Sacrament of Marriage

Celebration of the Sacrament of Marriage

In the Catholic Church, Marriage is a sacred Sacrament, through which a man and woman are united in a lifelong covenant of love and fidelity. This Sacrament bestows upon the couple the grace and spiritual gifts necessary to live out the vocation of family life, rooted in Christian faith and love.

Couples wishing to celebrate their marriage in this parish are kindly requested to contact the Parish Office at least six months prior to their intended wedding date. This advance notice ensures adequate time for both pastoral and practical preparation.

Please note that the use of the church on a specific date cannot be presumed. Couples are strongly advised not to book a reception venue before confirming the availability of both the church and the presiding priest.

Following the confirmation of the wedding date in consultation with the priest, the couple will meet with him on several occasions to complete the necessary documentation, participate in marriage preparation sessions, and plan the Wedding Liturgy.

You will be given details of a marriage preparation course for the two of you to attend. Marriage preparation programs are conducted by:

·      CatholicCare    www.catholiccarevic.org.au/workshops/

·      Catholic Engaged Encounter www.engagedencounter.org.au

During the following meetings with the priest, there will be time to discuss your reflections about your preparation course, clarify questions, and prepare yourselves to receive this important Sacrament.

The Catholic Church recognises a valid marriage as a permanent, life-long commitment. If you have been previously married and are now divorced, it is necessary to indicate this to the priest during your first meeting with him.

Documentation 

When meeting with the priest, please provide your original birth certificates or passports and current driver’s licence. (If these are not in English, they must be officially translated.)

Government papers must be completed well in advance and the 6 months’ notice period will provide adequate time for this documentation. 

The celebrant of the marriage will assist you with any other documentation that needs to be completed.

A recent copy of the Baptism and Confirmation Certificates are necessary for the bride and the groom. These can be obtained by writing to the Parish in which you were baptised. Simply state that it is required for your marriage.

The Ceremony

The wedding ceremony in the Catholic Church may be celebrated within the Mass or as a Wedding Liturgy.

You will be guided by the priest to choose the readings, prayers and hymns. Members of your family and friends are encourage to involve in these celebrations by reading the Scripture Readings, Prayers, etc.

Fees 

Please contact Parish Office for the costs associated with the use of the church and the priest.

Flowers

You are welcome to arrange your own flowers. However, please notify the parish office at least 1 month in advance if you require a member of the Parish to do the arrangements for you (the costs of flowers will be your responsibility).

Music

Religious Hymns and Classical Music are the most appropriate for a wedding. If the couple opt for a Nuptial Mass, it is required that appropriate Christian Hymns be used during the Mass to signify the ‘Prayerful’ nature of the solemn celebration. However, there is room for meaningful songs, classical music or poems to be used in consultation with the priest.

Prohibited Items

The use of glitter, confetti or items like rice is strictly prohibited within the church during the wedding ceremony. Please inform your guests of this important guideline.

For more information, or to arrange for a wedding, please contact the Parish Office on 03 56622020 or email: leongatha@cdsale.org.au