Non-demoninational vow renewal?

[Jenny35]

I’ve been invited to an out-of-state non-denominational beach vow renewal. Aside from the fact that I don’t want to go but do feel some social obligation, is this even something that I can, in good faith, attend? It’s an ordained on the internet minister type of thing. It feels wrong but I have been told in the past that I am too rigid and inflexible. Advice?

 

[Xantippe]

Sounds fine.

 

[maryjk]

Sounds fine.

Sounds fun.

 

[rcwitness]

It would rub me wrong. Im not a fan of these renta ministers mocking the vocation of a priest. I have a friend who got some online minister liscence to marry a couple friends of his. I think its a joke. Does this minister take up the cross of Jesus and make himself available to those in prison, those seeking reconciliation, serving Mass, counciling people through their sins, and other things a priest is dedicating himself to?

Not sure if there is anything prohibiting you to go, or that would offend Jesus.

just get waisted and crash the thing. (that’s good humor!)

 

[maryjk]

It would rub me wrong. Im not a fan of these renta ministers mocking the vocation of a priest. I have a friend who got some online minister liscence to marry a couple friends of his. I think its a joke. **Does this minister take up the cross of Jesus and make himself available to those in prison, those seeking reconciliation, serving Mass, counciling people through their sins, and other things a priest is dedicating himself to?
**
Not sure if there is anything prohibiting you to go, or that would offend Jesus.

just get waisted and crash the thing. (that’s good humor!)

Does that mean that you don’t attend *any *service that is not Catholic. Because those ministers don’t hear Confessions or offer Mass. Of course they aren’t priests, so they wouldn’t be able to do all of the things you listed.

Keep in mind this couple is already married. They are simply renewing their vows.

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

Aside from the fact that I don’t want to go but do feel some social obligation, is this even something that I can, in good faith, attend?

I can understand a dilemma with whether or not to attend a wedding, but this is not a wedding. It’s an anniversary party.

If the couple is Catholic and you are in a position to do so, you might suggest that they renew their vows in the context of a Mass. If they’re not Catholic, they wouldn’t have that option.

I don’t see attendance as being a moral issue.

 

[lynnareyno]

For me it would depend if the couple is Catholic. If they are Catholic then I would not attend because it should be done by a priest, not an internet minister. If they aren’t Catholic then - no problem.

 

[EasterJoy]

This is more a joyful reiteration of vows than a renewal of them, since the original vows are for life and no one disputes it or is trying to imply otherwise. It doesn’t matter who receives them, then, because this is merely symbolic, not sacramental. The ceremony doesn’t even have any effect in civil law.

Fr. Vincent Serpa said that renewal of vows is OK. He did not say it required a priest, even though his parents elected to have him, their son the priest, receive their renewal of vows: catholic.com/quickquestions/should-we-renew-our-wedding-vows

 

[Hoosier_Daddy]

I’ve been invited to an out-of-state non-denominational beach vow renewal. Aside from the fact that I don’t want to go but do feel some social obligation, is this even something that I can, in good faith, attend? It’s an ordained on the internet minister type of thing. It feels wrong but I have been told in the past that I am too rigid and inflexible. Advice?

If you don’t want to go. Don’t go. It is out of state so you can just say that you cannot make it. There is no real problem here. Unless you wish to delve into the reasons why you disapprove. Which is not necessary.

“Congratulations. I am sorry I cannot make it.” Then send a nice card. Or better yet send a card with the date of the Mass that you will have said for their marraige…

 

[EasterJoy]

If you don’t want to go. Don’t go. It is out of state so you can just say that you cannot make it. There is no real problem here. Unless you wish to delve into the reasons why you disapprove. Which is not necessary.

“Congratulations. I am sorry I cannot make it.” Then send a nice card. Or better yet send a card with the date of the Mass that you will have said for their marraige…

This. Just because the ceremony isn’t a moral offense does not mean the event is a command performance. If you don’t mind if they don’t come to your anniversary party, I would not worry about not going to theirs. Skipping a friend’s anniversary party isn’t like skipping a friend’s wedding.