News, Catholic Church: Priests shouldn't perform weddings on cruise ships. (woman, priest)

[JD59]

The Catholic News Service is reporting the Catholic Church plans to issue new guidelines for priests serving on cruise ships that, among other things, forbid them from performing weddings while at sea.

Catholic Church: Priests shouldn't perform weddings on cruise ships - Cruise Log - USATODAY.com

[Okiegirlfriend]

I have always been under the impression that no Catholic marriage ceremony can take place outside of a Catholic Church, that is, no gardens, homes or beaches, etc.

[joetownmom]

Marriage is a sacrament in the Catholic faith and it is not a step taken lightly. It is a serious commitment between a man and woman, a lifelong commitment that occurs after lengthy pre-canna (pre-wedding) counseling and class.

Divorce is still opposed for Catholics although in real life, many Catholics do get divorced but the Church makes a valiant attempt to make sure that couples getting married have their priorities straight and are making a lifelong commitment.

As a Sacrament, marriage is taken very seriously so no, a cruise ship would not be the place.

[Oakback]

I think the Church's edict is a mistake.

Technically, the Priest is merely "witnessing" the vowes, then blessing the marriage.

I would think the Church would prefer to have the lovers tie the knot before they spend the rest of the cruise doing..........

well you get the picture