Some common questions you may have:
Will my marriage be legal in the State of Arizona?
Yes. As you, your witnesses, and I sign your license we are making your relationship legal at that moment. You recognize me as a valid minister and your family and friends are there to testify to your experience. Since I am an ordained minister, counties throughout the United States recognize my actions. My ordination, and therefore my ministry, is certified by a national organization:
Do you marry non-Catholics or eastern traditions like Hindus or Buddhists?
Absolutely! I respect deeply all legitimate faiths from East to West. God is revealed in many different ways by all the religions of the world. Not too long ago, I had the privilege of officiating at a wedding between a Hindu and a Christian. It was an honor to participate in the various rites and traditions manifested on both sides of the family. I am a professor of World Religions at Rio Salado College and I see God working in Jews, Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, and Hindus alike. I value every human person no matter the walk of faith.
Will my marriage be "recognized" or "blessed" by the Catholic Church?
Because you are getting married outside of the Church (not in a Catholic Church and not by a priest in active ministry according to the Vatican), the Church will not recognize your marriage as a Sacrament. Yet, I believe where there is a relationship with genuine love, commitment, caring, and no abuse of any kind, God is present. Therefore, I believe the relationship is "Sacramental". Wherever God is, God's grace and spirit is working.
Can I participate in the life of the Church after my wedding?
Again, according to the man made laws, a couple must first meet with a priest or deacon and see what they need to do to reconcile. This may mean having their "legal" marriage blessed in the church, or getting an annulment if one party was married before. I believe people need to belong to a community of faith where they worship God. As families grow, have babies baptized, and learn about God, people have an innate need to feel connected and be a part of the Body of Christ.
What is required of us from you?
Come as you are. Because I want to make your ceremony personal, I always meet couples ahead of time and go over all the options they have for their special day. We can have as little as 1 or 2 meetings before your wedding date to as many as 10 or 20. It all depends on you and your needs. Some couples request pre-marital counseling. This allows couples to work on issues from better communication skills to conflict resolution. Remember, it is easy to plan a wedding. The challenging part is staying married. I am your friend and am on your team. I want you to succeed and be happy. I desire that you both take care of yourselves and each other.
Where do we meet?
I like to meet at an informal setting like a "Coffee Plantation" or a "Starbucks". Since I am in the "penalty box" for being a married priest, I do not have a parish. My parish is St. Starbucks and my church is all around me.
Do you attend the wedding rehearsal?
If a couple has hired a wedding coordinator for their ceremony, my services are usually not needed for the rehearsal. I arrive at least a half hour early on the wedding day. This allows me plenty of time to meet with readers, bridesmaids, groomsmen, mothers, etc.
If a couple does not have a wedding coordinator and requests my presence at the rehearsal, I will be more than happy to be present. It is always a good idea to check with me before setting a rehearsal time and date to assure I will be available to attend.
How do we find out about our options and choices for our wedding?
At our initial meeting, I will give you a "Wedding Organizer". I will also go over your options that you can choose. Although, I strongly believe in letting couples choose many of the selections, I always hope and suggest that they include family and friends in their ceremony. For example, having them read scripture, or having the mothers light the side candles on the unity candle are great ways to get family and friends involved..
How do we know if you are available?
Fill out the form on the contact me page or just give me a call at:
480-205-2999. I will get back to you the same day and let you know if I'm available for your special day.
