Once a couple has decided to marry, their first move is to confer with their parish priest. Either the bride or groom must be a member of St. Maurice Parish.  In case of a marriage of mixed religion, the marriage should take place in the church of the Catholic party.

 

Six months before a contemplated wedding, the couple should confer with the parish priest, and together, set a date.  Then they are free to work on hall rental, invitations, etc.

 

Having presented yourself to the parish priest for the purpose of marriage, we will now move to the practical steps which must be followed:

 

1.      The date and hour of your marriage must be finalized in cooperation with the parish priest.

2.      A program for marriage instructions must be agreed upon and followed.

3.      Church laws oblige us to certain marriage forms which must be completed.  These forms have reference to:

a.       A person’s baptism or non-baptism

b.      Freedom to marry

c.       Physical and mental capacity to enter into a marriage contract.

d.      In case of a mixed religion marriage, a dispensation must be sought from the bishop.

 

TIME OF THE WEDDING

 

FRIDAY:  5:00 PM  or

SATURDAY:  1:00 PM or 3:00 PM

 

When weddings are scheduled at 3:00 PM on a Saturday, the reception line and/or picture taking MUST be completed by 4:30 PM so as to not interfere with people coming to evening Mass.  It is imperative that the driveway in front of the church be cleared of all vehicles by this time.  No vehicles are to be left in the parish parking lot(s) following the wedding.

 

HONORARIUMS

 

Church:                                   $100.00

Priest:                                     Customary $50-$100

Altar Servers (2):                    $10.00 each

Organist/Music Ministry:     $150.00 ($200.00 if bringing in outside singer(s))

 

Optional special music requests (if contracted by St. Maurice):

St. Maurice Choir:                                                          $450.00/variable

St. Maurice Cantor (if other than Director of Music):   $75.00

Soloists/Instrumentalists:      variable

Brass/String Ensemble:          variable

 

If independant, specific soloist(s) or instrumentalist(s) are requested by the couple, there will be an additional $50.00 Music Ministry fee per musician/ensemble.  This includes one half-hour rehearsal (required) with the organist (most soloists prefer to have this rehearsal the day of the wedding prior to the ceremony).  Additional rehearsals are $50.00 per half-hour session.  Note:  any musician participating in the wedding is subject to approval by the Director of Music and Pastor.  The couple will be responsible for independently contracting any instrumentalists/soloists who are not provided by St. Maurice.   All Music Ministry honorariums must be submitted in full to the parish office one week prior to the wedding.  All other honorariums should be submitted in separate, marked envelopes to a member of the wedding committee at the wedding rehearsal.

 

ALTAR SERVERS

 

Altar servers are assigned by the parish from our pool of experienced acolytes, unless there is a special request for specific servers.

 

FLORIST

 

Couples are to make their own arrangements with the florist as to floral decorations.  The floral decorations must not obscure or block the altar or tabernacle from view.  If there are two weddings on the same day, we suggest that the couples work out a shared plan.  It is presumed that the flowers will remain in the sanctuary for church use.

 

FLORAL CRASH

 

The length of the middle aisle of the church is 75 feet.  A crash is not recommended because the church is carpeted and the aisle is sloped.  However, if a crash is desired, a cotton-fiber type (not plastic) is recommended.

 

PHOTOGRAPHY

 

Be advised that photographers must adhere to the regulations of the church:

 

1.      Pictures may be taken in the church before the ceremony.

2.      Pictures may be taken during the ceremony as long as the photographer(s) remain out of the sanctuary.

3.      All picture taking following the ceremony must be completed by the prescribed time.  St. Maurice is a church, not a photo studio.

4.      Video cameras are permitted.  However, no bright lights may be used.  Members of the Wedding Committee may be consulted as to camera placement.

 

BRIDE’S ROOM

 

The church has a bridal room available for the bride and her attendants.  Early arrival here will provide time for a last minute check and to assure that the wedding will start on time.  Brides may also dress here, if necessary.  Arrival at the church is suggested 30 minutes prior to the ceremony.

 

ALCOHOL

 

The consumption of alcohol on church premises is strictly prohibited.  Please save this type of celebrating for your reception.

 

CELEBRANT-MINISTER

 

St. Maurice Church is agreeable to those couples who would prefer a guest priest for the wedding.  This must be cleared by the Pastor well in advance.  In case of a mixed religion marriage, the non-Catholic is most welcome to invite their minister to participate in the ceremony.

  

BEST MAN and MAID OF HONOR:

 

The Best Man and Maid of Honor are witnesses, and as such, need not be of Catholic faith.  The priest should be aware of the religious status of the witnesses.  Non-Catholics are not permitted to receive Communion at a Catholic wedding Mass.

 

RICE and etc.

 

Due to insurance reasons, the throwing of rice, confetti, bird seed, etc. is prohibited.

 

RECEIVING LINE

 

Arrangements may be made for a receiving line.  Consideration should be given to time limitations (if another wedding or Mass immediately follows) and the number of guests expected.  Choice of either a receiving line or picture taking following the ceremony may be necessary.

 

REHEARSAL TIME

 

Call the parish office (412-271-0809) to schedule a rehearsal time with the priest performing the ceremony.  Marriage license, honorariums, and any other items to be used in the ceremony other than flowers (Unity Candle, etc.) should be brought to the rehearsal.

 

All other questions can be directed to our parish office at (412) 271-0809 during normal business hours (Mon-Fri, 9:00 AM-4:30 PM) or e-mailed to parishoffice@stmauriceparish.org.

 

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