Officiant Michael

When I first became ordained online, I was coming out of a season of burnout in the world of IT. I had spent years in a demanding field, and while it provided stability, I found myself longing for something more meaningful—something that would allow me to serve others in a deeper, more personal way.

What began as a search for a more fulfilling part-time path soon became something greater. I was drawn to the opportunity to walk alongside people during some of the most important moments of their lives, offering guidance, presence, and a sense of the sacred. While I initially considered this as something that might grow into a full-time calling, it also became a turning point in re-centering my life around faith, purpose, and service.

Through this journey, I came to better understand that true fulfillment is not found in career alone, but in living out one’s vocation with intention and devotion.

I am originally from the Tampa Bay area of Florida, and it is a place I am proud to call home. Growing up here has given me a deep appreciation for the local community, its people, and the natural beauty that surrounds it.

Being from this area allows me to connect easily with those I serve, and to approach each ceremony with a sense of familiarity and care. It has also shaped my perspective, grounding me in a community-oriented mindset and a desire to serve others with sincerity and purpose.

What I hope to achieve with my online ordination is to use it as a means of serving others in a way that is rooted in purpose, faith, and authenticity. What began during a season of burnout in my IT career has grown into a desire to be present for others during meaningful moments in their lives, offering guidance, support, and a sense of the sacred.

At the same time, I do not view ordination as merely a functional role, but as an opportunity to point people toward something greater. While I am able to officiate weddings, my deeper hope is to encourage couples to pursue the fullness of marriage as a sacrament within the Church, embracing its spiritual depth and grace.

Ultimately, I hope to continue growing this path into something more impactful—whether part-time or full-time—while remaining grounded in faith, service, and a sincere desire to live out and share the truth.

In addition to officiating weddings, I approach my role as a minister with a broader commitment to service, guidance, and integrity. I am always willing to take the time to listen, to answer questions, and to help individuals and couples think more deeply about the commitments they are making.

My focus is not simply on performing a ceremony, but on ensuring that it is approached with the seriousness and meaning it deserves. I strive to bring a steady, thoughtful presence, grounded in faith and informed by Scripture, the Catechism, and the traditions of the Church.

I also believe in being honest and transparent in my role. Because of my convictions, I am not able to officiate same-sex weddings or ceremonies that fall outside of the Christian faith. Additionally, I cannot perform a traditional Catholic wedding, as that sacrament is properly conferred within the Church by a validly ordained Catholic priest. For this reason, I strongly encourage my fellow Catholics to pursue marriage within the Church, where the fullness of the sacrament is present, rather than seeking an online officiant.

I am aware that there are many who present themselves as ministers while operating outside the teachings of the Church, attempting to accommodate both Christian and non-Christian unions without regard for what is true or sacramental. I do not share in that approach. Instead, I remain committed to what is faithful and rooted in Scripture and Tradition, and I pray that all who serve in ministry continue to grow in truth and fidelity to Christ and His Church.

Above all, I aim to serve with humility, to remain faithful to what I believe, and to offer something that is not just convenient, but genuinely meaningful and rooted in truth.

What makes my ceremonies special is that they are rooted in reverence, intention, and a genuine respect for the sacredness of marriage. I do not approach a wedding as simply an event to be conducted, but as a solemn and meaningful moment that reflects a lifelong covenant.

My perspective is deeply shaped by Scripture and the teachings of the Church, which allows me to bring a sense of depth and authenticity to each ceremony. I strive to ensure that what is being celebrated is not just the union of two individuals, but a commitment that carries spiritual significance and purpose.

At the same time, I meet couples where they are, offering a calm, thoughtful presence and working with them to create a ceremony that is both personal and respectful. While I am able to officiate weddings in a variety of settings, I also gently encourage couples to consider the beauty and fullness of marriage as a sacrament within the Church.

Ultimately, my goal is to create a ceremony that feels grounded, sincere, and memorable—not because it is extravagant, but because it reflects truth, commitment, and the sacred nature of the vows being made.

I am based in the Tampa Bay area of Florida, and I am grateful to serve couples throughout this region and beyond. I am familiar with many of the local venues and communities across Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and the surrounding areas, which allows me to approach each ceremony with a sense of ease and preparedness.

I am open to travel and enjoy working with couples in a variety of settings—from more traditional venues to outdoor and destination-style ceremonies along Florida’s Gulf Coast. The natural beauty of this area provides a meaningful backdrop for weddings, and I am always willing to accommodate locations that are important to the couple.

While I primarily serve the greater Tampa Bay region, I am flexible and willing to travel further when needed, especially for ceremonies that are thoughtfully planned and approached with intention. My goal is to be present, prepared, and fully attentive, regardless of location, so that each couple receives the same level of care and reverence.

I strive to live my faith with sincerity, conviction, and humility. I am not a lukewarm Catholic, but one who seeks to fully embrace the richness of the Church’s teachings in daily life. Sacred Scripture, the Catechism, and Canon Law are not distant references for me—they are living guides that shape my conscience, inform my decisions, and deepen my relationship with God.

My approach is grounded in reverence for the sacred traditions entrusted to the Church, along with a genuine desire to serve others faithfully and compassionately. While I am able to officiate weddings, I hold a deep respect for the sacrament of Holy Matrimony as it is meant to be lived within the Church. For that reason, I gently encourage couples to pursue marriage through the fullness of the sacramental life whenever possible.

Above all, I seek to walk in truth, remain obedient to the teachings of the Church, and grow continually in faith, hope, and charity.