Table of Contents
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Congratulations and Welcome!
Initial Steps in Planning Your Wedding
Interview Process
Scheduling the Time
Your Next Meeting
The Wedding Liturgy: Worship of the Church
Creating Your Wedding Liturgy
Music
Reading/Together for Life Booklet
Invitations
Programs
Sample Programs
The Wedding Ceremony
The Wedding Mass
The People in Your Wedding Liturgy
Using the Parish
Bride’s Room
Furnishings
Rehearsals
Scheduling Times
Decorations, Flowers and Florists
Photographers and Videographers
Required Documentation
Offerings and Fees
Contacts
Pastor
Father Anand Maddineni, MSFS
641-7244
anand@holyspiritchurchjax.org
Wedding Coordinator
Patricia Whitehurst
564-3875
pewhitehurst@comast.net
Organist/Pianist
Rhonda Martin
631-5237
Congratulations and Welcome!
The Holy Spirit Parish and Staff rejoice with you in the announcement of your engagement! We
are pleased that you have chosen to celebrate the sacrament of marriage at Holy Spirit Catholic
Church.
Father Anand and Staff are deeply committed to assist you in the preparation of that sacred
ritual which consecrates your love and commitment to each other in the community of your
family, friends, and the Church. This booklet is offered to guide you in the preparation of your
wedding at Holy Spirit.
The prayers and best wishes of the parish community are with you as you prepare to celebrate
this holy sacrament before God and His people.
Your Wedding in the Community of the Church
Many couples choose to be married before civil authorities, judges or justices of the peace. In
choosing to be married in the Christian faith, you are proclaiming publicly that you desire to live
out your marriage commitment in the Church, which is not a building or institution, but a
community of people. Your wedding liturgy is an act of worship in praise to God for the love you
have found in each other and as a point of strength and nourishment as you continue the
journey of life together.
It is an experience of transformation and prayer for all gathered with you on that day as well.
Your wedding liturgy should call everyone (and not just you as the wedding couple) to a deeper
encounter with the God who loves us. The wedding liturgy should remind everyone that your
marriage is a great sign, “the mirror of God’s everlasting love” (Rite of Marriage).
Initial Steps in Planning Your Wedding
The Interview Process
The first step in your wedding preparations is to make an appointment with the Priest who will
preside (officiate) at your wedding, at least eight months before the wedding date. At your first
interview, you will meet with the Priest in his office. During this meeting he will discuss the
process of preparation for marriage with you and answer any questions you may have. He will
also inquire about any special circumstances surrounding your marriage. Please note that one
of the parties must be a practicing Catholic.
You will then have the opportunity to schedule a wedding date and time.
The Priest will assist you making contact with Patricia Whitehurst, the Wedding Coordinator who
will be your principal point of contact and will assist you in your wedding preparations.
Scheduling the Time
Weddings are scheduled for Saturdays at 2pm.
Weddings are NOT scheduled the week before and after Christmas, New Years Eve or Day, the
weekend of Easter Sunday, or Thanksgiving weekend.
Your Next Meeting
Once you have met with the Priest and the location, date, and time for the wedding has been
scheduled, you will then meet with the Wedding Coordinator, Patricia Whitehurst. At this
meeting you will discuss the preparation necessary to be married in the Catholic Church and
answer any questions you may have. Patricia can be reached at (904) 221-8677 or her e-mail
address at pewhitehurst@comcast.net.
The Wedding Liturgy: Worship of the Church
Every liturgical celebration, regardless of whom is present or the kind of event, is worship, the
prayer of the entire Church. It is a religious ritual that focuses, not only on the couple, but also
on the entire community gathered who offers praise and thanks to God who loves us and who
manifests, in a special way, that love in the persons of the bride and groom.
The community of family and friends then, are not mere spectators but active participants in the
wedding liturgy. The very word “liturgy” is translated from the ancient Greek as “the work of the
people.” In preparing your wedding liturgy, you will help your family and friends to do just that –
become active participants in the ritual actions, words, song, and gestures of a people gathered
for prayer. This is the primary goal of your wedding liturgy preparations.
During Mass or Outside of Mass
Should you celebrate your marriage in the context of Mass (the Eucharist) or outside of Mass?
A definition of terms might be helpful. Every Mass consists of a Liturgy of the Word (entrance
rite, readings, homily, and general intercessions) and a Liturgy of the Eucharist (presentation of
bread and wine, the Eucharistic prayer and communion).
When a wedding is celebrated
during Mass, the Rite of Marriage takes place after the homily and before the general
intercessions. The Liturgy of the Eucharist then follows. When a wedding is celebrated outside
of Mass, the rite of marriage is celebrated after the Liturgy of the Word and before the general
intercessions and is concluded with prayers and blessings.
Normally, when either the bride or groom is not Catholic, the celebration of the wedding occurs
outside of Mass. Discuss your situation with the Priest who is assisting in the preparation of
your marriage. He will help you make the decision, which will provide the best context for
prayer and celebration. If a deacon is presiding at your wedding the celebration occurs outside
of Mass.
The Importance of Hospitality in Making Choices
Keeping in mind that your wedding is liturgy, it is very important to make choices that are
welcoming, hospitable and respectful of all that will gather for that communal prayer. The
choices that are made for your wedding liturgy must attempt to engage and invite your family
and friends to participation.
The choices of Scripture readings, hymns, processions, the place of the bride and groom (as
well as attendants), and prayers must help all gathered to enter into the celebration, even if
many or most of the assembly is not Catholic. Thus, as in all aspects of a wedding celebration,
the wedding liturgy should be hospitable.
Creating Your Wedding Liturgy
Music
An important aspect of your wedding liturgy is the music that will help everyone to enter into the
celebration. During your first meeting with the Wedding Coordinator, you will have an
opportunity to discuss your musical requirements.
Please note that if you wish to use other musicians it is still necessary to discuss arrangements
with the Wedding Coordinator so guidelines may be followed.
Readings
During your initial visit with the Priest, he will give you a booklet called “Together For Life”. This
booklet explains the order of the ceremony, gives several Scripture selections for each type of
reading (Old Testament, Responsorial Psalm, New Testament and Gospel, Prayer of the
Faithful), and will give you an understanding of the wedding liturgy.
Invitations
The mailing address for Holy Spirit Catholic Church is 11665 Fort Caroline Road, Jacksonville,
Florida 32225.
Programs
Many couples are choosing to have a program. Programs are a brief outline of the order to be
followed, the features to be presented, and the persons participating. The program helps
everyone gathered to participate fully in the wedding liturgy. If you wish to have a program, it is
the responsibility of the couple to create and provide a program. If you have any questions
regarding the format please contact the Wedding Coordinator.
A sample program outline for a wedding celebration outside and during Mass is on the following
pages. The chronological order of a Wedding Liturgy is also located on page 9 in the “Together
for Life” booklet.
The Wedding Ceremony
Processional
Seating of the Mothers
“Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” (Bach)
Presentation of the Wedding Party
“Canon in D” (Pachelbel)
Presentation of the Bride
“Bridal Chorus” (Lohengrin)
The Liturgy of the Word
Old Testament Reading
Song of Songs 2:8-16
New Testament Reading
Colossians 3:12-17
Gospel
Matthew 22:35-40 (Priest)
Homily (Priest)
Rite of Marriage
Exchange of Vows
Blessing and Exchanging of Rings
Lighting of the Unity Candle
Prayer of the Faithful
Nuptial Blessing
Presentation to the Blessed Mother (Optional)
Final Blessing and Benediction
Recessional
“Wedding March” (Mendelssohn)
** The wedding ceremony lasts approximately 45 minutes including the Processional and
Recessional.
The Wedding or Nuptial Mass
Processional
Seating of the Mothers
“Ave Maria” (Schubert)
Presentation of the Wedding Party
“Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” (Bach)
Presentation of the Bride
“Trumpet Voluntary” (Clarke)
The Liturgy of the Word
Old Testament Reading
Genesis 2:18-24
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 103:1--18a
The Response is “The Lord is kind and merciful.”
New Testament Reading
1 Corinthians 12:31 – 13:8a
Gospel
John 15:9-12 (Priest)
Homily (Priest)
Rite of Marriage
Exchange of Vows
Blessing and Exchanging of Rings
Lighting of the Unity Candle
Prayer of the Faithful
Liturgy of the Eucharist
Presentation of the Gifts
Nuptial Blessing
Eucharistic Prayer
The Lord’s Prayer
Invitation to the Sign of Peace
Communion
Presentation to the Blessed Mother (Optional)
Final Blessing and Benediction
Recessional
“Trumpet Tune” (Clarke)
** This wedding mass lasts approximately 1 hour including the Processional and Recessional.
The People in Your Wedding Liturgy
The Assembly
The fundamental ministry in any liturgy is that of the assembly – the people gathered for prayer
and worship. Everyone in the church is first and foremost a member of the assembly – the bride
and groom, the wedding party, the celebrant, readers, communion ministers and the musicians.
It is the assembly that celebrates the liturgy. The various roles within the wedding liturgy are
known as “ministries” and those individuals who perform those roles within the liturgy are called
“ministers.”
The Bride and Groom
In the Roman Catholic wedding liturgy, the bride and groom are the ministers of the sacrament.
The Priest or Deacon serves only as the Church’s official witness. It is the couple who gives
themselves, one to the other, in marriage.
The Celebrant
Usually the Priest or Deacon is the Celebrant. If you are a member of another parish, your
Pastor or another Priest may be the Celebrant at your wedding.
The Witnesses
While the entire assembly is a witness to your wedding, three individuals have a special role to
play in the liturgy and for the records of the Church. The Celebrant acts as the Church’s official
witness. In addition, the two individuals who stand with you, traditionally the Best Man and the
Maid or Matron of Honor, fulfills a requirement as witnesses who formally attest to the fact that
the wedding took place.
The Attendants as Greeters and Ushers
The Groomsmen and Bridesmaids can fulfill a critical role in your wedding liturgy by serving as
Greeters and Ushers for those who gather for the wedding. In acting as the initial ministers of
hospitality, they can greet the people as they enter the church, give them a printed program if
used, and guide them to a seat near the rest of the assembly.
Readers
These ministers perform the crucial role of proclaiming God’s Word in the Scriptures and
offering the General Intercessions during the wedding liturgy. Most couples choose readers
from friends or relatives who will attend their wedding liturgy. You may select one or two
individuals to read the Scripture. Additionally, a third person can be asked to read the General
Intercessions. Unless they are regular lectors (readers) in the parish, you may want to select
friends or family members that are good public speakers and comfortable with that role.
A typical wedding liturgy during Mass includes an Old Testament Reading, a Responsorial
Psalm, a New Testament Reading and the Gospel. The Responsorial Psalm may be omitted for
weddings outside of Mass. The Priest or Deacon is required to read the Gospel.
Eucharistic Ministers
Eucharistic Ministers are only necessary when the assembly is large and when the wedding
occurs during Mass. These individuals assist the Priest in the distribution of the Eucharistic
Bread and Wine. Please consult the Priest before selecting Eucharistic Ministers.
Altar Servers
Alter servers are optional for both wedding ceremonies within Mass or outside of Mass. If there
are guests attending your wedding who are experienced Altar Servers, you may ask them to
serve at your wedding. Please consult with the Wedding Coordinator if you wish to use Altar
Servers.
Gift Bearers
Gift Bearers are used only for weddings during Mass. There may be two to four people from the
assembly that may be invited to bring forward the Gifts of Bread and Wine.
Using the Parish
Church
The Parish was founded in 1966 and the present-day Church was dedicated in 1992. There are
15 pews on each side of the main aisle. There are no restrictions on size of wedding party or
processional participants.
Bride’s Room
The Church facility has a Bride’s Room. This area is provided for the Bride and her Attendants
to get dressed and as a waiting area. The Bride’s Room is the first room to the left as you enter
the vestibule. Restroom facilities are located in the Bride’s Room. The room is available at
least one hour prior to the ceremony and should be cleared of all belongings prior to or
immediately following the ceremony.
The Groom and Best Man should be completely dressed and will gather at their entrance
location. The groomsmen are to assemble in the in the rear of the church to help with greeting
and ushering wedding guests.
For your protection, please be sure to lock your handbags and valuables in the trunk of your car.
Do not leave them in the Bride’s Room. Also, alcohol is not permitted on the church grounds.
Please be sure to save your celebrating for your reception.
Furnishings
The altar, ambo (pulpit), and other furnishings are fixed and cannot be moved. The seasonal
decor and other appointments in the Church (Advent wreath, Easter candle and seasonal
flowers) likewise, may not be altered. We will provide kneelers, chairs, altar candles, the unity
candle and other elements of the liturgy, as needed.
Rehearsals
The rehearsal time will be scheduled during your first meeting with the Priest or Wedding
Coordinator. The rehearsal schedule is at 6pm in the Church for the Friday evening before the
wedding. The Wedding Coordinator will be available and waiting to greet your wedding party.
You will do a “walk through” of the ceremony so that everyone will be familiar with his or her
roles. The rehearsal lasts approximately 45 to 60 minutes depending on the type of liturgy and
size of the wedding party.
Please be sure that you and your wedding party are on time. It is Holy Spirit’s policy to start
the rehearsal at the scheduled time regardless if the entire wedding party is present. We
strongly suggest that you ask your wedding party to be at the church 30 minutes prior to the
scheduled time.
Scheduling Times
If there are no other weddings or events before or after your wedding you will be allowed access
to the church for 2½ hours. You will have one hour prior to the wedding, one hour is allotted for
the ceremony, and thirty minutes after the ceremony for additional pictures. The church and
bride’s room will be open 1½ hours prior to the ceremony to allow the church to reach a
comfortable temperature and for any deliveries.
If you would like to have the church available for more than the allotted time please contact the
Wedding Coordinator for more information.
Punctuality is a necessary for both rehearsals and weddings. Should the wedding party arrive
30 minutes late, the Priest has the right to abbreviate the ceremony.
After the Wedding
Receiving lines after the liturgy are not appropriate at the church but are a function of the
wedding reception. To insure that nothing is left at the church, please assign someone the
responsibility to collect all your belongings afterward, especially in the Bride’s Room. Also,
please arrange for someone to remove silk flower petals from the aisle and pew decorations
from the church immediately following the celebration.
Decorations, Flowers and Florists
We would greatly appreciate it if you would donate your flowers to the church and share in your
celebration of God’s love with the rest of the community.
Church Decorations
During festive seasons, especially Christmas, Easter, and during Lent, floral decorations may be
a complement to, not a substitute for, decorations already in place for regular parish
celebrations. We will not be able to remove any of the parish’s decorations such as flowers,
Lenten decorations, Advent wreath or Nativity.
The Church is decorated during the seasons of Lent, Easter and Christmas. Lent begins on
Ash Wednesday (sometime in mid-February to early March) and remains until Good Friday.
Easter decorations are on display for two to three weeks following Easter Sunday. Christmas
decorations are on display from Christmas Eve until the second Sunday in January.
Flowers and Plants
Floral arrangements and plants may be placed in the sanctuary. Most couples choose to have
two floral arrangements placed on the altar in the Church. Flowers in the Church may be placed
on pedestals provided by the church or florist or may be placed directly on the floor.
Flower Petals
Silk flower petals may be thrown down the center aisle only. Please assign someone to be
responsible for picking up all the petals after the ceremony.
Candelabras
Candelabras may be placed in the sanctuary but are not available from the Church. Please use
only oil-based candles or Paradise candles to prevent wax from dripping on the floor.
Unity Candle
You may use the church’s unity candle with stand or you can provide your own. If you want
your own unity candle, you must provide the unity candle and the two taper or side candles.
The church will provide a table and candleholders for the three candles.
Pew Bows
To prevent damage to the pews in the church we ask that you use only elastic bands, ribbon, or
felt-backed pew bow clips. This is so that the pews will not be marked or scratched. Tape of
any kind is prohibited. Decorations on the outside of the Church may be placed on the doors.
Aisle Runners
Aisle runners are permitted in both churches, but are discouraged. A 75 foot aisle runner is
needed for the Church. The best method for securing an aisle runner in the Church is to pin the
runner to the existing rug.
Rice
Rice, birdseed, bubbles, flower petals, and any other confetti-like substance may not be thrown
on Church property. This is for the safety of your guests, parishioners and other visitors of the
Church. It is helpful to advise guests of this policy before the wedding date.
Military-Style Weddings
Military swords remain in the vestibule during the liturgy. Sword ceremonies may only take
place outside the doors of the Church.
Delivery and Pick-up Items
The time of your flower delivery should be approximately one to one and a half hours prior to
your wedding.
All decorations including pew bows, unity candle, and silk flower petals should be removed from
the church immediately following the ceremony. The florist may pick up rented palms, plants, or
candelabras the week following the wedding. The florist may call ahead to make arrangements
for the church to be open. Also, please note that the church is not responsible for any missing
or damaged items.
Photographers and Videographers
Photographers and videographers are welcome to film the liturgy but may not impede, interfere,
or obstruct the ceremony or the viewing by the wedding guests in any way. If the photographer
and/or videographer would like to be located in the front of the church, they must stay near the
wall at the back of the altar only. Flash photography and external lighting are permitted during
the entire ceremony. Photographers and or videographers need to be considerate of each other
and the guests when placing their equipment and themselves for the ceremony. Pictures may
be taken prior to and following the ceremony as time permits.
Required Documentation
The following documents are needed to complete your marriage file. These forms will be given
to you during your first meeting with the Priest. The completed documentation along with the
marriage license is required 30 days prior to the wedding.
Diocese of St. Augustine File (White Folder)
The white envelope serves as the file to place all required documentation, provides the church
with personal information of the bride and groom, and questions to prove there are no
impediments to the marriage.
Certificates of Baptism and Confirmation
Catholics must provide original baptism and confirmation certificates. You may contact the
church where you were baptized and request a Certificate of Baptism/Confirmation. If you do
not know the address or phone number of your church of baptism/confirmation, you can call the
church office and we will be glad to assist you in this matter.
Other baptized Christians may present the original or a photocopy of an official record of
baptism. This can be in the form of a certificate, ceremonial booklet, or a letter from a pastor or
elder.
Decree of Annulment or Death Certificate
This is required in the case of a previous marriage by either party (whether Catholic or not). If
an annulment is required a meeting with the pastor is advised to begin the process. If either
party is widowed, a copy of the death certificate of your former spouse is required.
Autobiography
An autobiography is completed by the bride and groom regarding their life. This exercise will
help the couple discover themselves and to begin the discovery of their loved one. A suggested
outline will be provided.
Engaged Encounter or Pre-Cana Certificate
A certificate will be awarded to you upon your completion of a certified marriage preparation
program provided by the Diocese of St. Augustine. Cana Again is available for previously
married couples. Schedules and details are available by calling the Family Life Center for the
Diocese at (904) 308-7474 or you may contact their website at www.dcfl.org. This should be
completed at least 3 months prior to the wedding.
FOCCUS Inventory
The Bride and Groom will be asked to complete a survey on aspects of married life to identify
strengths and challenges of the couple. This survey will be completed immediately prior to the
start of their marriage preparation course. The results are sent to the priest assisting you. The
engaged couple is then matched with a married couple to review various practical matters of
married life.
Natural Family Planning (NFP) Certificate
A certificate will be awarded to you upon your completion of a certified NFP course provided by
the Diocese of St. Augustine. The couple should visit the Family Life Center website,
www.dcfl.org, to determine which method/teacher is most suitable for them. They are then to
contact the Family Life Center at (904) 308-7474 to register for the marriage preparation and
NFP courses. These should be completed at least 3 months prior to the wedding. It is
recommended that the NFP course be taken after the Engaged Encounter/Pre-Cana course to
help you better understand the reasoning behind the Church’s teaching on NFP.
Wedding Information Forms
The wedding information forms include information about the wedding party to assist the
Wedding Coordinator in conducting the rehearsal and to assist the Priest regarding certain
aspects of the ceremony.
Civil Marriage License
This is obtained from county in the State of Florida. State law requires that the license be
obtained at least 72 hours prior to the wedding ceremony and is good for 60 days. If you bring
your Pre-Cana or Engaged encounter “Certificate of Completion” form the fee is $61.00,
otherwise it is $93.50. The fee must be paid in cash only.
If possible, please obtain the marriage license as soon as possible so that you can submit the
license along with all other documentation and offerings which is due 6 to 8 weeks prior to the
wedding.
Offerings and Fees
All offerings and fees are due prior to the wedding. Please note that all offerings and fees are
subject to change.
Use of the Church
The customary offering to the church is $200. The amount is at the discretion of the couple and
may be more or less as the circumstances permit.
Celebrant
The customary offering to the Celebrant is $100. The amount is at the discretion of the couple
and may be more or less as circumstances permit.
Altar Servers
The customary offering of $10 is usually given to each of the altar servers directly after the
ceremony.
Organist and Other Musicians
The typical fees for musicians are as follows and can be arranged through the Wedding
Coordinator at (904) 221-8677.
Organist/Pianist
Soloist
Instrumentalist
$150
$150
$150 to $300