Amy Kanton
wrote:
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Hi, guys —
- Could a Catholic officiate at a wedding between two people that are not Catholic?
It would be a civil ceremony.
Amy
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{
Can a Catholic officiate at a wedding between two people that are not Catholic? }
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Bob replied:
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Amy,
I don't know of any rule saying they can't; but my colleagues might have a more definitive answer.
Peace,
Bob Kirby
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Eric replied:
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Amy,
Yes, they may, under the circumstances you described.
Eric
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Mike replied:
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Hi Eric,
For a better understanding on my end:
- What would be the validity of what they are officiating: a natural marriage?
Mike
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Eric replied:
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Mike,
- What if the two being married are baptized non-Catholic Christians?
Then it would be sacramental, not merely natural.
In Roman Catholic theology, the spouses administer the sacrament to one another. It's not the priest or deacon who makes the sacrament.
Jimmy Akin answered this very question on Catholic Answers Live and gave the same answer I gave. In fact he has officiated at a wedding himself.
Eric
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Paul replied:
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Yes,
Baptized non-Catholic Christians getting married in a civil ceremony would make it valid and sacramental.
If one or both parties are non-baptized, it would be a valid natural marriage.
Only Catholic Christians are obliged, by Canon law, to get married in the Catholic Church.
Peace,
Paul
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