Franciscan Brothers' Rights

[engaged92008]

Thank you all.

and benedictgal… that priest you mentioned at St. Ignatius is no longer there… or were you talking about someone at St. Austin’s?

 

[Cristiano]

Thanks, and I am beginning to understand all this finally… I think.

The problem is that we JUST registered at a parish for being non-practicing for a long time. We’re trying to get back into the faith. The problem for us is this: money. We just can’t afford to pay over $750+ to be married in a church. Most we can afford is $250, and we’re getting the reception place basically for free from a friend. So, if you know of any Catholic churches that would marry us for free, I’d be HAPPY to be married in one.

Bottom line, we can’t afford it.

Talk to the priest. The sacrament is for free. Just ask talk to the priest about your finances issues. You can get married during a regular Mass. The cost comes out when you want the Church building available for yourself.

When you say you are trying to get back into the faith are you truly honest about it? From some of your previous posts it did not sound that way. However, if I misread what you wrote and you are really trying to come back to the Church than you must have an open heart dialogue with the priest a let him know what your difficulties are. You would be surprised how much a priest is willing to help you if you are really honest and willful to come back to the Church.

 

[benedictgal]

Thank you all.

and benedictgal… that priest you mentioned at St. Ignatius is no longer there… or were you talking about someone at St. Austin’s?

I just sent you an PM with the names of who is/was where.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

There is an Archbishop over all Catholics in uniformed military service. The diocese basically has no boundaries. Priests and Deacons operate under this Archbishop and do not need permission from local bishops in matters pertaining to military personnel. It is possible for a Bishop to under certain circumstances to grant permission to a properly trained lay person to witness Marriages for the Catholic Church. I do not know however if this is the case for the military Archdiocese which is world wide.

Here is my response after being Pm’s that they were not military.

Most probably NOT. To me it seems along the lines of a “Rent-a-Priest”. Marriages performed by these priests are not valid unless they obtain permission of the Bishop of the people being Married to witness the Marriage. He would also have to have the permission of their pastors. Catholic Weddings outdoors would require a dispensation from the Bishop, and most if not all will not grant it. I also do not see the Superior allowing him to advertise on a web-site? You should at least find out what Providence he belings to and verify who he is and that he actually belongs to the Providence. He could be a priest who has been released by the Order for some reason.

 

[puzzleannie]

So not just any priest has the right to perform a wedding? He has to have permission of another priest? That seems odd…

the pastor has jurisdiction and responsibility for all souls within his parish boundaries, and that includes sacraments. If the parties wish to invite another priest to officiate the need his permission, and if the priest is from outside the diocese, he needs the bishops permission as well (yeah you know what I meant). These are usually formalities and there is no problem but they should be observed.

in OP’s example it seems it deals by definition with people who are not currently in their home parish, but formally Catholics on active military service belong to the Archdiocese for Military Affairs and are served by the Catholic chaplains. However depending on circumstances they can also celebrate sacraments in the Catholic Church where they are stationed. It is a sad fact that many are not adequately served, so perhaps this organization OP describes is filling a real need, and they do obtain necessary permissions, but without more info it is hard to say.

 

[puzzleannie]

No, I’m not going to have a mass, so that rule would not apply.

Again… how does one “get permission from the bishop” I’m thinking I can’t just call him up and ask… there’s got to be some long drawn-out process… right?

it is a routine part of your marriage preparation–for which you must still contact the pastor of one of the parties–and you simply fill out whatever form it is. It is NOT routine however to celebrate a Catholic wedding outside a Catholic Church or chapel, so do not assume it will be granted without a good reason. Also do not assume the individual you are considering to officiate is a priest in good standing without checking with the diocese, again, during your marriage preparation. The sacraments belong to the Church, not only to the individuals who benefit from them, and the Church has the right and obligation to see that they are conducted properly.

according to the website, these are chaplains who serve veterans not active military of all faiths. they claim to wear 2 hats, and that they are also ordained and authorized to witness Catholic weddings. they provide no info about the chaplains to substantiate that

the San Sebastian chapel and center are not listed as a parish, mission, religious institute for men, secular Franciscan order or any other Catholic institution in the Diocese of Austin, nor are either of the names mentioned listed as priests of the diocese (the directory does not list deacons).

as far as providing a ministry to veterans, that is a great thing, but before I was willing to risk the validity of my marriage I would certainly check it out.

 

[bpbasilphx]

Let me explain. When my grandmother died, we had her funeral Mass at her parish in South Austin. However, given the fact that I was not particularly pleased with the way the pastor handled my stepgrandfather’s funeral, I asked my parochial vicar from my diocese to celebrate the Mass.

Ahhh–Parochial vicar make stronger juju?

 

[benedictgal]

Let me explain. When my grandmother died, we had her funeral Mass at her parish in South Austin. However, given the fact that I was not particularly pleased with the way the pastor handled my stepgrandfather’s funeral, I asked my parochial vicar from my diocese to celebrate the Mass.

Ahhh–Parochial vicar make stronger juju?

The pastor extolled my stepgrandfather during the homily, pretty much turning it into a eulogy. He didn’t know him well and all but canonized him. That is a big no-no. The music was bad and it was just not the ideal funeral Mass. My PV has a much better handle on things.

 

[vocatio]

Military Chaplains come in all sorts. There are a lot of very solid Catholic priests serving in the Military Archdiocese, but the OP needs to know that approaching a military Chaplain could be a dead-end since neither one of them is military.

Rock of the Marne!

Didn’t follow it closely. You are correct.

 

[vocatio]

The pastor extolled my stepgrandfather during the homily, pretty much turning it into a eulogy. He didn’t know him well and all but canonized him. That is a big no-no. The music was bad and it was just not the ideal funeral Mass. My PV has a much better handle on things.

Well that’s much better than what happened at my mother’s funeral you might think. My mother was not a regular church attender. She was Protestant.non-denominational. The Military Chaplain used her funeral as a “come to Jesus” moment of how not to live. Trust me, he was really accurate. Someone was telling him some real truths behind the scenes. It was very sad. I started praying her the repose of her soul about 2 years ago. She died 12 years ago this Christmas Eve. Not a ready happy day for me these days. She wrote me out of her WILL and there was no real closure.

 

[OutinChgoburbs]

Well that’s much better than what happened at my mother’s funeral you might think. My mother was not a regular church attender. She was Protestant.non-denominational. The Military Chaplain used her funeral as a “come to Jesus” moment of how not to live. Trust me, he was really accurate. Someone was telling him some real truths behind the scenes. It was very sad. I started praying her the repose of her soul about 2 years ago. She died 12 years ago this Christmas Eve. Not a ready happy day for me these days. She wrote me out of her WILL and there was no real closure.

My DH’s stepmother made it impossible for us to attend his father’s graveside service (at least she allowed a priest) and was rude to extended family in the bargain. We had the priest in the area where my FIL was raised say a Memorial Mass, and had a family reunion, though a sort of somber one, after the Mass. It helped closed things for my husband.

His mother died in May, and his sister did not inform us. His mom claimed to be an atheist and wanted NO services, but was baptized and confirmed Catholic. Because my husband was deathly ill in February, we haven’t had time to breathe, let alone catch up on this. I think after Christmas in the dead of Winter we will request a Memorial Mass for her.

 

[vocatio]

My DH’s stepmother made it impossible for us to attend his father’s graveside service (at least she allowed a priest) and was rude to extended family in the bargain. We had the priest in the area where my FIL was raised say a Memorial Mass, and had a family reunion, though a sort of somber one, after the Mass. It helped closed things for my husband.

His mother died in May, and his sister did not inform us. His mom claimed to be an atheist and wanted NO services, but was baptized and confirmed Catholic. Because my husband was deathly ill in February, we haven’t had time to breathe, let alone catch up on this. I think after Christmas in the dead of Winter we will request a Memorial Mass for her.

I will most definitily keep you in my prayers over the holidays. It will help your husband, you and me as well getting me focused on service rather than being self-absorbed. PAX Christi tecum.

 

[Mike_Dye]

I know of a Chaplain who, on his organization’s website, states he is an “Ordained Franciscan”… what does that mean? The organization helps veterans and military families by performing wedding ceremonies in any location, since often, these couples do not have the luxury of time or of being able to book a church.

So, does it sound legit?

I suppose it is possible but it sounds fishy to me, In most Dioceses it is necessary for those to receive the sacrament to go through some type of Matrimony Prep Class.

 

[engaged92008]

I suppose it is possible but it sounds fishy to me, In most Dioceses it is necessary for those to receive the sacrament to go through some type of Matrimony Prep Class.

I am going through the Marriage Prep class/program… that was not my concern.

Although… just to update everyone, I checked with the Diocese, and this is NOT legit. In addition, the Marriage/Family Life Coordinator at the Diocese is going to help us out with talking to the churched I’ve had problems with and try to either get my fees reduced, or work something else out.

thanks for all your help!

 

[PhilotheaZ]

I am going through the Marriage Prep class/program… that was not my concern.

Although… just to update everyone, I checked with the Diocese, and this is NOT legit. In addition, the Marriage/Family Life Coordinator at the Diocese is going to help us out with talking to the churched I’ve had problems with and try to either get my fees reduced, or work something else out.

thanks for all your help!

I’m so glad you are making progress with this. Praise God, and God bless both of you.

 

[Pax_Vobiscum_57]

I am going through the Marriage Prep class/program… that was not my concern.

Although… just to update everyone, I checked with the Diocese, and this is NOT legit. In addition, the Marriage/Family Life Coordinator at the Diocese is going to help us out with talking to the churched I’ve had problems with and try to either get my fees reduced, or work something else out.

thanks for all your help!

I’m so glad you came here. You’ve gotten some really good advice. I’m also very happy that your diocese is working with you on expenses. Keep us up to date!

 

[benedictgal]

I am going through the Marriage Prep class/program… that was not my concern.

Although… just to update everyone, I checked with the Diocese, and this is NOT legit. In addition, the Marriage/Family Life Coordinator at the Diocese is going to help us out with talking to the churched I’ve had problems with and try to either get my fees reduced, or work something else out.

thanks for all your help!

I am proud of you. Please give the Paulists my regards as well as your pastor.