Marriage Policies and Guidelines |
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Congratulations on your engagement. Your wedding is extremely important to both you and the Church. We want to provide you with only the best we have to offer for the most important day of your life. As you already know, the wedding ceremony itself is only the beginning of an entire lifetime of total and mutual love between husband and wife. Christian marriage brings the grace of God into the union so that it can never be broken. As a Sacrament of the Church, Matrimony provides the means of holiness for a man and woman to live as husband and wife all the days of their lives.
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Before any wedding preparations, we ask that you carefully read these requirements for any wedding, either in the Catholic Church or in another church recognized by her. These regulations come from the universal law of the Church and Diocesan Policy. They are non-negotiable so as to firmly protect the dignity and integrity of the Sacrament. You deserve only the best and Christ ask the same from you, also. Our priests and deacon are available should any questions arise. Please know that we will do whatever we can to provide you with a sacred and meaningful celebration.
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General Guidelines
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1.
Either the bride of the groom, if not both, must be a registered Roman Catholic of St. John the Baptist. There is no reqirement that the other person be of the same faith nor must they convert before or after the wedding.
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2.
Both the bride and the groom MUST NEVER HAVE BEEN MARRIED BEFORE, i.e., both have NEVER participated in any wedding ceremony by a priest, deacon, minister, rabbi, or justice of the peace, UNLESS an annulment from the Church has already been granted.
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3.
Couples living together should separate before making any further plans so as to receive the Sacrament of Matrimony worthily and to protect the dignity and sanctity of Christian Marriage. While we understand the many economic and social motives to live together before marriage, it does conflict with the moral laws of Scripture and Christ's church.
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4.
Both the bride and the groom must make arrangements and meet with a priest or deacon, initially, at least, 9 months prior to the wedding. All dates for marriages are tentative until finalized.
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5.
The couple must also attend an Engaged Encounter or Pre-Cana Program at their earliest convenience. Here at St. John's we have a mentor couple process which is based (e.g. see the Mentor couple pamphlet for more information).
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Both the bride and groom must intend to enter a permanent, faithful, and God willing fruitful union. The intention not to have any children (except for sterility and advanced age) impedes the fullness of the Sacrament.
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6.
Marriage as a Sacrament seminar is also required for couples seeking marriage in our diocese. The seminar takes place 1:00 to 4:00 pm on a Sunday afternoon at St. Rose of Lima Church, York, Pa. Dates will be given to you by the consulting priest or deacon.
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7.
The Catholic party must promise to do everything within their power to raise the children in the Catholic Faith.
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8.
Whether there is a Mass or just the wedding ceremony itself, the Catholic party is highly encouraged to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Penance) sometime before the wedding so as to be properly prepared for the spiritual dimension of Matrimony.
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9.
Diocesan guidelines require that all weddings take place in church. No Sunday weddings are permitted in the Diocese of Harrisburg.
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10.
For the proper celebration of the Sacrament of Matrimony couplse should be actively practicing their faith. For Catholics that means regular attendance at Mass.
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11.
Wedding services held during the season of Lent should be done in a subdued atmosphere in keeping with the liturgical spirit of this season.
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Also Please read: Specific guidelines for weddings at St. John the Baptist Church
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