2006-09-10 05:57:48 · 5 answers · asked by sierrapappabravo 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
The canonical answer is "yes," a deacon who is "Roman Catholic," can. Within the Catholic Church, there are multiple particular churches, of which, the Roman Church is one. More properly it is the Roman Patriarchate or the Western Patriarchate. Roman canon law permits deacons to witness a marriage.
The Eastern part of the Catholic Church does not permit a deacon to witness a marriage. A Christian marriage is a gathering of two or more in Christ's name. Christ said, "wherever two or more are gathered in my name, I am in their midst." Essentially, Christ said such a gathering is a gathering of the Church or the community of believers. In the Eastern Church, it views such a permanent gathering as an ordination a special form of witness or martyrdom. As such, it should be witnessed by a bishop or presbyter.
It is a difference of practice not one of dogma. In both parts of the Catholic Church, the officiating minister is the couple themselves. They perform the sacrament in their exchange of vows. The minister represents the body of believers in the celebration.
2006-09-10 08:44:50 · answer #1 · answered by OPM 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, a Catholic deacon can perform (assist) at the celebration of a marriage and give the blessing of the Church.
With love in Christ.
2006-09-10 16:28:00 · answer #2 · answered by imacatholic2 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
An RC priest can and anyone higher in the RC hierarchy but I don't think that a deacon would be licensed by the state.
2006-09-10 06:04:21 · answer #3 · answered by linefan 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If they get minister-ship from the county or state to perform marriages, then yes. Really, anybody can perform a marriage, as long as they are licensed.
2006-09-10 06:35:46 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think they are called deacons. You will have to call your local Catholic church to find out.
2006-09-10 06:00:15 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋