Course of Preparation for the Sacrament of Marriage

 

A.          Initial meeting with priest

             

•          Getting to know one another
•          Discussion of course of preparation
•          Marriage A Form completed
•          Pre-marital Inventory
•          Baptismal certificates given to priest
•          Pre-Cana or Engaged Encounter pamphlet given to couple

 

B.          Second meeting with priest

 

•          Discussion of Pre-Marital Inventory
•          Date set for rehearsal and wedding  (During Lent it is not possible to have a rehearsal on              a Friday)
•          Witness forms, Wedding planning book, and Music Planning sheet will be given to couple

 

C.          Couple attends Engaged Encounter Weekend, Pre-Cana, or Camino

 

D.          Spiritual Support

 

•          Couple have engagement blessed at Sunday Mass
•          Engaged Couple meet their prayer sponsor

 

E.           Final Preparation

 

•          Couple meet with priest to discuss wedding Mass or ceremony
•          Arrangements made for the celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation
•          Wedding rehearsal (please bring license)

 

 

Questions regarding Weddings:

 

What time can wedding be scheduled?

 

Weddings are normally scheduled on a Saturday in the morning or no later than 1:30pm.  Wedding can also be scheduled on a Friday evening.  It is not possible to schedule a wedding on a Sunday due to the other commitments of the priest on this day. 

 

Who do I speak to about the wedding music?

 

The Church Music Coordinator is responsible for arranging the music for all weddings.  You will be provided with a music-planning sheet at your second meeting with the priest.

 

Are their any restrictions regarding what music that may be used?

 

Yes.  It is necessary that the music used be specifically dedicated for religious celebration.  It is also not permitted to use pre-recorded music for a Catholic Wedding.  Please check with our music coordinator for the appropriateness of music requests.

 

May I have my wedding photographed and videoed?

 

Yes. It is requested that photographers and video cameras remain outside of the altar area.  It is requested that photography following the wedding not exceed 45 minutes due to other scheduled events.

 

May I decorate for my wedding?

 

Yes.  Couples will be provided with one hour and half preceding the wedding to decorate.  Pew bows may not be taped to the pews but may be attached.  Runners are permissible.  It is also requested that you provide the priest the name of the person who will assist you in removing decoration and other items in the bride’s room following the ceremony.  It is suggested that you meet with our church sacristan to discuss your plans.  Please keep in mind that depending upon the date of your wedding the church may be decorated for a particular church season such as Christmas or Lent.  It will not be possible to remove these decorations.

 

Is there a cost for the wedding?

 

Those couples who themselves or their parents have been registered and supporting member of St. Clement a year prior to the scheduling of the wedding will not be asked to financially contribute for this wedding.  Those couples not registered or financially supporting the parish whom register, attend Mass, and give evidence of financial support to the parish (use of Church envelopes) from the time of scheduling their wedding through one month prior to the wedding date will not be asked to contribute financially for their wedding to the church.  Those couples not providing evidence of the above will be asked to make a contribution to the Church for their wedding.

 

What is customary regarding a stole fee for the priest or deacon who celebrates the wedding?

 

The custom for such a gift differs from church to church.  This gift is left to the discretion of the couple.

 

 

May rice or confetti be thrown at the church?

 

No. Due to safety and maintenance concerns we request that such items be used at the reception only.

 

May my flower girl throw petals?

Yes.  It is requested that artificial pedals be used and that the person assisting with clean up remove the pedals following the wedding.

 

May we have a reception line?

 

It is requested that you have your reception line at your reception.

 

 

 

 

Note:

Please know that the priests of the parish normally take their vacation during the summer months.  It might be necessary to have the visiting priest perform your wedding.