What can a non-Catholic minister do at a Catholic wedding?

[catholicdentist]

Good morning,

My fiancee and I are approaching the sacrament of marriage in about a years time. She has an aunt who is a Methodist minister and asked me if it would be okay if her aunt would be able to participate/give a homily at the wedding mass. I told her that I didn’t think this would be okay but I was wondering if you could give me a more authentic theological answer. The answer would also give me more credibility in accepting/denying her aunt from the aforementioned participation. I hope the question makes sense!

Thanks!!

M.A.

 

[Fr.Charles_Grondin]

In mixed marriages that Church does not encourage a Mass.
Principles and Norms on Ecumenism:

1. Because of problems concerning Eucharistic sharing which may arise from the presence of non-Catholic witnesses and guests, a mixed marriage celebrated according to the Catholic form ordinarily takes place outside the Eucharistic liturgy.

What this normally means is essentially a Liturgy of the Word with an opening prayer and readings, a brief homily, the wedding vows, and closing prayers.

In such a ceremony there are options for a non-Catholic minister:

1. Upon request of the couple, the local Ordinary may permit the Catholic priest to invite the minister of the party of the other Church or ecclesial Community to participate in the celebration of the marriage, to read from the Scriptures, give a brief exhortation and bless the couple.

The guidelines do not use the word homily or sermon, so that part of the liturgy is still reserved for the Catholic priest or deacon. The minister may do one of the readings and some form of marriage blessing/prayer at the end of the liturgy. The brief exhortation probably would most likely fit best after the wedding vows and exchange of rings and before the final prayer.

It should be kept in mind that these are merely options, they are not definitive roles for non-Catholic ministers. Ultimately it is up to the Bishop of the diocese and the local pastor as to which of the legitimate options they feel comfortable permitting.