehearsal on any day other than the day of the wedding itself, I will make every effort to be with you. This will cost an additional fee of $150.00
10. When you celebrate sacraments, are they recognized by the Roman Church?
The Roman Catholic Church would consider them "valid but illicit."
They are recognized by the International Council of Community Churches and by some other Christian Traditions.