What do RCC Deacons do officially at weddings?

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QuicumqueVult

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When I was an Anglican transitional deacon, I was told that I was not permitted to bless in the name of the Trinity or confect sacraments, and hence could not perform/solemnize the sacrament of Holy Matrimony.

As ordained clergy, civil law allows it, but not the Ordinary of my Diocese, for theological reasons (apparently, Anglican deacons are permitted to perform weddings in some quarters, so the prohibition is not uniquitous).

My question is, what do RC deacons do at weddings at which they preside, theologically-speaking? This has always confused me, as the Sacred Order of Deacons is not sacerdotal in any tradition of which I am aware. Do Romans and Anglicans perhaps have different notions of blessing and solemnizing?

Curiously,
 
Deacons within the Eastern Catholic Church are not allowed to preside at the Mystery of Crowning, or Marriage.

In the Latin Catholic Church the couple confer the sacrament on each other with the priest/deacon acting as a witness and presiding over the ceremony. This is different in the Eastern Churches, as it is the priest who confers the mystery (sacrament).
 
RCC Deacons witness weddings as was said. Usually outside of Mass. I did a wedding, however, where the pastor said the Mass and I witnessed the vows and I signed the Marriage license as the clergy witness. This was at the request of the couple.

May God bless you,
Deacon Tony SFO
 
Thanks for your post, Deacon Tony. I always enjoy reading your commentary.

Are you aware of any instances of a RC deacon officiating at a wedding with no nuptial Mass? That would be the case I am confused about. If there is no priest, can a deacon say something to the effect that “I pronounce that you are husband and wife in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” Is anointing or asperging (sprinking with Holy Water) the rings or couple done when a deacon presides?

Since the couple are the ministers of the sacrament, officiants are simply witnesses (even priests who *celebrate * a nuptial mass), but the Church must bless a wedding. How so?
 
Yo, Deacon Ed and Deacon Tony - is it not the case that the permanent diaconate in the RCC is conferred by the sacrament of holy orders, therefore they also have authority to teach, preach and bless (although not to forgive sins or to confect the eucharist)?
 
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puzzleannie:
Yo, Deacon Ed and Deacon Tony - is it not the case that the permanent diaconate in the RCC is conferred by the sacrament of holy orders, therefore they also have authority to teach, preach and bless (although not to forgive sins or to confect the eucharist)?
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That is correct. Latin Rite deacons can administer all the sacraments of initiation, but not of healing/Consecrating the Eucharist.
 
Detroit Sue:
That is correct. Latin Rite deacons can administer all the sacraments of initiation, but not of healing/Consecrating the Eucharist.
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Sort of correct.

In the Latin Church, the ordinary minister of Baptism are the deacon, priest, and bishop. For Confirmation the ordianry minister is the Bishop. The priest may do so when delegated by the bishop, the deacon does not confirm.

In the Byzantine Church, the deacon can not preside at marriages, he also can not baptize. The priest is the ordinary minister of Baptism and Chrismation (Confirmation).

Also Byzantine deacons can not bless as a priest does.
 
Catholic Deacons are allowed to officiate at “Simple Weddings.” These are weddings outside of Mass. The deacon witnesses the marriage, pronounces the couple married, and signs the marriage certificate. They are indeed recognised by the church. Also, some who have been married outside of the church by a judge or at a wedding factory in Nevada, may decide to have their marriage blessed by the church. A deacon is allowed to officiate at this simple service, which does not require a Mass.

May God bless you all for your interest in our faith. One must study the faith each day. Everyone from the newest convert to the pope himself can learn each day. The knowledge of God is infinite.

Deacon Tony SFO
 
Just to add to what the other deacons said…my wife and I do also the marriage prep for couples within our parish. We meet with the couples at least four to six times prior to their wedding rehearsal. We do something called FOCCUS (Facilitating Open Couple Conversation Understanding study) It is a wonderful tool used in our diocese and around the country to get couples to dialogue over a series of 150+ statements ranging from Family of Origin, Finances, Personality, Sexuality, Dual Careers, Friends, etc. We also give them a FOCCUS for the Future, a booklet that offers them goal setting for their marriage. It is a very valuable vehicle to get couples to open discussion if it has not been already bridged before. You would be surprised how many couples have not entertained discussion. Even couples who have dated or lived together for many years. This is in addition to the prescribed Pre-Cana classes or Discovery Weekend retreats. Occasionally after getting to know these couples, we recommend counseling before they make the committment.
And yes, we witness their marriage legally and sacramentally. It is a great gift of our ordination to be there as they take this wonderful step of building a family of God.
 
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