Jim Francek
Often life presents us with opportunities to step into a place of authenticity. I am an interfaith minister who was originally ordained as a Catholic priest, I made a personal choice of conscience to change my lifestyle in order marry and have a family. Early in my life I felt called to a life of ministerial service. I feel the experience of my marriage has prepared me to now step back into that place of service. Today I function as an "interfaith minister" not bound by any denomination and acting as your facilitator for your spiritual wedding.
I am currently a member of CITI Ministries, Inc. and the International Council of Community Churches.
Over these last four decades, I have continued to grow spiritually, psychologically, and socially as a human being. My journey has brought me to embrace a sense of spiritual community without walls, without absolute creeds or codes of religious law. The affirmation that best captures my path today is…
“Love is the spirit of this community and service is its law.
This is our great covenant: to dwell together in peace,
To seek the truth in love and to help one another.”
Part of my work has been as a professional social worker focused on “leveraging the positive core of individuals, groups and communities”. (See tavafullcircle.com) My movement “beyond the boundaries” of the Catholic church has exposed me to the rich and wide range of spiritual paths that men and women pursue on their journey of “making meaning” in their lives. I have come to conclude that we all live in the stories that frame our lives. I offer a range of contemporary, traditional, interfaith or non-denominational ceremonies that are customized and may include Celtic, Native American, Jewish, Islamic, Christian, New Age or other cultures that express the spiritual journey of those involved. My work today is to support ALL couples in coming together in traditional or nontraditional creative loving ceremonies.
Co-Creating Your Marriage & Wedding Ceremony
An initial in-person, telephone or Skype meeting to get to know you, discuss your ideas and hear from you an overview of your preferences for your wedding ceremony.
As part of your preparation as a couple I have you complete two online surveys:
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator which identifies your unique personality preferences and will enhance your understanding of each other’s communication styles
And the FOCCUS™ profile which is an inventory designed to provide engaged couples a PROFILE of their unique strengths, challenges and opportunities as they prepare for their marriage
A two-hour facilitated discussion of the results of this inventory
Collaboration in the creation of your ceremony
Suggestions for readings and ritual elements
Support in developing your own vows, or choosing from traditional formats
Final "talk through" meeting (either in person or via telephone/Skype) to review ceremony details 1-3 weeks before ceremony
A peaceful, warm, professional and heartfelt presence to support you on the day of your wedding
Filing of marriage certificate
The stipend for the four hours of preparation and the facilitation of the service is $650.
I am licensed to perform marriages in New York City and primarily serve New York and Connecticut. I am also available for marriages across the country.
Seminary Trained * Ordained Minister