Can a retired Catholic priest still perform a marriage?

Answer 1

Catholic AnswerNo, a Catholic priest may retire with permission of his Bishop, but he could not get married. A priest is not a job, he is ordained, and like Baptism and Confirmation, the priest is ontologically different after he is ordained. Ontology is the science of being (it is a subset or branch of metaphysics), a priest is an "alter Christus",which is a Latin phrase which means "another Christ". Especially at the altar, the priest stands before us as another Christ. He does not say, "this is Your Body", no, he says, "this is MY Body". Because of this important change at ordination, a priest makes a promise before he is ordained of perpetual celibacy (which means that he will not marry). If he retires from active ministry, he remains an alter Christus, and his promise of celibacy is still there. In certain circumstances, for instance, if a priest left the priesthood and was living a life that would be scandalous, the Church may laicize him, which means reduce to the lay state. He remains a priest with full sacramental powers, but, except in an emergency where someone is in danger of death and can't reach a priest, he is forbidden to use them. In that one emergency, he is authorized to grant absolution to the dying person. In the event of laicization he is not only dispensed from his ordinary duties, but, generally, of his vow to celibacy, giving him the right to marry. Since the time when John Paul II was pope, there have been almost no cases of laicization approved.

Answer 2

In the US Any Roman Catholic priest, in good standing, may perform a marriage (one of the parties must be of the Roman Catholic faith, and both parties are "free to marry"). The priest must obtain a letter of "delegation" from the local pastor. The priest must be registered with the local civil authorities to perform the marriage, as the church marriage also is a valid civil marriage. If In some areas, upon ordination the priest is automatically registered to perform civil marriages in his state of residence.

Answer 3

Yes, if they are recognised to do so within that religion.

.

AnswerIn the Catholic faith the only persons who can "perform" a marriage are two eligible people (not already married or vowed to the celibate life) of the opposite sex. Such a marriage is required to be witnessed by a bishop, priest, or deacon, normally of the parish in which the couple reside.

Answer 4

No, it would still be going against their pledge of Celibacy.

Answer 5

No. Once ordained, a Catholic priest is always a priest and thus can not marry.

Answer 6

Yes, as long as the retired priest is in good standing with the church.