Preparation
for the Celebration of the
Sacrament
of Marriage
Soon you will be participating
in the Sacrament of Marriage. On behalf of the Clergy and Staff
of St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church, we pray that Our Lord may
bless you in this time of preparation with much holiness and peace. The
following guidelines are intended to assist you as you plan for that day
which, before God and His people, you will promise to love until death,
live together for life. Responsible
participation in this marriage preparation process indicates a serious
understanding of the lifetime commitment you will make to one another. Dear
Engaged Couple: Congratulations! You are in the process of making the
biggest decision of your lives. One that will last until death
do you part, and one that will bring you a world of happiness if you
are willing to work for it.We assume that because you have come
to the Catholic Church to have your vows witnessed, you are serious
about having God as a part of your married life. Catholic
theology teaches us that God is the author
of marriage. It is no mere human invention. When two
people are truly in love with one another, it is God who has brought
them together and wishes them to stay together as husband and wife for
the rest of their lives. This should come as no surprise, nor
should it be looked upon as a task, but as a joy that you freely enter
into at God’s direction, and that you will maintain with His help. That
is why the Church as a Holy State of Life considers marriage. It
is an opportunity to grow in one another’s presence and in God’s
presence.We want to do everything we can to assist you in preparing for
a successful marriage, one that is filled with God’s blessings and happiness. Our
preparation program is designed to look at marriage as realistically
as possible. As we help you prepare for this most wonderful day,
and the lifetime it begins, we truly want the best for
you, a happy grace filled life together. We hope it is your goal
as well. Sincerely
yours in Christ, Rev. James E. Molgano. Pastor
CLERGY: Rev. James E. Molgano Rev.
Thomas J. Rynne Rev. Marco DeLeon
Diocesan regulations are as follows: One party must
be a registered and active member of St. Martin’s parish
for at least 6 months before preparations begin. At least
6 months preparation time is required. Special regulations
apply if either party is under 19. Engaged Encounter and
FOCCUS are mandatory. If you have attempted marriage outside
the church, you can expect to be married in a church ceremony only
after you have completed the steps required to address that issue. Please
contact the parish office for additional information.
PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEOGRAPHYYou
will probably want to have a photographer record this most special
event. The photographer must display proper etiquette and respect
for the House of God. It is imperative to have your photographer
meet with the priest prior to the wedding ceremony - this usually takes
place at the rehearsal. PRIOR TO THE CEREMONY The
Sanctuary (altar area) is not to be used.THE SEATING OF THE MOTHERS AND THE PROCESSION Flash
photography may be used as they come down the aisle. Do
not stop any of the attendants or obstruct the flow of the procession.DURING THE CEREMONY Flash
photography and floodlights may not be
used. Pictures without
flash may be taken from the back of the church. No movement
in the front of the pews is accepted or allowed. Video photographers
may be stationed and remain in one place throughout the ceremony.FOLLOWING THE CEREMONY Flash
photography may be used as the wedding party leaves the church. Pictures
may be taken in the Sanctuary for a limited time of 30 minutes. Other
ceremonies will follow and the church will need to be rearranged.IMPORTANT NOTE It
is most proper for the wedding to begin on time. If
you are fearful that the guests will arrive late, move the time forward
by one half hour on your wedding invitations. It is in bad taste
and an act of rudeness for the wedding not to start on time. Since
a given period of time is allotted for each wedding, it is imperative
that the wedding begins on time so that it does not run into the next
ceremony. If you should have any further questions or
concerns, feel free to contact the Parish Office. It is our pleasure
to help you make your wedding a special and memorable event. SCHEDULINGContact
the Parish Office at least six months prior to your proposed wedding
date. During the initial interview with the Priest or Deacon, a tentative
wedding and rehearsal date will be scheduled. However,
these dates are not finalized until all the necessary requirements
have been completed.Our Saturday weddings are held at 10:30 AM, 1:30 PM and
6:30 PM. FOCCUSThis
program targets relationship values and is administered at the Parish. Engaged
couples have found this program to be a valuable tool in identifying
various areas of agreement and disagreement in their relationship,
which is an integral part of marriage preparation. ENGAGED ENCOUNTERThis
full-day group seminar helps promote a relationship based upon open
and honest communication between you as a couple. Other topics
addressed are family planning, finances and more. The cost per couple
is $60-75, which can be reduced or waived for hardship. For those
who have been previously married, a program called Starting Over is substituted
for Engaged Encounter. You may log onto the Diocesan website
at www.diocesepb.org and
click on the Family Life link which will direct you to the seminar schedules. Registration
may be done online or you may call Janice in the Office of Family Life
at the Diocese of Palm Beach to register for these programs (561) 775-9557. DOCUMENTS AND FORMS1. BAPTISMAL
CERTIFICATESCatholics should obtain from their parish of Baptism, a certificate
that is dated within the last six months. Other baptized Christians
should present a copy of their Baptism certificates.2. MARRIAGE
LICENSEThis is an absolute requirement for marriage in the state of Florida. You
must obtain a marriage license prior to your wedding. Your marriage
ceremony cannot take place unless you have your license. You are
to give the marriage license to the Priest at the time of your wedding
rehearsal or sooner if practical. The Priest or Deacon as well
as your Best Man and Maid of Honor sign the marriage license
issued by the State of Florida. OFFERINGSThe church
offering is $400 for registered parishioners or $650 for non-parishioners,
due at least one month prior to the wedding. This
offering covers the use of the church for the ceremony and rehearsal,
books and materials, the FOCCUS program, and the clergy stipend.MUSIC Robert Carson, Director of Music and Liturgy is the principal musican for all weddings and he will contact you approximately four months prior to your wedding to discuss music selections with you. All music, as well as use of any outside musicians, must be approved, in advance, by the Director of Music and Liturgy. He can be reached by calling (772) 334-4214 or by email at: robert@stmartindp.com. All music used during the marriage rite should
reflect the reverence and dignity of the occasion intensify the Christian
meaning of the liturgical service and dignify and enhance the sacred
service. Songs that do not have an obvious relationship to prayer
will not be allowed during the religious service. They may or may
not be allowed as preludes. FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS
AND DECORATIONSDecorations are permitted in the Church
under these guidelines: 1. Two
bouquets of flowers in the main Sanctuary. Flower arrangements should
not be any higher than 26 inches - nothing taller than the altar.2. Ropes
or ribbons may be used to mark the pews.3. Floral pew markers as
long as they are attached properly to the pews and leave no lasting marks.4. Any floral arrangements that have been placed by the church
are set using liturgical guidelines and are to remain in place. 5. The
throwing of flower petals, rice, birdseed or anything similar (including
blowing bubbles) is NOT permitted in the church. NO RUNNERS, OTHER
DECORATIONS OR ADDITIONS ARE ALLOWED.Arrangements
for flowers are to be made by you with a florist of your choice. Please
give your florist the following instructions:Only string or thin
rope may be used in attaching pew markers to the pews.NO WIRES OR TAPE
MAY BE USED.REHEARSALThe
date and time of the rehearsal should be scheduled with the priest
well in advance. Please be punctual and bring your marriage license
to the rehearsal. During the rehearsal and ceremony, the wedding
party should be properly dressed out of respect for the Blessed Sacrament. Low
cut dresses or gowns are inappropriate. REVERENCE IN CHURCHBecause
the Church is the House of God, observance of proper decorum and dress
is expected. At all times a reverential attitude and
prayerful manner is appropriate behavior in God’s House, most especially during
the rehearsal and the photographic session after the wedding. RECONCILIATIONCatholics
are strongly urged to make use of this Sacrament prior to the wedding. Confessions
are held Saturdays, 9:30 to 10:00 AM and 3:00 to 3:30 PM, or by appointment.CONTEXT OF THE WEDDING RITEThe
ideal setting for the Sacrament of Matrimony is within Mass, which celebrates
God’s greatest act of love for us and offers us the
opportunity to receive the Eucharist. However, there may be reasons
when you will not want to have a Mass and choose instead to have your
marriage celebrated in the context of the Liturgy of the Word. You
are encouraged to plan your liturgy with care and will be asked to participate
in the planning of the following areas: THE
PROCESSION – You
may choose the traditional way, or you may elect to involve your parents
as well as your attendants. THE LITURGY OF THE WORD – You
may choose one or two of the readings from the Together for Life booklet
and invite someone to read them. The Priest or Deacon will proclaim
the Gospel. THE EXCHANGE OF VOWS – The
Priest does not administer the Sacrament of Matrimony. He is simply the
official witness for the Church. By the solemn exchange of vows,
you bestow the Sacrament upon each other. The Priest may invite
you to declare the vows or the Priest may ask the vows, with you simply
responding “I do”. The blessing of the rings follows
the vows. THE WEDDING CANDLE (Optional) – You
may want to purchase a wedding candle and together light it at the altar,
expressing your new communion with Christ and with each other. Wedding
candles are available at many stores in the area. NO CANDELABRUMS ARE
ALLOWED IN THE SANCTUARY.THE LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST – You
may select people to bring up the gifts at the Offertory. Following
the Preparation of the Gifts, the Mass proceeds as usual. There
are special prayers & blessings for the Bride and Groom. The
Peace Greeting may be extended to your family and wedding party if you
wish. The Bride and the Groom may receive Holy Communion under
both species.PRAYER TO THE BLESSED MOTHER (Optional) The
Groom may escort the Bride to offer their prayer before the Blessed Mother. |