Marriage
Marriage is one of the seven Sacraments of the Church. For Christians it is a vocation: Marriage for the Christian reflects God’s love to the world in a particular way. Married people in their exclusive and lifelong commitment to each other witness to and draw strength from how Jesus has loved us.
Marriage is celebrated as a liturgy of the Church. Usually it takes place during Mass (the Eucharist). However, it can also be celebrated outside Mass and in certain instances this form of the ritual can be more appropriate given the faith and religious practice of the couple. (This should be discussed with the priest at an early stage)
Three months’ notice is required for all weddings in our diocese. This is also a State requirement.
No weddings are allowed on Sundays, Holy Days or other special feasts. All couples getting married in our parish are requested to attend a Pre-marriage Course, which is a lovely way for you as a couple to take a look at your own relationship. It is also an opportunity to reflect on what Christian marriage asks of you. It is a regulation in this diocese that couples attend a course organised by Accord, the Catholic agency. These courses are usually booked out months in advance so early booking means that you will have a choice of dates which suit you. Also remember that you may book your course as soon as you are engaged, even if the date of your wedding has not yet been set.
The priest in the parish of the bride is responsible for the “church paperwork” for your marriage. This is always the case even if you are getting married elsewhere. (The parish of the bride is where you are residing at present once you have lived there for six months.) The priest will advise you regarding the documents you will need for him to complete the marriage paperwork for you. If you are presently living in this parish and getting married elsewhere, please contact one of the priests here three months prior to the wedding.
Readings used in the Liturgy of the Word must be from Scripture. All music for the ceremony must be liturgical. (Religious songs and music)