Wedding Policies
Contents:
Wedding Music: Introduction, Music in Your Mass/Ceremony, Minor Additions, Organ Music, Vocal Music, Musicians
Rice, Bird Seed, Flower Petals…
Wedding Music
Introduction
In the context of the Church community, marriage is both personal and public. A Christian wedding is more than a solemn exchange of vows by an engaged couple. It is and act of worship in which the bride and groom come together to celebrate a sacrament to offer thanks and praise together with their family and friends, and to ask God's blessing on their life together. As such a wedding is a COMMUNAL LITURGICAL CELEBRATION. The guests are present not as spectators, but as worshippers. They should be drawn into active participation through prayer and song. Individuals should be selected to participate at appropriate times by proclaiming the Scripture readings, in the presentation of bread and wine, etc. The soloist and/or parish cantor should be present to invite all who have assembled into the ACTION OF THE LITURGY. Well-planned singing invites everyone to participate.
Music in Your Wedding Mass/Ceremony
Participation through singing is rightly the part of the assembly and should not be taken from them. The Responsorial Psalm; the Holy, Holy, Holy; the Memorial Acclamation; and the Great Amen all by right belong to the congregation. This is the reason that the Cantor/Leader of Song is needed.
The music should have a definite sacred character which supports the celebration.
The lyrics and context of each piece of music should be consistent with a Christian view of marriage and should be appropriate to the particular part of the liturgy.
Music composed for entertainment, including music from Broadway shows, operas, and movies, is NOT suitable for liturgy. This applies also to selections before the Liturgy.
Musical solos are appropriately performed before the Liturgy begins. If done during the Mass, the most appropriate place is at the Presentation of the Gifts.
Minor Additions
The custom of presenting of flowers to the Blessed Mother may take place just before the final blessing. A Marian hymn may be sung at this time.
It is strongly recommended that a unity candle NOT be used during a Wedding Mass. The ultimate sign of unity is the Eucharist at Mass.
If you are using the unity candle during a Nuptial Ceremony (not Mass), it will be done after the exchange of rings with a brief instrumental or vocal piece.
Organ Music
National and Diocesan Church guidelines mandate that, “Certain ‘traditional’ organ selections, such as the Bridal Chorus from Lohengrin (Here Comes the Bride) and the Wedding March from A Midsummer Night's Dream are not suitable and MAY NOT BE USED.” Both were composed as parts of larger dramatic works. Lohengrin accompanies an illicit ceremony, a tragic bedroom fiasco. Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream accompanies a farcical wedding. The parish Director of Music and most organists can provide other appropriate choices for processional and recessional music.
Sentimental pieces associated with the theater or secular entertainment have NO place in the wedding liturgy.
Vocal Music
Soloists and choirs should be used to support congregational singing. They are most appropriately used for prelude music.
As a rule, no parish organist should be asked to accompany a soloist or instrumentalist without a rehearsal.
THE PARISH DIRECTOR OF MUSIC
MUST APPROVE ALL MUSIC SELECTIONS.
Music Ministry Musicians
St. John Bosco Church:
Judy Boesch - Organist/Director of Music
Robert Boesch - Vocals/Trumpet
Emily Havrilla - Organist
John Gasper - Organist/Vocals
Tina Lizbinski - String Quartet
Good Shepherd Church:
Corrine Okrasinski - Vocals/Director of Music
Robinne Okrasinski - Piano
Barbara McGuire - Piano
Rice, Bird Seed, Flower Petals…
You are asked to refrain from the practice of throwing rice, birdseed, and flower petals at the bride and groom. Rice and birdseed can cause people to slip on the steps or pavement and pose a safety hazard to your guests. Flower petals are difficult to clean up and can stain the pavement and carpet.
Decorations For Church
Flowers are always welcome for your wedding ceremony. They enhance the worship area and add to the overall atmosphere of the celebration.
NO FLOWERS MAY BE PLACED ON THE ALTAR TABLE.
There are flower stands of varying heights to be used in the sanctuary. The church has three large floor standing urns that you may use if you wish. Your florist MAY NOT take the liners. If you choose to use any or all of these, please tell your florist to do a complete circular arrangement and not just the front. The measurements for the urns are:
Large: 27 1/2" Height - 6" Diameter
Small: 22 1/2" Height - 8 1/2" Diameter
The parish is grateful for the flowers that are left in the church after the wedding ceremony.
Any candles on pews must have hurricane covers on them to prevent the wax from getting on the pews and carpets. Arrangements must be made with your florist to remove these candles immediately following the ceremony.
Since the main aisle is carpeted there is no need for a white floor runner. Also, the contemporary runners available are plastic and rip very easily, causing people to trip. It is a safety issue.
Photography/Videography
You are welcome to engage the use of a photographer and videographer for your wedding ceremony. They are asked to consult with the Presider prior to the ceremony for directions enabling them to function in the least obtrusive manner.
You are welcome to take photographs in the church following the ceremony. For Saturday weddings, all photographs must be completed by 3:46 PM. Confessions are heard in church at 4:00 PM.
Miscellaneous
Your wedding day is very special to both of you. When you come to church, you are coming to celebrate a sacrament in the presence of God, your family, and your friends. In keeping with the dignity and sacredness of the sacrament and the respect we have for you who are beginning your life together, it is very inappropriate to have beer and/or champagne passed around as you leave church.
Please remind your drivers that it is against the law to open alcoholic beverages in public places.
Church Stipend — $200.00