ALERT FROM THE DIOCESE: Those Catholic couples or Catholic parties contemplating marriage in the Catholic Church must follow the canonical form for a valid marriage: that is, under Catholic Church law (Canon 1108) it is a requirement that a baptized Catholic must exchange vows in the presence of the local bishop, parish priest, or a delegated priest or deacon with the faculties of the Diocese concerned, along with at least two witnesses present, for the marriage to be valid. All Catholic parties concerned should ask the proposed officiant if he has official faculties granted by the Diocese in which the wedding is to take place. If he does not or gives a confusing reply, the marriage will not be considered valid by the Catholic Church. Certain “priests” or ministers are presenting themselves online or elsewhere for weddings or other sacraments who have no official faculty to do so. Consult with your parish or the Chancery of the Diocese if you have any concerns or questions.
