Guidelines for a Catholic Wedding
1. An interview with the pastor is required at least six months prior to the wedding. The purpose of this interview is to make arrangements for a date of the wedding, to review the documentation necessary for a Catholic wedding to take place, and to set a date for the Marriage Instructions. No wedding date should be set by the couple until after a meeting with the Pastor
2. Catholic Wedding: A definition. By a Catholic Wedding is meant a nuptial ceremony that takes place between two baptized, practicing Catholics following the rites of the Roman Catholic Church. A marriage between a Catholic and a non- Catholic is know as a Mixed Marriage and is allowed under special circumstances which can be reviewed with the Pastor.
3. Marriage Preparations: A Life Spent Centered In Christ. It is expected that a Catholic couple preparing for Matrimony will spend time in prayer and spiritual reading together, as well as attending Holy Mass and receiving the Sacraments on a regular basis.
4. Documents needed in advance of the wedding: Partners in a Catholic Wedding are required to present to the Pastor, at least 2 months prior to the wedding, all documentation which the Pastor asks for. This is a strict requirement
Fees and stipends. The following fees and/ or stipends will be charged for all weddings performed at St. Joseph Parish
Non-refundable deposit due at the time of church reservation ……….$150.00
(Amount will be applied to the total use fee)
Use of church building ............. $550.00
These fees and stipends are in additional to any and all other expenses which may be incurred as a result of this ceremony.
All fees are due and payable 2 weeks before the rehearsal. Stipends may be given after the ceremony.
May God bless you as you prepare for your wedding. Once again: Frequent reception of Holy Communion and attendance at Holy Mass are important spiritual aids in preparation for such a great event. Make your preparation for Matrimony Christ-centered, and you can be sure of His blessings throughout your married life.