STEP THREE: The couple goes to the Marriage Preparation Course
These are usually given by married couples who share the ups and downs of their marriage experience. We've found that most often engaged couples go to these sessions feeling that they don't need them, and that they know pretty much all there is to know about being married. Rarely does a couple attend the marriage preparation program and not benefit from them. Being married is a continual process of growth and communication. The Sacrament of Marriage is a lifelong grace.
STEP FOUR: The Couple returns to the Priest for one or two meetings.
The Priest explains and talks with the couple about the Sacrament of Marriage.
The couple discusses their perceptions and reactions to the marriage preparation process. By now they should know each other fairly well, so that the Priest who is asked to witness the marriage can honestly say that the couple is well prepared to enter marriage.
The wedding ceremony is planned that reflects the unique personalities and commitment of the couple to one another, to God and the Church.
SACRAMENT OF PENANCE: Catholic persons entering marriage are encouraged to receive the Sacrament of Penance close to the time of marriage.
DOCUMENTS NEEDED
If you are a Catholic: You will need a recent copy of your baptism and confirmation records. These must be dated within six months of the wedding: you cannot submit the baptism certificate you received as a child. If you are not a registered member of the local church, you will need a letter of permission from the pastor of the parish in which you are registered. If you are not a Catholic: You will need a record of your baptism or a birth certificate, and a letter from a parent or clergy member, certifying that you are free to marry.
Further, please note the following documentation requirements:
1. If you are a Foreigner, you may need to provide documentary evidence in the form of a license from your Consular Office which states that you are eligible to marry abroad.
2. For all other marriages, Malaysian law requires that the couples requires first be registered with the Marriage Registrar at the Registration Office or any other authorized bodies at least within one month of the wedding date.
DONATIONS AND FEES
There is no set offering for the officiating priest.
SECURING MUSICIANS FOR YOUR WEDDING
Sacramental guidelines state that no secular music may be played or sung before, during, or after the wedding. This includes, but is not limited to, popular songs, show tunes, jigs and reels, and operatic selections.
No musician may be hired without the prior permission of the Priest. Please do not ask family members or friends to sing or play at your wedding without consulting with us first. Even when a guest organist is permitted to play, and if you choose to have a soloist or singers for your wedding, you must: (a) clear your selection with the priest, and (b) make arrangements for piano accompaniment.
If you wish a vocalist or ensemble, the priest can help you make the needed arrangements. The only appropriate music at a Wedding Liturgy is Liturgical Music. If you have a specific request in regard to a psalm, hymn or instrumental selection, the Music Coordinator/priest will assist you.
Apart from extraordinary circumstances, we do not invite outside organists to play.
CEREMONY: The Priest or Wedding Coordinator/priest working with you will give you materials to assist you in the planning of your wedding.
Family members, members of the bridal party and friends, are encouraged to be part of your wedding ceremony.
WEDDING COORDINATOR or Priest
Please consult him for all matters regarding your wedding liturgy and for the rehearsal.
WEDDING DATE
The customary church of marriage is that of the bride, but it may be performed at the church of either the bride or the groom. The proper church of marriage is always that of the Catholic party. No wedding date may be set before the couple has met with the priest of their choice. The policy of the local church usually requires six month notice to ensure enough time for preparation. The date and time of the wedding should be discussed with the priest at the initial meeting.
In accord with the ancient tradition of the Church, and in order for us to live out the themes of the Church’s liturgical year, the Church does not encourage weddings or baptisms during Advent and the penitential season of Lent (Ash Wednesday through Holy Thursday). If you must have your wedding during these seasons, please bear in mind that there is a ban on flowers and decorations during Lent.