GENERAL PRINCIPLES
As Catholics we have certain structures and rituals that are to be respected, just like a family that has its own social traditions. These guidelines are meant to inform and aid you in planning a wedding liturgy that is in accord with these respective structures. Please pay particular attention to the guidelines for music, church décor and photographs. For the sake of consistency and fairness to other couples, please do not ask for exceptions to these guidelines.
ENCOUNTER WITH THE SACRED
Since marriage in the Catholic Church is a sacramental encounter between Christ and His Body, the Church, each celebration should be planned so as to provide a means whereby this encounter is clearly seen and joyfully proclaimed. In your preparation of this celebration, you need to be mindful of the sacredness of the space wherein Christ comes to join you, your guests and the parish community in a visible manifestation of His love. Anything which would inhibit such a holy encounter ought to be avoided or done at a more appropriate place, such as the reception.
RESPECTING THE HOUSE OF GOD
Because of the sacredness of the Church’s house of prayer, we ask you to observe the following:
1. No alcoholic beverages are allowed in the parish grounds either before or after the wedding rehearsal or wedding liturgy.
2. Due to fire regulations, smoking within the Church building is prohibited at all times.
3. Remind your wedding party that the church building is sacred. For this reason, when coming to church for the rehearsal and wedding, talking is most welcome, but should be kept at an appropriate volume.
4. Out of respect for the Blessed Sacrament, hats and caps should be removed and gum chewing should be avoided.
One of the joys of a wedding is that it gives everyone an opportunity to dress up and look their best. Casual clothes are definitely not appropriate, unless the invitation indicates otherwise. For a church wedding, your outfit should not be too
1. revealing, it should be modest and smart. Please be informed that you may be given an extra covering to wear if your clothes becomes a distraction. If you are unsure at all, contact the Wedding Coordinator/priest.
2. Clean up: It is your responsibility after the wedding to leave the place as clean as you found it. We suggest that you ask the ushers to accept as part of their role, to walk around and pick up any papers, flower boxes, discarded film supplies, Kleenex, pew markers, runners, etc. and help in the general clean-up of the vestibule as well as the church. This is really important at any wedding we have, but especially when we have to get ready to celebrate other liturgies (Masses, Baptism, Funerals, etc.) in the church after your wedding.
PREPARING YOUR WEDDING LITURGY
We live in a society that puts more emphasis on the marriage day than on the marriage. And, although engaged couples look to marriage with great hope, many see preparation for married life as something to be gotten out of the way so that they can get on with all the time consuming preparations for the wedding day.
Therefore, it is the policy to provide the very best marriage preparation possible for each of our engaged couples. This preparation involves several steps that begin at least six months and, preferably, a year before the marriage.
STEP ONE:
The couple contacts the Priest or Wedding Coordinator/priest for an appointment. Do not make any other plans contingent on the date and time until you have seen the Priest.
STEP TWO: Pre-Nuptial Enquiry.
The Priest meets with the couple two or three times.
In the first meeting with the couple the priest will explain the Church requirements and the Marriage Law of this country. The impediments to marriage are also explained and clarified for the couple. Impediments affect the validity or lawfulness of marriage in various degrees. Some impediments can be dispensed from; others cannot.
Be frank and honest with the priest about all possible circumstances concerning your marriage, and he will advise you on how to proceed in each particular case.