Marriage Handbook

The Roman Catholic Church believes that marriage is a Sacrament by Jesus Christ. Our Church believes that a Sacrament may be defined as a sign from Christ by which He comes to us and gives us His life and love. This sign is clearly expressed in the scriptures and is the result of the Church’s experience and reflection, such as the exchange of vows in matrimony. We believe that Christ is truly present in the Sacrament. Therefore, the Sacrament of Marriage must be approached with faith and devotion, since this action can have a deep effect in one’s life. Thus a period of preparation is required before receiving this Sacrament of Marriage.

Requirements and Preparations

Both the bride and groom must be “free to marry in the Roman Catholic Church.” Any person who has been previously married in the Church or Civilly married, and whose previous spouse is still alive, regardless of civil divorce or civil annulment, is not free to marry in the Church. These people should seek a possible annulment in the Roman Catholic Church prior to any further marriage preparations.

The Diocese of Orlando requires at least a four month preparation period before a couple approaches the altar for the Sacrament of Marriage. During this period of preparation, the process of assessment and readiness determination must occur before a wedding date is set. After this determination has occurred, a period of instruction and wedding ceremony preparation will follow. The Catholic Church reserves the right to ask a couple to delay wedding plans due to special circumstances and unpreparedness, as outlined in the brochure “Preparing for Marriage in the Diocese of Orlando.” Marriage instruction includes interviews with the Parish Priest or Deacon and Foccus Couple, preparation in a Pre-Cana Class or Engaged Encounter Weekend (sponsored by the Diocese of Orlando.) Dates of these programs may be obtained from the Deacon or Priest. Instruction also includes documentation and paperwork required by the Catholic Church. All Christians are required to provide proof of Baptism.

The Ceremony

The marriage may occur in a Nuptial Mass with the reception of Holy Eucharist or in a Marriage Ceremony.

We are grateful that you desire to have your wedding in the church. By doing this, you have invited your guests, as well as the Church Community, to pray for you and to encourage your shared life in a faith experience. Christian marriage is not only a part of human experience, but of God’s loving plan for us. In it the love of a man and a woman for each is warmed and perfected by the love of God uniting them as one.

A wedding is only the first step into marriage. The vows of love can be given and received in a few minutes, but it takes a lifetime to carry out a marriage “for better or worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, till death us do part.”

A marriage becomes complete only through a process which unites two lives in a deeper sense than laws and ceremonies alone are able. In marriage, two persons can share their joys, comfort each other and love and cherish each other in all the experiences of life. A wedding is a sacred ceremony. God is present with us through this ritual of commitment to each other. It must be reverent and worshipful, even when the ceremony is simple. The sacredness of the wedding vows reminds us that marriage is a three-way union - the two of you and God. As you plan your wedding ceremony, we want to help you transform that ceremony from words spoken into meanings joyously shared.

The Minister

The official Minister for the Sacrament of Marriage in the Roman Catholic Church is the Parish Priest or Deacon. The actual Minister of this Sacrament is the couple who exchange vows in the presence of the Church’s Minister and the official witnesses. The official Minister for this Sacrament recognizes and blesses the union in the name of the Church, as well as acting as the civil dignitary, required by law. This Minister will provide your instruction as noted earlier, at the convenience of all parties.

While we recognize that in a very special sense, the wedding ceremony is your ceremony, nevertheless, you have chosen to be married in the Catholic Church at Our Lady of Lourdes Church by a Priest or Deacon. As is the case with every service of worship in the church, the directives of the denomination and the prerogative of the officiating Minister will determine the content and order of the wedding ceremony.

Wedding Arrangements

We are here to serve you in preparation for your wedding ceremony, yet we maintain final approval on matters relative to the marriage ceremony, including the date and time of the ceremony. This will bring minimum tension and maximum comfort to you on your wedding day.

Florist

The florist may have access to the Church on the day of the wedding. Flowers or plants must be placed in such a way as to not obstruct access to the altar. Candelabras and unity candles are available from the florist. We do not permit the use of aisle runners at Our Lady of Lourdes. All candles used must be dripless. Candles are only allowed in the altar area and are not allowed in the aisles of the church.

Music

Arrangements with the Director of Music should be made through the Parish Office four months prior to the wedding date. This is the responsibility of the couple preparing for marriage. The celebration will include music; therefore, an accompanist and a cantor from Our Lady of Lourdes must be hired. Please call or email Robert McBride at 723-3636.

There are many contemporary secular songs which may have particular meaning for couples, but should be reserved for the reception. Musical texts for the celebration should give Christian understanding of love, marriage, and the home. Any contemporary music that the couple wishes to have at the wedding ceremony, must be approved by Robert McBride, Director of Music.

Photography

The photographer and guests need to note that NO FLASH photography is permitted after the procession. This is a sacred ceremony and we want to maintain that sacredness. Non-flash exposures and video taping may be taken unobtrusively from the rear of the Church or on either side of the sanctuary.

The wedding party may return to the church for photographs after the ceremony. Spotlights and photography from behind the altar are not permitted during the ceremony. Wires and cords used in videotaping are to be placed in a way that no one could be injured by tripping. Extension cords, adapters etc. must be furnished by the videographer.

The Rehearsal

Rehearsals may be scheduled for 4:00, 5:00 or 6:00 p.m. The rehearsal is usually held the evening before the wedding, before the rehearsal dinner. The Minister or his designated staff member is in full charge of the rehearsal and ceremony and shall direct the process. Any consultant shall be advisory only and shall be responsible to the Priest or Deacon. The bride and groom should assist the Minister in having a joyous but orderly rehearsal.

The rehearsal usually lasts one hour and all participants should be prompt in coming to the rehearsal. The state marriage license must be presented to the Priest or Deacon at the rehearsal.

The Celebration

The decoration of the Church for the celebration of marriage should emphasize the dignity and beauty which speaks of the presence of God. A minimum of decoration is suggested. The decorations, properties and items not owned by the Church must be removed from the Church immediately following the ceremony. Absolutely no tacks, nails, screws or tape shall be used on walls, floors, pews or other furnishings. No decorations are to be placed on the altar or an area that would obstruct access or view of the altar. Our Lady of Lourdes does have a Bridal Room which is adjacent to the women’s rest room. The bride and bridesmaids are welcome to use this facility.

Rice, confetti & birdseed are not to be thrown in or around any of the church buildings.

Wedding Fees

Use of the Church by Members of Registered,

Contributing families . . . . . . . . No Fee

Use of the Church by all others . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$300

($150 due at time of reservation, balance of $150 due at rehearsal)

Officiating Priest or Deacon

(Honorarium may be given directly to the clergy)

Music Fees

Accompanist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $100

Cantor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$100

Payment in full must be made prior to the Wedding date.

Please note that no couple will be refused a wedding in the church because of an inability to pay the fees.