Marriage Policies
Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish
Sacred Heart Church - St. George Church
We hope that this page will answer many of your questions and help to make the beginning of your marriage a blueprint for your life together. It is good to remember that a wedding lasts only a day. A marriage lasts a lifetime. During these months of preparation, spend more time developing your relationship together in Christ and less on the wedding day. The process begins with an instrument called FOCCUS:
Facilitating Open Couple Communication, Understanding and Study
This instrument contains a number of questions that are answered individually by the couple. Computerized answers enable you to evaluate your relationship.
A mentoring couple, trained through the Family Ministries Office of the Diocese of Harrisburg, will meet with you a number of times in their home prior to your marriage. They will use the results of the FOCCUS instrument as a basis for discussion with you. The Diocese also requires an afternoon seminar on some aspects not covered with the mentoring couple. The brochure, “Marriage as a Sacrament” is included here. It explains the format and how to go about registering for the seminar. Please remember to fill out and send in your “Marriage as a Sacrament” registration form to the address listed on the brochure.
It is the hope and prayer of the entire Church, and especially Your Parish, that this Marriage Preparation Program will strengthen your love for each other and for the Lord.
You will receive a call from the Mentoring Couple assigned to you. At that time you will make arrangements for your first session.
An alternative to this process is made when the couple is living outside the Diocese of Harrisburg. They will have the opportunity to participate in an approved preparation program of that Diocese.
The Diocese also provides an alternative Marriage Preparation program called “Engaged Encounter." Details are also in the attached brochure. If you participate in this weekend experience, the “Marriage as a Sacrament" seminar is included.
Dates and Times for Weddings
Diocesan regulations require at least, a nine-month preparation period before the wedding liturgy may take place. This preparation period begins with the first meeting of the priest or deacon.
A wedding date cannot be set until the couple meets with the priest.
Weddings celebrated during the penitential season of Lent (No altar flowers during Lent) or the preparation season of Advent, should reflect the spirit of the season.
Because of scheduling conflicts, Weddings cannot be scheduled more than one year in advance.
Weddings are celebrated in the Church on Saturdays. The liturgies last less than an hour from the time they begin.
Wedding Times Church Available Vacate Church By
10 AM 9:30 A 12:00 PM
1:00 PM 12:00 PM 3:00 PM
All Wedding Rehearsals are scheduled for Friday’s at
5:00 PM or 6:00 PM.
Rehearsals are 1 hour or less.
Official Witness for the Church
Only priests or deacons assigned to Sacred Heart Parish or St. George Mission may be the official witness and celebrant of the Wedding. Other clergy (Catholic and other Denominations) may be invited to participate in the liturgy. An exception is made for a priest relative.
The Marriage Ceremony
Because of space, seating for the bride and groom is reserved for the sanctuary. The Best Man and Maid of Honor sit in the first pew of the middle aisle; other members of the wedding party sit behind them. For the exchange of vows the Best Man and Maid of Honor or the entire wedding party may come forward.
The Unity Candle is not a part of the Roman Catholic Marriage Liturgy. It is suggested that this be incorporated into the prayer at the beginning of the reception. Bringing flowers to the statue of Mary is also not part of the liturgy. It is suggested that this be incorporated into the wedding rehearsal, as a prayer before the rehearsal or after the final blessing at the liturgy. There are brief services available if you should choose to do these rites at the times mentioned above.
Ordinarily the couple is not introduced at the liturgy “for the first time as Mr. & Mrs.”, since this is usually done at the reception.
Besides the Wedding Party the couple should choose: a cross bearer, a lector for two Readings and the General Intercessions or three lectors, one for each (if there is a Mass the readers must be practicing Catholics), altar servers (optional) and two members to bring for the gifts of bread and wine (if there is a Mass).
Photographers / Videographer
It is the responsibility of the couple to communicate these policies to the photographer.
The sanctuary is off limits during the
marriage ceremony. The sanctuary is
considered the raised platform in the
front of the church. Care should be t
aken not to block the view of the guests
in attendance.
Pictures may be taken in the Sanctuary
after the ceremony. However, no furniture
may be moved or used as a prop in any way.
The Wedding party must be out of the
church by 12:00 PM for the 10:00am
Wedding and 3:00 PM for the 1:00pm Wedding.
Wedding Programs
Since your Wedding is a Celebration of the Sacrament of Marriage within the Sacred Liturgy of the Holy Catholic Church, it is good to involve your guests in active participation. Hymns, Acclamations, and Responses to the Word are ways in which you can do this. You will find two program templates to use for Wedding. One is designed for Wedding Celebrations within the Mass while the other is for a Service (without Holy Communion). And although you can add elements to each, such as letters of Thanks, New Address, Directions to your Reception, etc., the outline for the Mass or Servive need to remain consistant as indicated in template.
Celebration of Marriage
within the Mass
Celebration of Marriage outside of Mass
Prelude Music
Introductory Rite
Procession
Opening Prayer
Liturgy of The Word
First Reading:______________________________
** Sacred Silence**
Responsorial Psalm: Cantor / All
** Put the refrain to your Psalm here**
** Sacred Silence**
Second Reading:____________________________
** Sacred Silence**
Alleluia: Cantor / All
Gospel Reading:_____________________________
Homily
Rite of Marriage
Exchange of Vows
Exchange of Rings
General Intercessions
Blessing
Liturgy of the Eucharist
Preparation of the Gifts
Holy Holy Holy - Sung
Memorial Acclamation: Christ has died, Christ is Risen, Christ will come again!
Great Amen: Sung
Communion Rite
Lord's Prayer
Kiss of Peace
Agnus Dei: Sung
Communion Hymn:
Meditation
Concluding Rites
Closing Prayer
Flowers to Mary (optional)
Blessing
Dismissal
Recessional
Postlude
Prelude Music
Introductory Rite
Procession
Opening Prayer
Liturgy of The Word
First Reading:______________________________
** Sacred Silence**
Responsorial Psalm: Cantor / All
** Put the refrain to your Psalm here**
** Sacred Silence**
Second Reading:____________________________
** Sacred Silence**
Alleluia: Cantor / All
Gospel Reading:_____________________________
Homily
Rite of Marriage
Exchange of Vows
Exchange of Rings
General Intercessions
Nuptial Blessing
Lord's Prayer
Concluding Rites
Flowers to Mary (optional)
Blessing
Dismissal
Recessional
Postlude
Florists
It is the responsibility of the couple to communicate these policies to the florist.
The church is available at 9:30am for weddings at 10:00 AM and 12:00pm for wedding at 1:00pm
Flowers may be placed in the front of the Altar on the floor, not to be higher than the altar. They may also be placed on either side of the tabernacle on risers. The florist should arrange for the containers.
- Nothing may ever be placed on the Altar or candle stands.
- Pews may be decorated with bows or flowers and must be applied with rubber bands. No tape.
- Candles, other than those already in the sanctuary, are not permitted because of fire regulations.
- Aisle “runners” are not permitted because of liability.
- Flower pedals may not be strewn and balloons and artificial flowers may not be used as decoration.
- Seasonal decorations, placed by the parish, may not be moved or altered in any way.
It is expected that the flowers placed in the sanctuary remain in the church as a gift from the bride and groom to the Lord.
Dressing For the Wedding
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It is recommended that the wedding party dress at home.
Stipends
A check in the Amount of $250.00 is made out to Sacred Heart Parish and accompanies the marriage license the night of the rehearsal. This is a suggested amount.
A check in the amount of $125.00 is made out to the Music Director, Cheryl Hrapowicki, for payment as Organist for your Wedding, and accompanies the marriage license the night of the rehearsal. If additional musical services are required, fees will be adjusted accordingly. This will be discussed with you, in detail, at the time of your meeting with her.
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Bride & Groom
Presider
Best Man & Maid of Honor
Wedding Party
Parents
Lector(s)
Cantor
Musician(s)
Cross bearer
Altar Server(s)
Others
Listing the Participants of your Wedding
Respect for the Church and the Sacrament
Because of the Sacred Space - the Church - and the sacred nature of the activity - the Sacrament of Matrimony - The following is stressed:
- At the rehearsal and the Wedding Liturgy there is absolutely no smoking, drinking of
alcohol or gum chewing in any of the facilities or properties of the Parish. A spirit of quiet respect should be maintained at all times in the church proper. - The receiving line, if the couple chooses to have one, must be in the Narthex of the
Church (vestibule) or outside. It may not be held in the Nave (body) of the Church- The use of rice, birdseed, confetti, flower peddles, balloons etc., are not permitted.
- The CHOIR LOFT is off limits. Absolutely no one, other than participating musicians, are permitted in the choir loft at Sacred Heart. This includes Photographers, Videographers, Family Members and Friends of the Wedding Party, and/ or family members and friends of the musicians.
Documentation
The following items need to be gathered and brought to the second meeting with the priest:
- For the catholic party(s) Baptismal & Confirmation certificate - dated within the last 3 months.
- For the non-catholic party, a zeroxed copy of the Baptismal certificate, if baptized
- If one or both parties were in a previous marriage, a Death Certificate or Decree of Nullity must be provided.
The following items need to be presented as soon as they are available:
- Certificate of Attendance for the Mentoring Process or Engaged Encounter
- Certificate of Attendance for the Marriage as a Sacrament Seminar (or similar certificates if the preparation was made in another diocese).
- The following items need to be presented the night of the rehearsal:
- The Marriage license: Obtained at the courthouse at least 5 days prior to the marriage and is valid for 60 days.
- The fee for the Director of Liturgy
- The gift for the Church
Marriage Statistic
AN INTERESTING STATISTIC
Some time ago the Chicago Catholic printed the findings of William and Nancy Luellen. The discovered, in using the 1980 census statistics,
that nearly one in every two marriages in the U.S. ends in divorce.
When the couple is married in church and continues to attend regularly,
the figure drops to 1 in every 50.
When the couple is married in church and continues to attend church, and has a prayer life at home, the number decreases to 1 in
every 1,105!
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Sacrament of Marriage: Diocesan Common Policy requires twelve months advance notification of the priest and attendance at a Marriage Preparation Program.
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Liturgical Music
Mrs. Cheryl Hrapowicki (phone 570-538-5871), the Parish Director of Liturgy, should be contacted, as soon as the date of the wedding is set. The Parish Music Director is also the organist for all Liturgies. The Parish Director of Liturgy will help the couple interpret the Diocesan Norms as outlined on pages 7 -10.
Additionally, she will work with your choice of cantors, soloists and other musicians. If you choose to have a cantor, soloist or other musicians they should be paid directly, according to their set fees.
