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A Bit of Background
A Bit of Background
Known to my friends as Jack, I was ordained in the Diocese of Rockford, Illinois, on May 25, 1963, I served in that diocese for 23 years--eight years in four parishes as associate pastor, and then more than twelve years in Hispanic Ministry as co-director in a team ministry. During those years I carried out a number of ministries, including celebrating hundreds of weddings—in Spanish as well as English.
After a leave of absence granted by the Bishop, I made the decision in good conscience to leave the Diocese of Rockford in good standing in 1986. Over my 23 years of ministry I'd come to the awareness that I was a relational person and recognized that God was calling me to something more. I did not leave to marry anyone in particular. I just wanted to be free to make that choice. In January, 1989, I married and was involved in various positions of service: project manager of a program for job training of the homeless, project coordinator of a state-wide education program and supervisor in retail, all of which I considered ministry in one form or another. During those years, we also volunteered at the parish, having been asked by the pastor to prepare couples for the Baptism of their children.
May 25, 1963
Bishop Loras T. Lane imposed hands during the ordination ceremony at St. James Pro-Cathedral, Rockford, Illinois
Just a couple of years after leaving the diocese, friends asked me to assist them in preparing their wedding ceremony and serving as officiant at their wedding. From that time on this marriage ministry grew. Shortly after that first wedding, I joined in a collaboration with four other married priests in the Chicago area. A resigned /married priests is recognized by most states as officiant/priest at weddings since they are ordaiined and continue in the work of ministry. In effect, the states recognize what Church Law indicates, popularly described as "once a priest, always a priest."
After ten years of marriage, my wife, having found a woman companion, divorced me. I continued service in a ministry position, hired as Co-Director of Service, Justice, and Peace at a Catholic parish—Holy Family Parish, Inverness, Illinois. With the demands of that position, my time was given almost exclusively to this peace & justice ministry, precluding carrying out marriage ministry from 2002 to 2005. After that position ended, I again took up this ministry, being asked to serve as presider at a number of weddings each year. In 2006, I reconnected with someone I'd known since we grew up together in Rockford and made the decision to move to Connecticut to be with my Mary. After retirement from a regular work schedule in 2009, I continue this marriage ministry for a number of reasons, among others, to be of service to couples planning to celebrate together their life-long commitment in love. This intention follows what the Gospel Jesus did: he never said "no" to those who sought his ministry.
Though I recognize people usually refer to me as "Reverend" or "Father," I usually accept being called by my nickname Jack because titles can often be an obstacle to familiar and open conversation. I'd rather be recognized by my name as a person than by a title describing a function.
To arrange a meeting, please contact me with any questions you may have regarding my services using the contact information below. I look forward to hearing from you! ~Jack. uniquelyyours1138@gmail.com or 860-888-2502
For further information about the ministry of resigned/married priests, please click on CITI Ministries
or
CORPUS (Corps of Reserved Priests United for Service)
or
Federation of Christian Ministries
You can also read the background of other married priests at
Married Catholic Priest of Integrity
Jack and Mary
Additional Credentials of Rev. John P. Wentland
A certified member of CITI Ministries, Inc. and certified with the International Council of Community Churches
Member of the Federation of Christian Ministries
Member of CORPUS, the National Association for an Inclusive Priesthood
Though I do not in any way identify with the commercialization of marriage promoted by the multi-billion dollar wedding industry, represented on various wedding websites, couples have left glowing commentaries on my ministry on various wedding websites. So despite that disclaimer, you'll find Uniquely Yours Marriage Preparation and Wedding Ceremony Services listed, for instance, on theknot.com
A Few Aspects of this Marriage Ministry
A Few Aspects of this Marriage Ministry
My Privilege
I am one of the most fortunate people on earth because I so love and treasure assisting couples in preparing their wedding. And I always feel privileged to be asked to preside at weddings.
A Word about Titles
The use of the traditional title of “Father” or “Reverend” is common practice, I know. In the formal writing in wedding programs or when being introduced during the wedding ceremony, that is the correct form. And while I understand the respect people show when using these titles to address me in those situations, I'm not stuck on them in normal conversation.
Years of ministry have taught me that a more egalitarian approach better preserves the tradition of the early Church. While the teaching of Jesus was to "call no one on earth your father" [cf. Mt. 23, 9], most understood what he meant. Respect can be shown in many different ways without getting hung up on using titles. Our human dignity derives, not from titles and honors, but from being human beings created in the image and likeness of our God. Just call me "Jack."
My Ceremony Attire
During the ceremony, as you see in the various pictures of ceremonies presented on this site, I wear whatever the bride and groom prefer--often for family reasons--a Roman collar or church garments like alb and stole. Because I respect these family preferences, I leave that choice to you. Because the authorization the state gives me to preside at weddings is as a clergyman, I indicate on the marriage license that I serve in my capacity as "priest" (not a Justice of the Peace) and write in the space provided that the service is "religious" (not civil). To fulfill that description, I wear a stole with the suit and tie if a couple prefers that.
Diverse Services Offered
To see why couples appreciated the services offered, please proceed to the next page where you'll find listed the Diverse Services You Receive and Usual Stipend.
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