Handbook for
Engaged
Couples
7/1/13
1
Marriage Guidelines
Table of Contents
Introduction
Page
3
Setting the Wedding Date
4
Required Documents
4
Rite of Marriage
Ministers for the celebration
5
Preparing for the Liturgy
6
Wedding Procession
7
Environment
9
Wedding Day Regulations
Photography and Videotaping
9
Restrictions
11
Rehearsal
11
Liturgy concerns
Nuptial Mass or Liturgy of the Word
13
Wedding Hymns
17
Liturgy Planning Forms
18-19
Homily Preparation
14
Marriage Preparation
Pre-marriage Inventory
15
Sacrament of Reconciliation
15
Fees and Offerings
15
Checklist
19
Engaged Couples Covenant
20
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Our Lady of the Woods Catholic Parish
P.O. Box 5590, 116 S. West St.
Woodland Park, Colorado 80866
Dear Friends,
Weddings are special and joyful times for you, for your families, friends, and parish
community. The new beginning, the love, the promise, and hope of weddings make the
celebration a special and grace-filled time in your lives. We are honored that you have
invited us to be a part of your celebration. The church welcomes you to celebrate and
solemnize your wedding in the context of our prayer as Christians. Indeed, so important is
marriage in Christian life, that it is called a Sacrament. In other words, theologically we
claim that the love and fidelity that you have for each other is a living sign to the world of
Christ's love and fidelity to the human family. Your love is a sign that Christ is faithful to
each of us and that is cause for great rejoicing.
The prayers, biblical readings, and Christian rituals for this special moment are reverent,
graceful, beautiful, and open to the movement of God's Spirit among us. Our celebration
of the Sacrament of Marriage is included and rooted in scripture and tradition, which
nourishes and strengthens us. We celebrate the sacraments as a community. We gather
with our brothers and sisters in faith and ask for their prayerful support. We celebrate with
song, prayerful gestures, and silence to hear the voice of God in our lives.
While the excitement of this time can be wonderful, it is also a time of anxiety, worry,
and stress. The months prior to your actual wedding date can, unfortunately, be filled
with tension and turmoil. Frequently, couples end up preparing for their wedding day
rather than preparing for their marriage and life together. The many details, such as
flowers, photographers, rehearsal dinners, and receptions become prioritized above the
need for God, who should be the center of all things.
Your decision to marry is the most important decision you will ever make in your life. At
Our Lady of the Woods Catholic Parish we want to make certain you have given this
decision serious thought and prayer. We also want you to understand the Catholic Church's
teaching on the Sacrament of Matrimony, which has evolved over many centuries and is
often in conflict with secular notions or other religious traditions. Thus, in the Diocese of
Colorado Springs, there is a Diocesan requirement that the marriage preparation begin a
minimum of one year prior to your wedding date.
Sincerely,
Rev. Dr. Timothy L. Corbley, I.V. Dei
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Who may celebrate the sacrament of Marriage?
The answer to this question is governed, in part, by the code of cannon law of the
Roman Catholic Church. Generally speaking, baptized members of any Roman
Catholic Church may request to receive the Sacrament of Matrimony. Therefore,
it is critical that you contact the pastor or pastoral minister of your parish and
request the necessary information on the marriage preparation program.
Certificates of Baptism
A certificate of Baptism issued within the last six months is required for Catholic
parties. A certificate of Baptism of a partner who is baptized in another Christian
denomination needs to be submitted to Our Lady of the Woods Catholic Parish.
Setting the Date of the Wedding
Ideally it is best to contact the parish at least six months to one year before your
desired wedding date. It is your responsibility to secure the date with the Church
and the presider before making commitments with caterers, reception halls, etc.
Your rehearsal date also needs to be set with the church before planning the
rehearsal dinner. No date can be approved until the initial pre-marriage forms are
completed and signed by one of the parish priests or deacon.
It is also important to note that if you need an annulment from the Church no
wedding date can be secured until you first complete that process. Wisdom
dictates that this aspect of the process is completed before we set a date for your
wedding. You may begin the annulment process by contacting Vickie Heffner, Pastoral
Associate, 687-9345, vheffnerTCCC@live.com.
Change or Cancellation
In order to change or cancel the date of your wedding, written notice is required
for our parish files. The courtesy of a telephone call to the parish office would
also be appreciated.
Scheduling the Time of the Celebration
Weddings are scheduled with respect to the couple's wishes and the availability of
our Church building and parish ministers. Usually the best times for weddings in
our parish are 1:00 pm on Saturday. For Saturday afternoon weddings, the Church must be
vacant by 4:00 p.m.
There are some times in the Church year when the liturgical calendar discourages
or prohibits the celebration of weddings. For example, the season of Lent is a
time of penance. That spirit touches and colors all parish liturgies between Ash
Wednesday and Easter. Thus wedding celebrations are not held during Lent.
Weddings are also discouraged during the season of Advent (four weeks prior to
Christmas.
The primary liturgy in the parish is Sunday: the Lord's Day celebrations. In our
culture it is customary to have weddings separate from the primary worship of the
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community. However, if you wish to celebrate your wedding in the context of a
Saturday Evening or Sunday Morning Mass with your primary faith community
we encourage you to consider this option, Weddings celebrated at the Sunday
liturgies are an exciting celebration for the entire community of faith.
The Ministers for the Celebration
In the Roman Catholic tradition, you, the bride and groom minister the sacrament
to one another; a priest or deacon and at least two witnesses, best man and maid
of honor, are also required to be present. Ordinarily, the priest or deacon on the
parish staff will preside at weddings celebrated in our parish.
Liturgical Music is fundamental to the beauty of your wedding liturgy.
Therefore the Director of Music in the parish should provide the music for
weddings celebrated in our parish. The local parish music ministers are the best
choice because they are most familiar with the local customs of our parish. A
parish cantor is required for all weddings. The liturgy flows best when a trained
cantor is used to lead and guide the congregation. You will need to speak with
the Director of Music with regard to fees. You are responsible to obtain and pay
musicians, cantor, and other music professionals. All music used in the liturgy
must be grounded in the Roman Catholic theological and liturgical tradition. No
secular music is appropriate for the liturgy, this of course includes Here Comes the
Bride. All music must be approved by the Presider and Director of Music.
If your friends or family members wish to lector, they need to have the necessary
gifts for proclaiming God's word effectively and reverently. They are also
required to be at the wedding rehearsal to practice in the worship space with the
sound system. They should know that they are expected to practice their reading
prior to the rehearsal and practice proclaiming it at the rehearsal.
For a wedding celebration with a Mass, we normally need two Eucharistic
ministers of the cup. If you have friends or family members who are Eucharistic
ministers in their home parish, they may do so for your wedding celebration. It is
critical that the people that you have chosen are active Catholics in their parish and
commissioned by their diocese. They need to attend your rehearsal for familiarity of our
worship space and its demands. Also, you, the bride and groom may wish to be
Eucharistic ministers on your wedding day if you are both active Roman Catholics.
The groom's attendants usually function as ushers fulfilling part of the ministry of
hospitality. The bride's attendants, and indeed, you, the bride and groom, and
your families may also act as ministers of hospitality. This is a mature and
gracious gesture for all members of the wedding party to greet members of the
assembly as they gather to celebrate. We have witnessed the wedding couple
being greeters or hospitality ministers at their wedding and this gesture creates a
welcoming environment at your wedding celebration.
We recommend that you do not have ring bearers or flower girls because rarely do
they contribute to the elegance of the liturgy. Usually on the day of the wedding
younger children become overwhelmed by the excitement and distract from the
beauty of the liturgy. You need to consider the age of the children involved in
these roles and whether their presence will add or distract from the joyful
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solemnity of your celebration.
Preparing for the Liturgy
You will be provided with copies of scripture readings most appropriate for
weddings. You may select two or three scripture readings. Since this is a
Christian celebration non-scriptural passages are never used in place of the
scriptures.
You are asked to avail yourselves of all the parish has to offer in helping to make
your wedding celebration joyous. We invite your questions and comments on this
policy and we pledge an honest and open hearing for any request you make. In
return, we ask your openness to the ritual of the Church and the customs of your
parish.
In general and in particular, weddings are celebrated according to the worship
books of the Roman Catholic Church: the sacramentary, the lectionary and the
Rite of Marriage. In weddings where a minister of another Christian denomination or
another faith tradition is taking part, the appropriate adaptations will be made after
consultation with that minister, the engaged couple and the presider. It is most important
that at an inter-faith weddings we show respect to both faith traditions. The order for the
procession at the beginning of the wedding celebration takes that form noted in the rite
of marriage. You may choose one of the following four plans.
The following article helps to clarify why and how the procession will take place.
We are aware that this can be a tender issue because of preconceived ideas of how
the liturgy should begin. The following options are an important aspect of the
Roman Catholic tradition regarding the liturgical procession. Keep in mind that
option one is the best choice because the focus is on the couple not just the bride.
The bride and groom processing together is a mature and powerful symbol of why
we are gathered for this beautiful celebration. Note no other options can be used
unless previously approved by the presider.
The Wedding Procession by Paul Turner
Trivia question: How does the official Catholic rite of marriage describe
the wedding procession? First the mothers are seated. The priest comes in
from the sanctuary. The groomsmen line up on one side up front. The
organist starts a march. The bridesmaids, ring bearer, and flower girl
come down the main aisle. The bride comes last accompanied by her
father. He lifts her veil, kisses her, and hands her to the groom who
escorts her to kneelers in the sanctuary. Right? Wrong. Your score: O.
Well, you may get a few points for mentioning the center aisle. Here's the
actual text from the Rite of Marriage describing the procession: "If there
is a procession to the altar, the ministers go first, followed by the priest,
and then the bride and the bridegroom. According to local custom, they
may be escorted by at least their parents and the two witnesses.
Meanwhile, the entrance song is sung".
"The ministers" are the servers and the readers. Then the priest follows,
6
accompanied by the deacon if one is assisting. Then the happy couple.
The text gives you the impression everyone comes down together. These
are the ministers of the ceremony. They form one procession. The bride
and groom come last because we generally put the presider at the end of
the procession, and in marriage, it's the bride and groom who give this
sacrament to each other. The rest of us, including the priest, are witnesses.
Local custom may permit at least two witnesses and parents to join the
procession. "Parents" in the plural. The bridesmaids and groomsmen
aren't mentioned specifically, though they're covered by that "at least"
expression. The focus belongs on the couple, not their witnesses. The
father does not pass his daughter off to another male like a used sofa. All
parents take part in the celebration. The organist does not play alone. The
people who witness this marriage sing the opening song to begin their
participation in the wedding. The bride is not the focus of the
procession; the couple is. Often we repeat traditions long after they've
lost their meaning. In a society that praises equality of the married
partners, the procession is a good idea waiting to happen.
(This originally appeared in Modem Liturgy, Copyright 1994 Resource Publications, Inc .. 160
E. Virginia SI.. #290, San JOSl\ CA 95112, (408) 286-8505.)
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Options for the Procession
Plan 1
Cross Bearer
Candle Bearer
Reader(s)
Priest/Deacon
Witnesses
Witnesses
Witnesses
Bride and Groom
Plan 2
Cross Bearer
Candle Bearers
Reader(s)
Priest/Deacon
Witnesses
Witnesses
Witnesses
Groom's Parents
Bride's Parents
Bride and Groom
Plan 3
Cross Bearer
Candle Bearers
Reader(s)
Priest/Deacon
Witnesses
Witnesses
Witnesses
Groom's Mother, Groom, Groom's Father
Bride's Mother, Bride, Bride's Father
Plan 4
Cross Bearer
Candle Bearers
Reader(s)
Priest/Deacon
Groom's Mother, Groom, Groom’s Father
Witnesses
Witnesses
Witnesses
Brides' Mother, Bride, Bride's Father
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Preparing the Liturgy, continued
The text for consent "the vows" is provided from the rite of marriage. You have
the option of either reciting the vows from a book held by the priest or you may
choose to have the words memorized. Note that in the Catholic rite in order for
this to be a valid sacrament you cannot write your own vows. If you would like to
say something personal to each other in a public setting then we suggest you do
this at your wedding reception.
The Environment of the Worship Space
The Church is a sacred space and should be decorated in a respectful and elegant
manner. One way for this to happen is for the sanctuary to be simply and
tastefully decorated with flowers and or plants. Flowers are not placed on the
altar itself. You may leave the flowers for the weekend liturgies. If you wish to
use some of the plants/greens that are in the Church please contact the wedding
coordinator for permission before your rehearsal date. Please note that artificial
flowers are not allowed.
Aisle runners may not be used because they are dangerous and messy. In the
worst scenario you or your guests could trip on them.
The throwing of rice, bird seed or confetti is not allowed, as it is a safety hazard
and a custodial problem.
Photography and Videotaping
Photographs of liturgical services provide a useful record of parish and family events.
They will even help people re-enter the religious experience long after it has passed.
However, the taking of photographs also endangers the very prayer it records. Vatican
II's Instruction on the Worship of the Eucharistic Mystery offers this guidance:
Great care should be taken to ensure that liturgical celebrations especially the
Mass are not disturbed or interrupted by the taking of photographs. Where there
is a good reason for taking them, the greatest discretion should be used and the
norms laid down by the local ordinary should be observed.Photography threatens
distraction both for the photographer and for the assembly. The photographer who
attends to the equipment and shot locations becomes an observer more than a worshiper.
The assembly will have a harder time focusing on the primary symbols of the liturgy
when a photographer steps into view. Photographers may think they are simply
recording an event, but they are actually part of it. Liturgy is not theater, in which a few
people perform and an audience watches. Liturgy asks everyone to worship. Everyone.
Those engaged in some other action distract from the experience of those who came to
pray. Conspicuous photographers draw us out of worship and into another sphere which
observes prayer but does not enter it. This applies to video as well still photographers.
Photography's role at liturgy should be limited. It then keeps the assembly and the
photographer focused on their prayer. Parishes will establish their own guidelines but
some tips should prevail. Photographers should remain inconspicuous to the liturgical
action, which takes place both in the sanctuary and in the pew. No flashes should
penetrate the liturgy. Video Cameras should remain stationary. Posed shots after the
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liturgy will amply serve as reminders of the significant event, who was there, what they
wore, and how good they looked. (Copyright 1996 Resource Publications, Inc. 160 E.
Virginia St. #290, San Jose, CA 95112, (402) 286-8505.)
Still Photographs: Your official photographer is welcome. To preserve the dignity of
the ceremony, close- up shots are not appropriate during the wedding liturgy. Photo
sessions before or after the ceremony are permitted, but the time limitations are to be
strictly observed; i.e. the photo session must be concluded one half hour before the
liturgy is planned to begin. Taking pictures any closer to the beginning of the liturgy
adds undo anxiety to the wedding party and ministers. Photo sessions should be
conducted with reverence and decorum. None of the altar furnishings (i.e. altar, pulpit,
and presider's chair) should be moved.
Photographers may not be in the sanctuary (altar area) during the wedding liturgy. Please
inform your guests to refrain from taking pictures. It is also your responsibility to
communicate this information to your photographer. We suggest that you photocopy this
section of the manual and give it to the person you have selected.
Video-taping: Videotaping is permitted. The operator of the camcorder should be
as inconspicuous as possible and use only the specified areas of the Church and sanctuary.
The video-photographers should ask about these areas in advance. No additional lighting
may be used.
Offering for the Presider and Ministers
The customary offering for the presider is to be presented at the rehearsal. It is
also your responsibility to make separate financial arrangements with the music
ministers, altar servers, and cross bearer. Please contact the altar server coordinator
listed on the front of the bulletin to schedule servers for the liturgy. If any ministers of
the local parish are used remember that they gave of their time to make your wedding
special. Therefore, it is appropriate to convey your appreciation with an offering or a
chosen gift.
Restrictions
It is simply in bad taste to have any alcoholic beverages on church property. No
smoking is allowed in the church building. Such actions are not in keeping with
the dignity of the church. Please inform your wedding party and guests of this
restriction. Alcohol or drug abuse by any member of the wedding party will
jeopardize their participation in your wedding.
Do we need a Rehearsal?
A rehearsal is very important. It allows the members of the immediate wedding
party to become familiar with the environment of our church building and with
public roles they will assume as part of the liturgy. The person directing the
rehearsal will give a brief overview of the liturgy to help all concerned understand
the prayerful nature of the celebration.
The form, on which you have indicated your selections of the readings, prayers,
songs, etc., should be shown to the presider at least one month prior to the date of
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the rehearsal. The rehearsal itself is not the time for discussion and decision
making about the liturgy. No changes in the liturgy will be made at the rehearsal.
Rehearsal Time
Please confirm the rehearsal date and time with the priest or deacon at least six weeks
before your wedding date. Rehearsals are normally on the Thursday or Friday evening
prior to the wedding date and usually conducted by a volunteer, the presider, or wedding
coordinator.
Attendance
All members of the wedding party are expected to be present, including Extra Ordinary
Ministers of Holy Communion, altar servers, the lectors, who will proclaim the Biblical
readings, and any other ministers of the altar.
Punctuality
It is respectful to everyone's time that you and your wedding party are on time. The
Wedding rehearsal usually lasts 30 minutes.
Items to bring to the rehearsal
1.Marriage License
2.Offering for the presider
3.A copy of the worship aid
4.Your address after the wedding
5.Your unity candle if you are having one
Should the bride and groom "make a visit' to the statue of the Blessed
Mother during the wedding liturgy?
Moments of personal piety are not the focus at public worship. Therefore, such gestures
during the wedding are discouraged. If you have a special devotion to Mary and you wish
to honor her in a special way, we encourage you to do this at the wedding rehearsal. The
wedding party may gather at the statue of the Blessed Mother for prayer at the end of the
rehearsal. If desired, flowers may be left there at that time. A florist may also place
flowers at the Marian shrine before the wedding. If you do plan on this ritual at the
rehearsal please inform the presider and the wedding coordinator at the time of setting
your rehearsal date.
What is a Unity Candle? Should we have one?
The unity candle is a commercial product of which no mention is made in the liturgical
books of our Church. The product is usually sold as a trio of candles, two small and one
large with the expectation that the bride and groom share in lighting the larger candle
with the light of the two smaller candles. Even though this gesture is not contained in
the official wedding rite, we understand its beauty and it can be used as an option in
your wedding liturgy. If you do choose to use the unity candle we recommend that the
couple use their baptismal candles as their separate candles. When you were baptized
your parents received a candle as part of the baptismal rite symbolizing the light of
Christ that you received. (If you no longer have this candle you may purchase two at the
11
parish office). We also recommend that both the bride and groom process in with these
candles as a theological statement that they understand that the Sacrament of Marriage
is a continuation of their baptismal commitment. However the smaller candles may also
be in place and lit prior to the procession. Another option for the unity candle is that you
do this ritual to begin your reception dinner.
Flowers to your parents
Once again private acts of appreciation or devotion are most appropriate at the rehearsal or
reception. Remember the focus should be on you as, a couple celebrating the sacrament of
marriage.
Weddings and the Ministries of the Parish
Overall, you should find in our parish a wealth of assistance, encouragement, and
talent to help in preparing for the celebration of your wedding. All parish guidelines are
intended to insure a reverent and joyful celebration of marriage within the context of the
church's prayer, Carrying out these policies will require patience, pastoral sensitivity, and
no small amount of time. It is our conviction that none of this is wasted effort when spent
on behalf of you who come to celebrate God's love in the company and prayer of the
church community.
Should you get married at a Liturgy of the Eucharist (Mass), or should
you get married at a celebration of the Liturgy of the Word?
First, let's understand the difference. Every celebration of the Mass consists of a liturgy of
the word (entrance rite, readings, homily, prayers of the faithful) and a liturgy of the
Eucharist (presentation of bread and wine, the Eucharistic prayer, and Holy Communion).
When a wedding is celebrated at Mass, the rite of marriage takes place after the homily
and before the prayers of the faithful; the liturgy of the Eucharist then follows. When a
wedding is celebrated outside of Mass it is celebrated in a liturgy of the word in which the
rite of the marriage takes place after the homily and before the prayers of the faithful. Both
rites conclude with prayers and blessings. An ordained deacon can preside at the Liturgy
of the Word while a priest must preside at a Liturgy of the Eucharist.
You should make your decision in consultation with the presider of your wedding.
You will want to consider the following:
What is our relationship to the Church?
Are we faithful to the church's Sunday celebration of the Eucharist?
Have we been away from the community's prayer?
Have we honestly committed ourselves to returning to the Church?
In light of your answers to these questions:
Is the Liturgy of tile Eucharist or a Liturgy of the Word the better context for the
celebration of your marriage?
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If one of you is not in communion with the Roman Catholic Church, consider
what this means. Do you want to include something in this celebration that only
one of you has a commitment? What does it say about your unity as a couple if
only one of you may receive communion on your wedding day? In light of your
inter-faith relationship it makes more sense out of respect for one another and
your guests that you celebrate your marriage in a Liturgy of the Word celebration.
\
Some people seem to think that a couple is not really married unless the wedding
takes place at Mass. Others claim that Liturgy of the Word service is less elegant
and meaningful, this simply is not true. Be open and honest with the pastoral
minister and presider with whom you are preparing your wedding and make the
decision, which will provide the best context for prayer and celebration.
Inter-faith Marriages
We will make every effort to assist your celebration so that it is meaningful and
respectful of both of your traditions. To accomplish this, it is critical that we
celebrate your marriage in the context of a Liturgy of the Word celebration.
Moreover, an interfaith marriage requites a promise signed in the presence of the
priest or deacon by the Catholic party. This is a statement of responsibility of the
Catholic party to continue his/her practice of the Catholic faith, and to provide for
the Catholic baptism and education of the children in the Catholic faith. The nonCatholic party does not make any commitments.
Homily Preparation
From our experience the guests at your wedding want to hear something about
your relationship as a couple. Therefore we request that you write a one-page
letter about why you chose to marry this person. What qualities does he or she
have that inspire you to love them? We respectfully request that you submit this
letter to the priest or deacon at least one month before the wedding. Note that
this letter will be used in your homily therefore do not include anything in
the letter that is not for public knowledge. On the other hand please don't be
objective rather speak from your heart.
Preparing yourselves for Marriage
A marriage preparation program focuses on you, the engaged partners. We know
that love is the best preparation for marriage. Experience teaches that more than
love is required. To help that kind of knowledge and insight a pre-marriage
program is required. You need to contact the parish office about what programs
are offered in our diocese or parish. In our marriage preparation class you will
learn about the vocation of man and woman, the Sacrament of matrimony, the Rite of
Marriage, prayer, and potential problems and solutions in marriage. Note this is not
optional and you must attend an approved program before celebrating the sacrament of
marriage. www.catholicmarriagepreponline.com
Pre-marriage counseling is a very wise choice to make as you bring your lives
together in the sacrament of marriage. Sadly, few couples take this suggestion
seriously. However the wisest couples that we know see a skilled counselor to
help them with communication skills. Weddings are joyful occasions however
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every wedding is also a stress on a relationship and family. Our suggestion is that
you make an appointment with a counselor not because you have a problem but
because your relationship is worth the investment. Unfortunately most couples
wait too long to get counseling and undue stress puts pressure on the relationship.
Do yourself and your relationship a favor and treat yourselves to some sessions
with a professional counselor.
Pre-marriage Inventory
Early in the process of your personal preparation for marriage, you are required to
complete a pre-marriage inventory called FOCCUS (Facilitating Open Couple
Communication Understanding and Study). FOCCUS is a tool to help you identify,
understand, and communicate openly about many areas that areimportant to your
relationship. The insights gained from this experience can be of
great benefit in the other phases of your marriage preparation.
Sacrament of Reconciliation
A traditional practice of Catholics who are about to be married is to avail themselves of
the Sacrament of Reconciliation (confession). If this is an important aspect of your
preparation for marriage you may make an appointment with a priest or come to the
church on Saturday at 4:30pm to celebrate the sacrament.
Consider Simplicity
On another note, keep in mind that a wedding can be a very expensive undertaking. The
Gospel calls us to live simply and to share our goods with others. In light of this
profession of faith we encourage you to keep your budget within a reasonable range. Too
often couples invest more in the wedding ceremony and reception, and less on the
marriage preparation that lasts a lifetime. We encourage you to invest more in the
sacrament of marriage and less in the frills of a one day event. Maintain perspective.
Fees and Offerings
Parishioners registered for one year are not charged a fee for use of the Church.
Being a registered parishioner means you have officially registered with Our Lady of the
Woods Catholic Parish, are actually attending Mass, and involved in our stewardship
way of life and sharing your time, talent and treasure with Our Lady of the Woods
Catholic Parish. Anyone 18 years of age or older should be registered separate from their
family.
Non-parishioners fee for Church use
$500.00
Parish Center
$250.00
Receptions for both parishioners and non-parishioners. Includes set-up of tables
and chairs. Guidelines for using' church facilities must be followed.
Kitchen use (for receptions) Clean up is expected. A clean up fee will be charged
if the facilities are not in order.
Musicians
Minimum $125.00
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Clergy
Servers and other ministers
Minimum $125.00
Minimum $25.00
If you have questions regarding the fees or offerings please discuss your situation with
the pastor.
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Wedding Hymns
Prelude
- Ave Maria
- Jesu, Joy Of Our Desiring
- I Have Loved You
- Instrumental procession (optional)
Gathering; Hymn
- Where there is Love
- Joyful, Joyful
- When Love Is Found
Psalm (Sung)
- The Lord Is My Light
- How Lovely Is Your Dwelling Place
- Loving And Forgiving
Offertory Hymn (Mass Only)
- Table Of Plenty
- Love Which Never Ends
- When Love Is Found
Communion Hymn (Mass Only)
- One Bread One Body
- Taste And See
- We Are One Body
Recessional Hymn
- Canticle Of the Sun
- Lead Me, Lord
- God Has Chosen Me
(Additional Hymns may be selected after consultation with the Director of Music.)
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Liturgy of the Word
Prelude music____________________________________________________
Processional Order (Choose one from page 7) ___________________________
Gathering Hymn _________________________________________________
First Reading Reader ______________________________________________
Responsorial Psalm (sung by cantor) _________________________________ _______
Second Reading_______________________
Reader___________________
Alleluia (Sung by cantor) __________________________________________________
Gospel _________________________________________________________________
Exchange of Marriage Vows Memorized or Read from the text
Music during the unity candle________________________________________
Prayers of the Faithful Written by whom ______________________________
Read by whom _____________________________
Lord's Prayer (recited)
Nuptial Blessing
Sign of Peace
Recessional Hymn ________________________________________________
Liturgy of the Eucharist
Prelude Music: ________________________________________________
Processional Order (Choose one): _________________________________________ _
Gathering Hymn: _________________________________________________
First Reading: _______________________ Reader:______________________
Responsorial Psalm (sung): _________________________________________
Second Reading:____________________Reader: ______________________
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Alleluia (Sung by cantor): _________________________________________
Gospel: ________________________________________________________
Exchange of vows Memorized or Read from text.
Prayers of the Faithful Written by whom ______________________________
Read by whom __________________________________________________
Preparation of the gifts Hymn _______________________________________
Gift bearers_________________________________
Music setting for the Mass parts (discussed with the director of music).
".
Lord's Prayer (recited)
Nuptial Blessing
Sign of Peace
Communion Hymns:
Closing Prayer
Final Blessing
Recessional Hymn:
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On the Practical side... here is a Check list for you.
_____ Contact the parish at least one year prior to the wedding.
_____ Meet with our Priest and complete the initial freedom to marry and general
information form.
_____ Set wedding date with Church and receive approval: _______________________
_____ Rehearsal date and time set: ___________________________________________
_____ Minister offerings paid (presented at the rehearsal)
Musicians
Clergy
Servers and other ministers
Minimum $125.00
Minimum $125.00
Minimum $25.00
_____ Non-parishioners fee for Church use
$500.00
_____ Parish Center
$250.00
_____ Paperwork and FOCCUS, six months prior to wedding.
_____ FOCCUS follow-up completed (3 sessions)
_____ Baptismal Certificate (Bride)
_____ Baptismal Certificate (Groom)
_____ Marriage License (presented at the rehearsal)
_____Complete Christian Marriage Program (certificate of completion)
_____ Letter of freedom. This means that, if you're from another parish you have to
contact your pastor or the pastoral minister and request a Letter of Freedom ... which is a
legal term and standard form which says, that as far as your current parish knows, you are
legally free to contract marriage.
_____ Visit with presider at least one month prior to the wedding date
to plan liturgy. (bring readings, music selections, and worship aid)
_____ Meet with parish Director of Music one month prior to the wedding.
_____ Cantor, Accompanist, Lector(s), Eucharistic Ministers selected
one month before wedding.
_____ Declaration of Nullity from Diocese Tribunal.
_____ Engaged Retreat.
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Engaged Couples Covenant
A Covenant I freely make with my God, my future spouse, my family,my friends, and the
presider of my wedding liturgy.
As I begin the process of preparation for the sacrament of marriage, I commit myself to
freely and sincerely do the following:
I commit myself to faithfully and regularly attend worship with my primary
community of faith.
I agree to the guidelines presented in the engaged couples handbook. If I do have
special requests or concerns I will clearly state them to the presider prior to
signing this covenant. (All agreed upon changes are clearly written on the back of
this document with appropriate signatures.)
I believe that human love is a gift from God and I commit myself to treating my
future spouse with respect, love, and dignity.
I pledge myself to developing and enhancing my communication skills and my
spirituality in order to be prepared for the joys and responsibilities-of Christian
marriage.
I will complete all necessary paper work and requirements in a timely manner.
I commit myself to be open to the Spirit of God in my life, praying that the Holy Spirit
will open my mind and heart to the message of God's love and give me the courage and
insight to act upon God's word in my daily life.
I hereby promise my earnest intent to do these things by the grace of God and with the
support and encouragement of my future spouse, family, and my community of faith.
Date _____________________________________
Bride ____________________________________
Groom ___________________________________
Presider _________________________________
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