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#1 Pedro Cerrano

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Posted 26 July 2013 - 09:37 AM

So, my friends are getting married in early January and they want me to be the "officiant" of the ceremony.  The ceremony itself is completely secular and they want it to last no longer than 10-15 minutes.

 

Still, anything I've read online says that, in theory, to be an officiant of a wedding, I need to be ordained, which to me sounds religious.

 

I am confirmed Roman Catholic and while I don't really actively practice it does mean something to me and it means a ton to my mother.  So I'd rather not go down a path here that could jeopardize that in any way.

 

I know this question is probably better off with my priest but before really getting the ball rolling, does ANYONE here have any experience with something like this?  Any insight is appreciated.

 

I know politics/religious talk are banned but I figured this was benign enough it would be OK.  I also know it's completely out of left-field but stranger things have been discussed on these boards.

 

Thanks.

 


Rev. Pedro


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#2 Cisc-O's

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Posted 26 July 2013 - 09:54 AM

Maryland Edit sorry this link was from the page but for some reason it links it too the License part of it.

In Maryland, any adult can sign as clergy, as long as the couple who are getting married agree that he is a clergy. The celebrant doesn't have to be a resident, register in advance, or fulfil any other requirements.


Thats all I could find. I don't think you have to worry about the religious side because Justice of the peace are considered Clergy too and Iknow a few that are Catholic/Greek Orthodox.


I added this in for helpful writing tips :)
http://www.asimplece...org/ceremonies/
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#3 DJ MC

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Posted 26 July 2013 - 09:55 AM

I did one of those online ones a while back, just for fun. I think it was this place. Basically, they "ordain" you, giving you a certificate that you can use to legally officiate (depending on the state; they have links to the various laws on that site) and they'll sell you various other things if you want (nicer certificates, various wedding "packages", etc.).


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#4 Pedro Cerrano

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Posted 26 July 2013 - 10:33 AM

I did one of those online ones a while back, just for fun. I think it was this place. Basically, they "ordain" you, giving you a certificate that you can use to legally officiate (depending on the state; they have links to the various laws on that site) and they'll sell you various other things if you want (nicer certificates, various wedding "packages", etc.).

 

Not sure of your religious background but were you concerned at all about a "conflict of interest" so to speak?


There is baseball, and occasionally there are other things of note

"Now OPS sucks.  Got it."

"Making his own olive brine is peak Mackus."

"I'm too hungover to watch a loss." - McNulty

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#5 DJ MC

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Posted 26 July 2013 - 03:21 PM

Not sure of your religious background but were you concerned at all about a "conflict of interest" so to speak?

I'm Lutheran, but generally non-practicing outside of Easter and Christmas. So it really didn't matter much to me.

 

If you know a priest you could always ask them to be sure. But since you are essentially just doing everything as a civil ceremony I doubt there would be a conflict of interest. You're only officiating, not performing a Mass.

 

Besides, we all know that the Mormons are the right ones anyway :P


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#6 Icterus galbula

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Posted 26 July 2013 - 03:58 PM

I'm not religious, but since it would be a favor to your friends I think it would be harmless. I dont think you are taking up a false prophet or committing blasphemy against your religious beliefs. Just doing your fellow man a good turn.
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#7 You Play to Win the Game

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Posted 26 July 2013 - 04:58 PM

I'm not religious, but since it would be a favor to your friends I think it would be harmless. I dont think you are taking up a false prophet or committing blasphemy against your religious beliefs. Just doing your fellow man a good turn.

 

This, word for word.


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#8 Oriole85

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Posted 26 July 2013 - 07:00 PM

If the ceremony is secular and doesn't compromise your beliefs, I think your OK. Just my take, I'm also not too religious.


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#9 glenn__davis

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Posted 26 July 2013 - 08:34 PM

I'm religious but not Catholic, and I really know very little about Catholicism, so I can't help you much there.

 

But I concur with what others have said, if it's just a secular ceremony I don't see why it should cause any problem.



#10 Pedro Cerrano

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Posted 12 August 2013 - 10:39 AM

I used DJ's link today and "officially" became an ordained minister.  It literally took two clicks.  If I want the official document (which I think I do), I need to send them $7.99 (which is how they make their money I suppose).


There is baseball, and occasionally there are other things of note

"Now OPS sucks.  Got it."

"Making his own olive brine is peak Mackus."

"I'm too hungover to watch a loss." - McNulty

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#11 DJ MC

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Posted 12 August 2013 - 03:08 PM

I used DJ's link today and "officially" became an ordained minister. It literally took two clicks. If I want the official document (which I think I do), I need to send them $7.99 (which is how they make their money I suppose).


When I did it they let me print out a certificate for my ordination. An "official" certificate was extra but not necessary.
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#12 Pedro Cerrano

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Posted 12 August 2013 - 04:31 PM

When I did it they let me print out a certificate for my ordination. An "official" certificate was extra but not necessary.

 

I think in Pennsylvania (where the wedding is) I need to present the official certificate.  But I'm letting the married couple figure out everything I need.  Hey, I'M the one who had to get ordained!


There is baseball, and occasionally there are other things of note

"Now OPS sucks.  Got it."

"Making his own olive brine is peak Mackus."

"I'm too hungover to watch a loss." - McNulty

@bopper33


#13 SammyBirdland

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Posted 12 August 2013 - 07:32 PM

I used DJ's link today and "officially" became an ordained minister.  It literally took two clicks.  If I want the official document (which I think I do), I need to send them $7.99 (which is how they make their money I suppose).

 

 


¡Hasta la vista, pelota!




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