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Catholic priest recommendation to marry couple off-site - Chicago/Chicago Suburbs

JacksonPowell2013JacksonPowell2013 member
First Comment First Anniversary
in Illinois-Chicago
Does anyone have any recommendations for Catholic priests that would be willing to preform a Catholic mass outside of their resident church and in a non- denominational church?

My fiance and I are both Catholic, however, we opted out of having the wedding at our parish in favor of having the wedding at a beautiful, non-denominational church at Northwestern.  We met during college and thought it would be very special to get married on campus.

The staff at mentioned that they had held many Catholic weddings in the past, however, we would need to find a priest that was willing to preform the ceremony outside of a consecrated church. There is a small Catholic center/church on campus, however, they are unwilling to preform masses off-site (I would assume because they would rather Catholic alumni choose to host their weddings there than in another venue on campus).

Really appreciate any recommendations or insights!
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Re: Catholic priest recommendation to marry couple off-site - Chicago/Chicago Suburbs

  • MobKazMobKaz member
    Knottie Warrior 5000 Comments 500 Love Its 5 Answers
    If I am not mistaken, typically, no Catholic Mass can occur outside of a Catholic Church, because Holy Matrimony in the Catholic Church is a sacramental matter. You could not get married in a non-denominational church and have it recognized by the Catholic Church.

    You may be able to find a retired priest to perform a religious ceremony, but it would be devoid of the sacraments and not recognized in the eyes of the Church.

    In extraordinary situations, some exceptions can be made with the permission of the Diocesan Bishop. 


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  • ericaandtom2012ericaandtom2012 member
    500 Comments Second Anniversary
    edited September 2012
    No practicing Catholic priest can perform a marriage ceremony outside of the Catholic Church; It is against church doctrine.  The chapel on campus not wanting to perform wedding ceremonies off-site is due to this, not wanting to host more weddings.  Many retired priests would likely not be willing to perform this type of ceremony as it would not be a sacrament.  

    If you want a Catholic priest presiding over your wedding, you need to have your wedding in a Catholic Church.  I would also like to note that if you do not have your wedding in a Catholic Church, it will be very difficult for you and your FI to baptize your future children in the Catholic church.  

    What PP is talking about in her last statement is a convalidation.  They are very difficult to get and there must be a very good reason for it (NOT, I just wanted to have my PPD held outside/at another venue).  The ladies on the Catholic Weddings board (under cultural boards) can tell you much more about this topic.
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  • KatWAGKatWAG member
    2500 Comments Fifth Anniversary 500 Love Its 5 Answers
    If you are able to find a Catholic Priest to marry you outside of the Catholic Church you marriage will not be recognized by the Catholic church. If you are fine with than then okay, although then I dont see the point of having a Catholic priest there to begin with.

    Also if you think that a year after your wedding, you can go back to the church and have a vow renewal is something so that the church will recognized your marriage, think again. The church doesn't fall for that.

    You cant have your cake and eat it too.
    BabyFruit Ticker
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  • JacksonPowell2013JacksonPowell2013 member
    First Comment First Anniversary
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_illinois-chicago_catholic-priest-recommendation-to-marry-couple-off-site-chicagochicago-suburbs?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:72Discussion:34caf601-3114-4e43-a32f-975af09dbdf6Post:9d342dac-0780-4324-9535-a41acbdaa2a6">Re: Catholic priest recommendation to marry couple off-site - Chicago/Chicago Suburbs</a>:
    [QUOTE]If I am not mistaken, typically, no Catholic Mass can occur outside of a Catholic Church, because Holy Matrimony in the Catholic Church is a sacramental matter. You could not get married in a non-denominational church and have it recognized by the Catholic Church. You may be able to find a retired priest to perform a religious ceremony, but it would be devoid of the sacraments and not recognized in the eyes of the Church. In extraordinary situations, some exceptions can be made with the permission of the Diocesan Bishop. 
    Posted by mobkaz[/QUOTE]<div>
    </div><div>Just to be clear, we are planning to have a convalidation ceremony (so our marriage is recongnized as a sacrament within the church) shortly after our honeymoon.  We've already spoken to our priest and they are willing to do the mass for us, provided we go through pre-marriage courses that all married couples have to do before getting married at the church. Probably should've clarified - sorry!<div>
    </div><div>We'd still like to have a mass on our actual wedding day even if its not recognized as a sacrament. If you can recommend someone who will at least say that mass off site and not in a church, we'd like a recommedation!</div><div>
    </div><div>Thanks!!</div>
    </div>
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  • KatWAGKatWAG member
    2500 Comments Fifth Anniversary 500 Love Its 5 Answers
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_illinois-chicago_catholic-priest-recommendation-to-marry-couple-off-site-chicagochicago-suburbs?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:72Discussion:34caf601-3114-4e43-a32f-975af09dbdf6Post:c2413ff6-4487-4971-be7c-d160c2313684">Re: Catholic priest recommendation to marry couple off-site - Chicago/Chicago Suburbs</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: Catholic priest recommendation to marry couple off-site - Chicago/Chicago Suburbs : Just to be clear, we are planning to have a convalidation ceremony (so our marriage is recongnized as a sacrament within the church) shortly after our honeymoon.  We've already spoken to our priest and they are willing to do the mass for us, provided we go through pre-marriage courses that all married couples have to do before getting married at the church. Probably should've clarified - sorry! <strong>We'd still like to have a mass on our actual wedding day</strong> even if its not recognized as a sacrament. If you can recommend someone who will at least say that mass off site and not in a church, we'd like a recommedation! Thanks!!
    Posted by JacksonPowell2013[/QUOTE]

    The point is that it won't be a mass since it won't be taking place in a church. Thus practicting priest will not partake in it.
    BabyFruit Ticker
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  • JacksonPowell2013JacksonPowell2013 member
    First Comment First Anniversary
    Ok, well, I know from speaking with the lady at the venue that there are priests who have presided over countless "catholic masses" (just in form) at this venue. 

    I understand this will not be a sacrament within the church. I'm just looking for someone "to go through the motions", so to speak.  I would like to partake in the traditions (i.e. have readings, present flowers to Mary, etc. etc.).

    The planner at the venue has already given me a few suggestions, but I wanted to see if anyone else had any others.  I'm sure I'm not the first to do this!

    I'm not here to argue - I'm just looking for suggestions if people have them because I know it can be done! If there are no suggestions, I will proceed with the chapel's recommendations!
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  • MobKazMobKaz member
    Knottie Warrior 5000 Comments 500 Love Its 5 Answers
    My guess is that you will be best served going with the recommendations of your planner. 

    Perhaps it is your semantics, but it doesn't sound as if you want a Catholic Mass.  It sounds moreso that you want to incorporate some Catholic traditions into a non-denominational ceremony.  For that, you don't really need a priest.  You would only require a priest if you were looking for a mass that includes the Offertory and Consecration.  That cannot happen at your "venue".

    Any officiant can "go through the motions" and incorporate any readings and musical selections into your ceremony.  IF your venue has a statue of BVM, you could include an offering to her. 

    I do hope this priest with whom you are in communication is very clear on your intentions and the ability to convalidate as easily as he implies.  Good luck.
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  • vandaelvandael member
    Second Anniversary First Comment
    Jackson, try looking into Father Greg Zimmerman (http://www.frgregz.com/Background.htm). My FI are considering him for our ceremony. 
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  • MobKazMobKaz member
    Knottie Warrior 5000 Comments 500 Love Its 5 Answers
    http://www.rentapriest.com/media/Greg-Zimmerman.htm


    "Does anyone have any recommendations for Catholic priests that would be willing to preform a Catholic mass outside of their resident church and in a non- denominational church?"

    Just to be clear; this man is NOT a priest and will NOT be able to perform a Catholic Mass in or outside of a church.  It's actually beyond disrespectful and fraudulent to represent himself in such a way.
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  • JacksonPowell2013JacksonPowell2013 member
    First Comment First Anniversary
    @mobkaz To be fair, he's not misrepresenting himself - his background page seems very clear and upfront. For the question I am asking, this is definitely something to look into.  As you said, just want to have the Catholic traditions as party of my service!

    @vandael - Thanks for the recommendation. Refreshing to have someone actually answer the question! I'll definitely look into it.
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