Chancery Diocese of Rockville Centre
MARRIAGES AT THE CHAPEL OF
THE UNITED STATES MERCHANT MARINE ACADEMY,
Kings Point, New York
Diocesan Policy

Canonical Requirements - Please Click

1. The Diocese of Rockville Centre, upon appointment of the Catholic chaplain to the Academy by the Archdiocese for the Military Services and a written request from the chaplain to the diocesan bishop, will grant the chaplain general delegation to officiate at the Catholic marriages of the following:

   • Midshipmen of the Academy -- whether Catholic, or non-Catholic and petitioning to marry a Catholic.
   • Graduates of the Academy and their children -- whether Catholic, or non-Catholic and petitioning to marry a Catholic.
   • Active and retired faculty and staff (full-time) of the Academy and their children -- whether Catholic, or non-Catholic and petitioning to marry a Catholic.
2. No other Catholic marriage ceremonies are to be celebrated at the Academy Chapel since its primary purpose is to meet the pastoral needs of faculty, staff and midshipmen.
3. Marriage dispensations will be granted by the Archdiocese for the Military Services, by the Diocese of Rockville Centre, or by another Diocese, depending on the authority that possesses proper jurisdiction over the Catholic petitioner.
4. Except for marriages under the jurisdiction of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, all other Catholic marriages celebrated at the Academy Chapel will be recorded in the Chancery register of the Diocese of Rockville Centre and the documents pertaining to such marriages will be retained in the Chancery archives. In such marriages, the Rockville Centre Chancery will take responsibility for notifying the Catholic party's church of baptism, and sending a religious marriage certificate to the couple.

This policy has been in effect since May 1, 1986, and was revised on September 14, 1987, and July 8, 1999, after consultation between the Chancellor of Rockville Centre and the Academy Chaplain.

Clergy Requirements