The sacrament of Matrimony signifies the union of Christ and the Church. It gives spouses the grace to love each other with the love with which Christ has loved his Church; the grace of the sacrament thus perfects the human love of the spouses, strengthens their indissoluble unity, and sanctifies them on the way to eternal life.
Catechism of the Catholic Church
Either the bride or the groom should be a registered member of St. Luke’s parish and must be a Catholic (baptized as a Catholic or received into the Catholic Church through the Rite of Christian Initiation).
If either party has been previously married, this fact must be made known to the parish priest. A wedding date may not be set unless and until the previous marriage has been declared invalid by the Church Tribunal.
If either party is non-Catholic, the priest will have to obtain a dispensation from the Bishop for the marriage. The Catholic party is required to reaffirm their faith, exhibit a willingness to continue living the faith, and promise to do all in their power to have the children baptized and raised Catholic.
An additional dispensation is required for marriage in a non-Catholic Church ceremony.
If either party is non-Catholic and wishes to become a Catholic they may take part in the parish RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) process.
Catholics who have not received the sacrament of Confirmation are to receive it before marriage, if possible
Presiding Priest
Your parish priest is the usual presider at weddings. A priest who is a friend or relative may preside – arrangements must be made through a priest at St. Luke’s.
Altar Servers
The parish arranges for two altar servers unless the rectory secretary (215-572-0128) is notified that you are choosing your own. The customary tip for the altar servers is $20 each.
Music
Only music from approved liturgical sources may be used in church. You may use St. Luke’s musicians for your music. If you choose to use an outside musician, the musical selections must be approved by the parish music director or representative.
Ms. Molly Mahoney is the parish music director. Please contact her at 267-546-6691, or [email protected]. The musician will assist you in your selection of music. Click here for suggestions.
Decorations
Floral decorations in good taste are permitted in the sanctuary (the area of the church near the altar). Flowers may not be placed on the altar, or directly in front of it (that is where the exchange of vows take place). Flowers used near the altar are to remain in church after the ceremony.
A runner for the center aisle is neither necessary nor recommended. If you wish one it can be obtained from your florist. The center aisle is 65 feet long.
No candles may be placed in the aisles or attached to the pews.
Photographs/Videos
Your photographer is permitted to take photographs throughout the ceremony. The photographer is not permitted in the sanctuary and should not be a distraction. Floodlights are not permitted. The photographer must consult with the presiding priest prior to the ceremony.
There may be a brief period for photographs in the church following the ceremony. These sessions must be completed at least one-half hour before the next scheduled activity in the church. Check with the parish secretary before scheduling this after-ceremony photo session.
Liturgy
There are many readings available for the marriage ceremony and Nuptial Mass. You should consult with the priest to determine the options available. You might select members of the bridal party or family to be lectors. (The lector at Mass must be a Catholic.) Your parents or other members of the family may present the gifts at Mass.
All readings, prayers, blessings, and vows must be from approved texts.
If one party to the marriage is unbaptized, a Nuptial Mass is not permitted.
Order of Service for Weddings – useful when preparing programs.
Time
St. Luke’s celebrates weddings any day of the week, except Sunday. Certain days may be excluded because of the liturgical calendar (for example, Good Friday). Weddings on Saturday are scheduled between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM.
Out of respect for the season, no weddings are celebrated during Lent.
Other
We recommend having the receiving line at the reception.
Nothing is to be thrown or released inside church or on the church grounds. No rice, confetti, balloons, bubbles, etc.
No alcoholic beverages are to be consumed on Church property (including parking lots and sidewalks adjacent to the Church) either before or after the rehearsal or wedding.
Please be prompt for all appointments (including wedding) and remind your bridal party to do the same.
The Church fee for weddings is $400 for parishioners and $650 for others.
You may give a gift to the presiding priest.
If you have any questions concerning your wedding, call the rectory office at 215-572-0128.
Time Frame