Can I become a priest if I performed a marriage outside of the church?

[Gilberto]

So I presided over two “marriages” outside of the church. Close friends asked me to become certified and I did.

I am discerning to become a priest and I feel guilty for what I have done. I believe that ordained priests can be the only ones to perform the sacrament of marriage in the Catholic Church. What do I do? I feel as if I have desecrated my beliefs and I don’t know what to do. I really want to become a priest.

 

[1ke]

What do you do? This is something to talk over with your vocations director or your own priest.

One thing that will determine whether you actually did anything “wrong” is whether either of the two parties were Catholic. Civilly marrying non-Catholics is not an issue. Catholic justices of the peace may do so.

If either of these close friends or their intended were also Catholic, then you should not have civilly married them. But, it seems you didn’t know that at the time. Does this impede you from the priesthood? I wouldn’t think so. Here is a listing of the canons that discuss impediments to the priesthood:

http://www.ewtn.com/library/Liturgy/zlitur394.htm

I believe that ordained priests can be the only ones to perform the sacrament of marriage in the Catholic Church.

This is not correct. Deacons witness marriages in the Church and also lay people designated by the bishop or pastor may do so in some situations provided for in canon law.

You did not perform the “sacrament of marriage in the Catholic Church”. You civilly married two people according to your state’s laws.

it’s something to talk to your priest about, but not the end of the world. If these people are Catholics, and you are still close to them, you could suggest they make an appointment to talk to a priest about convalidating their marriage.

 

[exnihilo]

I believe that ordained priests can be the only ones to perform the sacrament of marriage in the Catholic Church.

The sacrament is made by the bride and groom. In the Catholic view the marriage is performed by the couple. A sacramental marriage is made when the marriage is between two baptized persons. The priest is just a witness. That’s is why as @1ke pointed out deacons and even laity can act as a witness.

Nonetheless, a Catholic should not be witnessing the marriage of Catholics if they are not approved to do so. And , I believe, few lay people are.

 

[Gilberto]

None of the people were Catholic and I have told this to my vocation director today. Thank you all for your help. Please pray as I continue this journey. God Bless!

 

[Nigel7]

Edit… edit edit

 

[1ke]

None of the people were Catholic

Since they were not Catholic, nothing prohibited you from civilly marrying them.

Glad you talked to your vocations director today. Best of luck in your continued discernment.