Specific guidelines for weddings at St. John the Baptist
|
|
|
|
In terms of the wedding ceremony itself, the parish community of St. John the Baptist asks that you comply with the following guidelines to ensure that the most important and romantic day of your lives is a dignified and beautiful event to be remembered always. It must be reiterated that the utmost emphasis is on the mutual love the couple has for each other to live as husband and wife for the rest of their lives. The other reality is that Christian Marriage is a Sacrament, a sacred celebration of God's church. Consequently, peculiar and unusual elements are not appropriate for a religious ceremony. This is not meant to preclude full participation and creativity on the part of the couple. Choices in the selection of Scripture readings, hymns, and other music, and other legitimate options will always be encouraged. The Church does emphasize that as a religious ceremony and most of all, as a Sacrament, Matrimony demands good taste, decorum and full compliance with liturgical principles. The priest will always be willing to discuss any of these should there be any questions or problems.
|
|
Place
|
|
Weddings can be celebrated in both the Old and New Church.
|
|
Music
|
|
All music and musicians, whether the parish organist is contracted or someone else, must be approved by the Director of Music of St. John the Baptist. The Diocesan Guidelines for music at liturgical celebrations will be followed at all times.
|
|
Readings
|
|
Only readings from Sacred Scripture (the Bible) may be read at any wedding ceremony.
|
|
Photography
|
|
Photographs and videotaping must always respect the dignity of the ceremony and the sanctity of the House of God, the Church.
|
|
Decorum
|
|
Reverence for God's house should be maintained consistently from the rehearsal until the end of the wedding ceremony. Therefore, no food, alcohol, or smoking is permitted in the church or waiting areas. The inside of the church proper is not only the worship space for believers, it is also the dwelling place of God Himself. Please keep it an area of prayer and reasonably quiet. Proper attire is required at the rehearsal.
|
|
Flowers
|
|
Flowers are normally brought to the church the morning of the ceremony at 9:00am. If there are any questions or difficulties with this, please call the church office (235-2156).
Flowers add to the beauty of any ceremony. Those brought in to church are considered a gift to the Lord from the couple and should be left there for the entire weekend. Bows, ribbons, attached to the pews, should be so attached only with covered wire or masking tape (absolutely no transparent/plastic tape).
|
|
Dressing Room
|
|
The women may dress in the dressing room provided in the library of the church. The men are asked to dress at home. The priest's home and the parish administration offices may not be used for dressing. The groom and best man with ushers may assemble in Our Lady's Chapel. Different arrangements are made for the Old Church. The wedding coordinator makes all these arrangements.
|
|
Promptness
|
|
We ask that the wedding party be ready to begin the rehearsal and the wedding promptly, at the time set by the bride and groom. This is common courtesy for all taking part in the ceremony.
|
|
Wedding Bulletins
|
|
The covers for the wedding bulletins may be ordered through the parish office. It is the responsibility of the bride/groom to have the order of the service typed and printed. We suggest that the covers be ordered two/three months prior to your wedding.
|
|
Nothing Thrown
|
|
For insurance purposes, safety, and to assist our already burdened maintenance staff, no rice, bird seed, confetti, or any other substance should be thrown inside or outside the church.
|
|
After the Wedding
|
|
Please assign two or three persons specifically to help clean up after the wedding. Ask them to remove any candles, or ribbons from the church after the ceremony. Please also ask them to go through the church, the library dressing room, and the area outside the church to pick up any floral remains, programs, or other litter that may be left behind, so that the church and grounds around the church will be in readiness for the next ceremony.
|
|
Celebrant
|
|
Catholic priest friends, deacons, or relatives of the bride and groom may officiate at the marriage ceremony with the permission of the pastor.
|
|
Parish Hall
|
|
The parish center is available for wedding receptions. Please call the parish office for information. Ask for Sally Beck (717) 235-2156, ext. 214
|
|
|
|
Wedding Costs
|
|
Church
|
|
All couples celebrating their weddings at St. John's are encouraged to make a donation, usually $100, for the use of the church.
Non-registered couples or those not registered more than six months prior to the wedding date will be asked for a $200 contribution for the use of the church.
|
|
Music
|
|
There is a $125 fee payable to the organist, for the performance at the wedding. The total is payable, by mail, no later than 2 weeks before the wedding.
Whenever an organist other than a parish organist is used, there is a $50 bench fee for the Music Director. Fees, for extra time spent with the soloist and other musicians will be charged at the discretion of the organist.
|
|
Various Options and Fees
|
Fees for others as follows:
- Organist...............................$125.00
- Cantor..................................$75.00
- Altar Servers...........................$15.00
|
|
Priest-Deacon
|
|
Suggested fee - $125.00
|
|
Pre-Marital Consultation
|
|
Priest or Deacon suggested donation - $75.00 (if other than the celebrant)
|
|
Wedding Coordinator
|
|
Suggested donation - $30.00. Our wedding coordinator assists the couple with all details of the wedding ceremony. Apart from music, she is a very valuable resource in the wedding process. (Call the parish office for further information.)
|
| Send
Email To: Parish
Office |
