St. Leo’s Catholic Church Marriage Preparation and Wedding Guidelines

218 1st Street SEMinot, North Dakota 58701Parish Office 701-838-1026http://www.stleosminot.org

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Table of Contents

Welcome Letter………………………………………………………………………………………………...3

General Information…………………………………………………………………………………………..4

Marriage Preparation…………………………………………………………………………………………5

Wedding Fees………………………………………………………………………………………………….5

Required Documentation……………………………………………………………………………………..6

The Marriage Ceremony……………………………………………………………………………………..7

Music at the Celebration……………………………………………………………………………………..10

Wedding Policies……………………………………………………………………………………………...12

Appendix A – Bridal Dress and Bridal Party………………………………………………………………14

Appendix B – Wedding Music Fees…………………………………………………………………………15

Appendix C – Wedding Florist and Decorators…………………………………………………………….16

Appendix D – Guidelines for Photographers and Videographers…………………………………………20

Appendix E – Sample Program for Celebrating Marriage During Mass ………………………………...21

Appendix F – Sample Program for Celebrating Marriage Outside Mass………………………………...22

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218 1st St. SE * Minot, ND 58701

Phone 701-838-1026 * Fax 701-852-4683

E-Mail: church.stleos@midconetwork.com

Website: www.stleosminot.org

Dear Friends,

Congratulations on your engagement! Your decision to enter the relationship of married life is a serious one, and it serves as a wonderful sign of hope and strength to the faith community of St. Leo’s Catholic Church.

You have reached your decision after much discernment and prayerful thought, but it is just the first step in the process of building a successful marriage. The community at St. Leo’s, along with your family and friends, are prepared to support and encourage you not only in the celebration of your wedding, but also in your life-long commitment to each other.

The time of engagement is an important period that allows you to deepen your love and prepare for the rest of your life together. Use your engagement for rich conversation, increasing trust, and a fuller sharing of your deepest and most personal hopes, dreams and values.

Marriage is a Sacrament of the Church; that is, a place in which you can encounter the person of Jesus alive and active within your relationship. As such, we hope that you recognize your wedding as a profoundly spiritual experience for you and for the rest of the Church who will see in your love for each other a reflection of the immeasurable love that Jesus Christ has for all the Church.

We intend the following materials will help you to a joy-filled, reverent and prayerful celebration of the Sacrament of Marriage within the context of the Church’s prayer. We mean them to help you to prepare not only for the wedding day, but for a lifetime together “in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, loving and honoring each other all the days of your lives!” Please take the time to read these materials carefully. We have prepared them to help you in planning and to make clear our expectations of you.

With warm regards,

Father Justin Waltz and Staff of St. Leo’s Catholic Church

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General Information

THE PARISH WEDDING COORDINATOR

The parish Wedding Coordinator is the main point of contact for your wedding preparation and planning. The Wedding Coordinator will attend the rehearsal and the ceremony. The Wedding Coordinator has the primary responsibility for the smooth flow of the Wedding Ceremony, and is the one whom all questions should be addressed.

SCHEDULING A WEDDING AT ST. LEO’S

Please contact the Wedding Coordinator, Mary Edith Tims at maryedith247@hotmail.com or 402-452-4717. Wedding liturgies may be scheduled on Fridays at 12:00 pm, 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm and Saturdays at 1:00 pm or earlier. Weddings are not scheduled during Lent or Advent. These two seasons are periods of intense spiritual preparation for Easter and Christmas respectively. On Saturday afternoons, the Sacrament of Penance is celebrated from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m., and the Holy Mass is celebrated from 4:00-5:00 pm. Any wedding still in progress at that time is not to impede penitents from entering the church for this Sacrament. Wedding rehearsals are scheduled on the evening before the wedding and generally last 45 minutes to one hour.

RESERVING THE WEDDING DATE

Call St. Leo’s office at least 6 months before the wedding to inquire about reserving a wedding date. Be prepared to suggest your preferred wedding and rehearsal dates and times. If the preferred time is available, St Leo’s will “pencil-in” your date and send you the Marriage Preparation Requirements and Application for Use of Building for Weddings. Return the signed application and non-refundable deposit (by mail or in person). When St. Leo’s receives the signed contract, we will hold and the date on the parish calendar and you will begin the marriage formation process.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES

If either of you were previously married or divorced, contact the pastor of St. Leos directly to receive further guidance before proceeding. Ordinarily, one of the priests from St. Leo’s will preside at your wedding. However, you are welcome to invite another ordained Roman Catholic priest or deacon to preside at your wedding. Note, however, the priest or deacon you wish to witness your marriage must be authorized to witness marriages in the Diocese of Bismarck. The Wedding Coordinator can give you more information.

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Marriage Preparation

MARRIAGE PREPARATION PROGRAM

Completion of the Marriage Preparation Program is required to be married at St. Leo’s Catholic Church. These requirements should be completed at least 6 months before the date of marriage, preferably a year prior to the date of marriage.

The Marriage Preparation Program consists of the following:

- First and foremost please make an appointment with the Wedding Coordinator

- Enroll in a Natural Family Planning (NFP) Class – Please contact Scott and Jen Johannsen at 837-9768 to see the next available NFP class dates. Additional NFP methods, instructors and classes are available at the following link: http://www.bismarckdiocese.com/uploads/17/0BisDioNFPRef.pdf.

- FOCCUS/PREPARE Evaluation – Please contact Deacon Mike & Marion Woiwode at 852-8508 to schedule a meeting.

- Pre-Marriage Seminar – Enclosed in your Marriage Preparation Program package that you will receive when you meet with the Wedding Coordinator. You must attend this seminar prior to your marriage.

- Baptismal certificate – Catholics must provide an updated baptismal certificate from the Catholic Church of baptism, dated no earlier than 6 months before the wedding (unless baptized at St. Leo’s). Non-Catholics must bring a copy of their baptismal certificate.

Wedding Fees

CHURCH WEDDING FEE

St. Leo’s is an active parish that provides a full range of spiritual and pastoral ministries to its parishioners and other individuals throughout the Minot area. The wedding fee you pay covers the use of the church, maintenance, utilities, and a portion of the salaries of those who are working in the preparation of the couple.

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The normal fee for a wedding at St. Leo’s is $500 for parishioners and $1,000 for non-parishioners. In the case that the wedding is canceled 50% of this fee is refundable if notice is given at least 90 days before the wedding. After 90 days 100% of the fee is nonrefundable. If this fee is a personal hardship, please speak with the priest and the situation will be assessed and addressed accordingly. Also, there is a $150 fee to cover marriage preparation at St. Leo’s for those who will be getting married at a different Catholic Church.

MUSIC FEES

There are no separate fees for music at your wedding. The only additional fees are for additional musicians. Please see Appendix B: Wedding Music Fees of this guideline for more information.

PRIES/DEACON, SERVERS, ETC.

It is customary and appreciated to offer a gift for the priest/deacon for their services. This gift is referred to as a stole fee and it is part of the priest/deacon income. Although not required, as a general standard, the customary stole fee is an offering of $100. Mass servers are not required for your ceremony. If you would like to include servers, the customary gratuity is $20 for each server. The Wedding Coordinator can assist you in finding Mass servers.

Required DocumentationThe Catholic Church requires several documents to be on file with the Church prior to a wedding ceremony. These

documents establish your ability to enter into marriage freely and provide the Church with the necessary information to record your marriage properly.

MARRIAGE PAPERS AND INSTRUCTIONS

The priest/deacon fills out the diocesan marriage forms. These must be completed before the couple can go ahead with finalizing the plans for the marriage. The papers are kept on file in the parish where the marriage is to take place. If you were baptized as a Roman Catholic, an official copy of your Baptismal Certificate is needed (with the seal of the Church embossed onto it). An official copy is one issued before your wedding date, but not more than 6 months prior to it. Call or write to the Church where you were baptized to obtain a copy. If you were baptized in another Christian church, a certificate or other proof of baptism must be provided.

AFFIDAVIT CONCERNING MARITAL FREEDOM

If either or both of you are not know personally by the priest/deacon, he may ask for a statement from someone who knows you well that you are free to marry. If either partner has been previously married they must produce either a death certificate for their former spouse, or a Declaration of Nullity and Freedom to Marry Form from the Marriage Tribunal.

CANONICAL PERMISSION FOR A MARRIAGE BETWEEN A CATHOLIC AND A BAPTIZED NON-CATHOLIC

Marriage between a baptized non-Catholic and a Catholic requires the permission of the bishop. The priest/deacon must complete and submit the request.

DISPENSATION FROM THE IMPEDIMENT OF DISPARITY OF CULT

When a Catholic plans a marriage to someone who is not baptized, a dispensation must be granted by the bishop. The form for making this request is completed and submitted by the priest/deacon.

PROMISE OF THE CATHOLIC PARTY6

In a marriage with a non-Catholic, the Catholic party must promise to continue living their faith in the Catholic Church; to do all in their power to share their faith with their children by having them baptized and educated as Catholics and to respect the conscience of their partner in marriage. The non-Catholic partner is not asked to make these promises, but must be aware that the Catholic party is doing so.

PETITION FOR DISPENSATION FROM THE CANONICAL FORM OF MARRIAGE

When a Catholic wishes to marry a non-Catholic in the non-Catholic party’s church, a special dispensation must be granted by the bishop. This dispensation will be granted if there is a good reason. The dispensation allows the marriage in the non-Catholic Church with the minister as official witness of the vows. No priest/deacon need be present. The form requesting this dispensation must be completed by the priest/deacon and submitted to the bishop.

CIVIL MARRIAGE LICENSE

The civil marriage license must be for the state where the marriage will occur. It may be obtained from the proper office of any county in North Dakota and is valid for the whole state for sixty days. Here in Minot, the office is the Ward County Recorder, in the Ward County Courthouse, at 315 3rd St. SE.

Marriage License Requirements: 1.) $65.00 in cash (no checks or Credit Cards accepted); 2.) Both parties must be present; 3.) Driver’s License or some other valid photo ID is required; 4.) Marriage License is valid for 60 days (day 1 being the purchase date) 5.) You must be at least 18 years old to marry without parental consent. If a person is between 16 and 18 years of age, a signed/notarized parental consent is required. A license MAY NOT be issued to any person below the age of 16.

The Marriage CeremonyThe Marriage Ceremony is a religious ritual in which the Catholic Church celebrates the continuing presence and activity

of Jesus in the relationship of husband and wife.

PRESIDER

St Leo’s will assign a priest to preside at your wedding. If you wish a particular St. Leo’s priest to work with you in preparing your wedding, please let the wedding coordinator know at least 6 months in advance. He will meet with you at a later date and assist you with the ceremony. Clergy of other religious communities and faiths are welcome to assist in the celebration of your wedding. In this case, appropriate adaptations may be made after consultation with that minister and the officiating priest.

LITURGY PREPARATION

Planning your wedding liturgy with the priest will help create a most memorable life-giving experience for you. It is best to take your time and not try to finish planning your wedding liturgy in one sitting. Pay close attention to the Sunday Mass, as many elements of your wedding liturgy will be similar.

The Church celebrates marriage in one of two forms: the wedding ritual within a Eucharistic Celebration (Mass with Communion) or the wedding ritual within a Liturgy of the Word (no Communion). The priest assisting you will help you decide which form is appropriate for your celebration. READINGS AND PRAYERS

Begin planning your wedding liturgy by choosing the Scripture readings. TOGETHER FOR LIFE, a book by Joseph M. Champlin, will be given to you on your pre-marriage weekend. It presents an excellent selection of suggested readings, prayers, prefaces and blessings. Please note that non-scriptural readings or poems are never permitted in place of readings from the scriptures. Please also keep in mind that the Response Psalm is sung at the Marriage Celebration. Pause to pray and reflect on the texts you choose.

A printed program that includes the order of service and are responses will encourage participation. An invitation promoting participation can be stated in the program. A sample of your program is to be reviewed by the priest/deacon prior to printing. Also, honor your parents, godparents and other significant people by

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involving them in the wedding liturgy. Invite them to take part as a reader of Scripture, ushers, gift bearers or witnesses. Two witnesses are required by the Church (at least 18 years of age).

ENTRANCE RITE

The purpose of this rite is to gather the people together as a worshipping community and to prepare them for listening to God’s Word and celebrating the Eucharist.

Prelude/Welcome - This is the period of time before your wedding liturgy and sets the tone for the celebration. Music and friendly ushers enhance the mood of hospitality. Choose a few of the more out-going from your family and friends to be ushers. Their function is to welcome people as they arrive and to see that they have everything they need to participate fully in the liturgy. The old custom of the ‘bride’s side or groom’s side” forces people to choose between you. Ask your ushers to encourage people to sit on either side and close to the front.

Procession - Give some thought to the procession. It reflects your beliefs about church, marriage and relationships. It has become customary for attendants to enter as couples; although only 2 witnesses are required you may have up to 5 couples as attendants. This is nonnegotiable and therefore there are absolutely NO circumstances in which an increase to the permitted 5 is allowed. If you wish to have a flower girl and a ring bearer, the minimum age is 5 years old and they do count as attendants. Adaptations to this rule will be considered but the priest working with the couple will make the final judgment. You may have your parents accompany each of you to the altar or you may enter as a couple. Runners down the center aisle are not allowed.

The processional music may be an instrumental selection or an opening song that everyone could sing. Choose music that is familiar to those gathered and encourages participation throughout the liturgy. Traditional songs of praise are usually known by people of all faiths. Please refer to the Music at the Celebration of Marriage section of this guideline.

Gloria/Collect - After the priest/deacon proclaims the opening prayer, everyone responds “Amen.” All are seated for the readings.

LITURGY OF THE WORD

We now prepare ourselves to draw nourishment from the Word of God as it comes to us in Holy Scripture. You may choose all the passages for the Liturgy of the Word. These are:

A reading from the OLD TESTAMENT A RESPONSORIAL PSALM (response may be printed in your program and sung) A reading from the NEW TESTAMENT (other than the Gospels) A sung ALLELUIA A GOSPEL reading followed by Homily

The Gospel is proclaimed by the priest/deacon. You may choose family or friends to do the New and Old Testament readings. Selected readers MUST be Catholic who can proclaim the Word well and with enthusiasm. The assembly stands during the reading of the Gospel. The Alleluia is omitted if it is not sung.The homily follows the Gospel passage.

A list of several songs for wedding liturgies is included at the end of this guideline. St. Leo’s parish has skilled musicians that are to be used for your musician unless you have family and/or friends that play regularly for Sunday Mass. If you do have family and/or friends that will be playing or singing at your wedding, they need to meet with a St. Leo’s Parish musician prior to the wedding. We do not allow taped or recorded music at wedding liturgies here at St. Leo’s Parish.

If you are planning to print music in your program, you must obtain copyright permission. Be sure to speak to the music director about the fee. Generally the fee will be the amount set by the American Guild of Organists or the National Association of Catholic Pastoral Musicians, although this may vary depending on the amount and complexity of the music you have chosen.

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Environment - Your wedding celebration should occur in a climate of hospitality: a situation in which those gathering are warmly welcomed and made to feel comfortable with one another, are seated together, can see and hear the focal points of the rite and are encouraged to participate.

The environment is an important part of the liturgy. The environment committee works hard to create the most appropriate decorations for the seasons of the Church. Your wedding liturgy takes place within the Church’s liturgical season, look first at those decorations. Anything you bring in should add to what is already there. You may find that the seasonal decor is sufficient without adding any other decorations. We ask that you do not move anything.

We do not allow candles in the pews. Flowers and pew bows are acceptable. Flower arrangements should not hinder the visibility of the altar

or clutter the sanctuary area and are to be live. Use elastic bands or twist ties (no tape or tacks are to be used) anywhere.

Please do not drop petals down the aisle. Only flowers to the Blessed Virgin Mary may be placed on the altar. To avoid any potential hazard to safety and to minimize custodial work, we ask that you do not throw

rice, birdseed, confetti or blow bubbles, as the couple leaves the church, either inside or outside the church.

RITE OF MARRIAGE

In your wedding celebration you – the bride and groom – are the ministers of the sacrament. You are asking the assembly of God’s people to witness, affirm and support your declaration of love and your marriage commitment to each other. The priest/deacon will be there as the official witness of the Church. At this time you and your witnesses move to the central place in the sanctuary.

Introduction and Questions of Intent - The priest/deacon will question you regarding your freedom to enter into this marriage, your willingness to enter a lifelong commitment and your openness to have children.

Exchange of Vows - The priest/deacon will then invite you to declare your consent. As you hold hands and profess your vows, you will make public your promise to each other, before God and the church; to live faithfully as husband and wife as long as you both shall live.

Blessings and Exchange of Rings - The rings are blessed and exchanged. Your rings are signs of your love and fidelity to each other. A short song may be sung that reflects your unity as a couple. The practice of lighting a unity candle has been a cultural adaptation and is not an official part of the marriage rite. Therefore at St. Leo’s Catholic Church the use of the unity candle is NOT allowed. This rule is nonnegotiable. However, there is a traditional custom in the Catholic Church that newly married couple, after the marriage vows, present flowers and light a votive to the Blessed Virgin Mary, after which they kneel before her statue and pray for Her intercession for their marriage. This custom is required at St. Leos should the couple desire. In the liturgy it takes place after the wedding vows.

General Intercessions - The Liturgy of the Word concludes with the General Intercessions. In the petitions, the assembly is asked to pray for the universal Church, for authorities, for social concern and for special needs such as love, patience, communication, understanding or the wisdom to be good parents. These can be read by a family member, friend or the priest/deacon.

LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST

Preparation of the Altar and Gifts - This is a time of preparation of the altar for the Eucharist. The bread and wine may be brought forward by someone chosen by you. There may be instrumental or vocal music, which would support the mood of these moments. The music at this time should be in keeping with the celebration of the Eucharist.

Eucharistic Prayer - The Eucharistic Prayer is the great memorial prayer of the Church that remembers, celebrates, and makes present sacramentally, Christ’s gift of Himself for us. Your most important music selections are the acclamations. These are the prayer of praise and thanks to God by the whole assembly. These acclamations are the “Holy, Holy,” the Memorial Acclamation and the Great Amen. These joyfully sung acclamations are the people’s affirmations of what is taking place. You may wish to print these acclamations in your programs to encourage full participation.

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The Lord’s Prayer - The Lord’s Prayer is the common prayer of all Baptized Christens. It is either spoken or sung by all.

Nuptial Blessing - You will stand before the priest/deacon, the assembly will join in prayer asking God’s special favor on you as you begin your married life.

Sign of Peace - The assembly exchanges a Sign of Peace. You may wish to go to your family members and attendants to exchange a sign of Peace. You may select to have appropriate music at this time.

Lamb of God - The “Lamb of God” may be sung or spoken. All present who share the Catholic tradition may receive communion. You may ask family and friends who are Eucharistic Ministers to assist with communion.

Holy Communion – (Please put this as written into your wedding program). It is a consequence of the sad divisions in Christianity that we cannot extend a general invitation to receive communion to other Christians who are not fully united with us. “Catholics believe that the Eucharist is an action of the celebrating community signifying oneness in faith, life and worship of the community. Reception of Eucharist by Christians not fully united with us would imply oneness which does not yet exist and for which we must all pray.” (National Conference of Catholic Bishops, 1986)

Prayer after Communion – Everyone will stand for the prayer after communion, following a period of silence.

CONCLUDING RITE

Solemn Blessing - The priest/deacon says one of the final blessing prayers and then will present you to the assembly as husband and wife.

Recessional - The recessional is best accompanied by a strong, simple, well-known hymn of joy or lively instrumental piece. Music continues in a festive spirit until all are out of the church.

Music at the Celebration of MarriageThe music at the celebration of marriage reflects our unity in Christ and celebrates the presence of Jesus in this ceremony. As an action of the whole liturgical assembly, the wedding liturgy encourages the active participation of those who gather.

GENERAL GUIDELINES

Music is an essential part of Catholic marriage ceremonies. All music for the ceremony must be approved by the St. Leo’s Music Director/Pastor. To a large extent, your understanding of marriage will be reflected in your selection of wedding music. Music echoes spoken prayer and is an integral part of the liturgy. It is chosen with regard to the same standards applied when choosing all liturgical prayers. Catholic liturgies are carefully designed to offer glory, honor, praise and thanksgiving to God, the source and center of your lives as individuals and as a couple. Select songs for your wedding celebration which go beyond popular love songs to an expression of God’s love and focus on the profound meaning of commitment, covenant and love. Wedding music needs to express vision of Christian married love.

Appropriateness is the key word when choosing your wedding music. There is a wealth of music available that is both contemporary and appropriate. Several judgments regarding music need to be made:

Musical: is it good music, worthy of your wedding: Is it familiar to the congregation? Liturgical: is it appropriate for the liturgy, the religious part of your wedding day? Please avoid secular

music (heard on the radio) for the liturgy – including prelude music.

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Within the liturgy, is it appropriate for the celebration of the Eucharist, if your wedding is at a Mass? Songs that may be good music, and appropriate as prelude music may not be appropriate at communion time or at the preparation of the gifts.

PRELUDE MUSIC

Music used before the liturgy prepares the community for sacramental worship. Through the texts of the songs, this music can provide a preview of the readings the couple has selected and can reflect the couple’s faith and joy. The prelude music enhances the liturgy and is not seen as something separate.

DIRECTOR OF MUSIC

The Director of Music is responsible for the musical life of the parish, including all weddings. As such, the Director approves all music chosen for the ceremony, determining whether your selections are appropriate to serve the needs of the liturgy. The Director will also ensure that the liturgical music chosen is performed well and at the appropriate time. All musicians and singers who will play and sing at your wedding must be approved by the Director of Music.

CANTOR AND ORGANIST

A parish cantor is required at all St. Leo’s weddings and is chosen in consultation with the Director of Music. A cantor is a trained liturgical music minister who leads the assembly in the singing of the psalm response to the Old Testament reading and the singing of the Gospel Acclamation. The cantor will also lead the Communion song and the Eucharistic Acclamations. An organist player will also be assigned to all weddings. The organist or pianist supports the singing of the assembly.

INSTRUMENTALS AND ADDITIONAL SINGERS

Instrumentalists (trumpet, violin, flute, harp, trio, quartet, etc.) and the additional singers may be employed upon approval of the Director of Music. If you are interested in hiring additional musicians and singers for your wedding, the Director of Music will arrange for these. There is an additional fee per musician for

instrumentalist and additional singers.

EXAMPLES OF ACCEPTABLE WEDDING MUSIC

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A Banquet is Prepared No Greater LoveAbba Father Now is the TimeAve Maria Now Thank We All our GodBeatitudes On Eagles WingsBy My Side One Bread One BodyCanticle of the Sun Only A ShadowEarthen Vessels Only God Could Love You MoreEl Shaddai Peace is FlowingFlesh of My Flesh Peace My FriendsFor You Are My God Peace PrayerGift of Finest Wheat Praise God form Whom All Blessings FlowGlory and Praise to Our God Prayer of St. FrancisGod, a Woman, and a Man See this BreadHail Mary Gentle Woman Sing a New SongHe has Chosen You for Me Sing to the LordHear us Now our God and Father Sing to the MountainsI Am the Bread of Life Taste and SeeI have Loved You The Gift of LoveI will Never Forget You The Greatest GiftI Wish You Jesus This Is the DayIf God is For Us To Be Your BreadJoyful, Joyful We Adore Thee Ubi CaritasLead Us on O Lord We are Many PartsLet Us Walk in the Light When You Created LoveLike a Seal on Your Heart Where Charity and Love PrevailLook Beyond the Bread Wherever You GoLove Which Never EndsMorning has Broken

Wedding Policies

USE OF THE CHURCH

Normally, the marriage takes place in the parish of the bride when both are Catholic. It usually, and SHOULD take place in the parish of the Catholic party in the case of an inter-faith marriage. All marriages MUST take place in a church building – NOT in private homes, outdoors, etc.

Wedding liturgies are scheduled with respect to your wishes and the availability of the church building and the priest/deacon. It would be in your best interest to contact the Wedding Coordinator before making commitments with caterers, reception halls, invitations, etc.

REHEARSAL

You have examined all of your options and made choices and decisions regarding the procession, the readings, the music and the environment. Now the wedding party comes to put it all together. Set your rehearsal time at one of the first meetings with the wedding coordinator.

Usually, the rehearsal will be held on the evening before the wedding, or at another time which is mutually convenient and agreed upon by the priest/deacon and the couple. Punctuality is always a gesture of respect. The wedding party and the priest/deacon have the right to presume that the rehearsal will begin and end on time. Rehearsal lasts one hour. The priest/deacon rehearses with the couple for the first half hour and all others who have a part in the liturgy the final half hour.

The celebration of the Sacrament of Penance or Confession is strongly encouraged prior to your wedding and may be scheduled along with your rehearsal. Gently remind your wedding party about appropriate dress, restrictions on smoking and drinking in the church, chewing gum during the celebration and being on time. Children are to be supervised at all times.

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Please inform your ushers that they are responsible for leaving the church, parish center (if used) and bathrooms clean. Please have them take the flowers, boxes and extra programs with them.

If you have observed the guidelines of the parish, etiquette, common sense and tempered efficiency with grace and good humor, everyone will leave the rehearsal in a good mood and look forward to your wedding celebration.

ALCOHOL

Alcohol consumption during the rehearsal or prior to the ceremony on your wedding day will jeopardize the validity of the marriage. If the Groom or Bride has consumed alcohol prior to their marriage the wedding will be canceled. Alcohol use, food or drink, in the church at any time is strictly PROHIBITED!

OUTSIDE PROFESSIONAL CONSULTANTS

Professional consultants whom you may retain to assist you with your wedding celebration have no proper role in the wedding liturgy ceremony itself. While on the property, they must abide by the direction of the St. Leo’s staff and the policies of this guideline.

PARKING

St. Leo’s has no parking available on site. We encourage you to coordinate with other wedding couples for that day. The Wedding Coordinator will provide contact information.

RESTROOMS

Restrooms are located downstairs in the community room.

FLOWERS

Flowers and other decorations for the Church may enhance the beauty and solemnity of your celebration. We ask that you choose them to compliment the building’s architecture and interior artwork. We recommend that you give a copy of the attached “Appendix C: Wedding Florist and Decorator” to your florist and others involved in decorating the church. To avoid expensive mistakes, consult the Wedding Coordinator before ordering flowers and other decorations.

PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEOGRAPHY

Photographers, videographers, and their associates must respect the sacredness of the wedding and the Church building. They must behave discreetly and reverently and follow the policies in this guideline. We suggest that you have a copy of the attached “Appendix D: Guidelines for Photographer and Videographer” to those you hire for this assignment. All questions should be referred to the Wedding Coordinator.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Wedding Coordinator: Mary Edith Timsmaryedith247@hotmail.com 402-452-4717Initial call, schedule wedding, rehearsal, and answer all questions

St. Leo’s Catholic Church218 1st Street SEMinot, ND 58701

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APPENDIX A:ST. LEO’S CATHOLIC CHURCH MARRIAGE PREPARATION AND WEDDING GUIDELINES

Bridal Dress and Bridal Party

BRIDAL DRESS

The bridal dress is a baptismal garment. The first purpose of a baptismal garment is to express that the person has become a new creation and has clothed oneself in Christ. The second purpose of a bridal dress is to express to all that the bride is a virgin who has been claimed by one man whom she will be joined with in a sacramental marriage; she is only his and he is only hers for life.

The bride’s and bridesmaids’ dresses should express Christian dignity and modesty. We do not require that a bride receive approval before she purchases the bridal and bridesmaids dresses. However, during the ceremony in the church, brides are REQUIRED to cover any open backs and fronts revealing cleavage, with a bridal bolero, shrug, or jacket as shown below. This is a nonnegotiable requirement. Shawls and scarfs are not allowed.

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Bridal boleros, shrugs, and jackets are accessories to bridal gowns that can be worn over the dress and removed when no longer needed. These accessories are available for purchase through most bridal retailers. If you are experiencing hardship in locating and/or financing this required garment for your ceremony, please inform the Wedding Coordinator immediately.

Please remember to dress appropriately for rehearsal as well.

BRIDAL PARTY

Because of the space available in the sanctuary, we recommend the following guidelines when planning the number of attendants. The maximum number of attendants is 10 – 5 bridesmaids, 5 groomsmen, exclusive of the ring bearer and flower girl. We ask that flower girls not drop petals, either real or silk, during the procession or ceremony.

Bridesmaids dresses that are strapless, little straps or that are too open in the back or front are also required to be covered during the ceremony in the church. In this case, bridesmaids MUST wear shawls or the described coverings above.

Care should be taken in choosing young children for the wedding party, since sometimes in a large social gathering such as a wedding may be overwhelming and the children may become upset and not be able to perform his or her duty. It is our experience that children five years and older are best suited for these roles.

Please help us maintain the reverence and dignity of the Lord’s house by informing members of the wedding party to refrain from chewing gum and imbibing alcoholic beverages prior to the wedding rehearsal and ceremony, and to come in proper dress. Anyone coming to the church intoxicated will not be allowed to participate in the ceremony, INCLUDING THE BRIDE AND/OR GROOM!

APPENDIX B:ST. LEO’S CATHOLIC CHURCH MARRIAGE PREPARATION AND WEDDING GUIDELINES

Wedding Music Fees

BASIC WEDDING FEE

The wedding fee at St. Leo’s includes the basic music fees which include the following:

Planning/preparation of music, including one meeting with the Director of Music Rehearsal time for all music (please note: the musicians do not attend the wedding rehearsal the night

before the ceremony. They rehearse on their own time.) Organist/Pianist at the Ceremony Cantor at the ceremony

ADDITIONAL MUSICIANS

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The fee for each additional musician will vary. St. Leo’s can arrange a variety of instrumentalists for weddings, such as trumpet, violin, cello, flute, etc. as requested. Quartets or other ensembles can be arranged as well.

APPENDIX C:ST. LEO’S CATHOLIC CHURCH MARRIAGE PREPARATION AND WEDDING GUIDELINES

Wedding Florists and Decorators

Flowers and other decorations for the Church should complement the building’s architecture and interior artwork, and should be part of the overall environment. They enhance the beauty and solemnity of the celebration. The bride and groom ARE REQUIRED to provide flowers for the sanctuary, displayed in one of the three options depicted below, during the wedding ceremony that will be left as a gift to Christ and His Church:

Option 1

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Option 2

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Option 3 (Options 1 and 2 combined)18

The bride and groom ARE ALSO REQUIRED to present flowers to the Blessed Virgin Mary during the ceremony. This arrangement will consist of loose stem roses or flowers that will lay flat on the alter prior to presentation.

For additional ceremony flowers, please adhere to the directions of St. Leo’s staff regarding decorations:

Flowers may be delivered and put in place within two hours before the beginning of the celebration. Floral arrangements may be free-standing at the sides of the sanctuary. They may never be placed on

the alter except the flowers presented to the Blessed Virgin Mary. You must remove all other flowers and decorations at the conclusion of the ceremony EXCEPT the

floral arrangements donated to the sanctuary. Church furnishings or seasonal decorations may not be altered or moved under any circumstances. Floral arrangements must be held in watertight containers.

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Decorations of any type may not be attached to any wall or element inside the Church. Please do not block pew entrances with ribbon, cords, strings, or other decorations. Floral arrangements must be attached without the use of tape or other adhesives. Ribbons or special

hangars, which do not mar the finish of the pews in the Church, may be used. During the liturgical seasons of Christmas and Easter, the sanctuary has a particular seasonal atmosphere

that may not be altered. Flowers and other decorations must reflect the atmosphere of the season. The only candles permitted are those already in place. Additional candelabra, lighted or unlighted, or

candles in the aisles or on the pews, are not permitted. Isle runners are not permitted in the Church. Throwing rice, birdseed, confetti, bubbles, and the like, as well as silk or fresh flower petals, inside or

outside the Church, are not permitted. No food or beverage is to be brought into the Church. All containers used for corsages, floral

arrangements, etc., must be removed from the Church by the attending florist before leaving the property.

It is the responsibility of the wedding couple to ensure that the florist and decorating personnel receive these policies and abide by them. If you have any questions about these policies, please direct them to the Wedding Coordinator.

Any florist or decorator who violated these policies may be denied privilege of working future weddings at St. Leo’s.

APPENDIX D:ST. LEO’S CATHOLIC CHURCH MARRIAGE PREPARATION AND WEDDING GUIDELINES

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Guidelines for Photographers and Videographers

Photographers, videographers, and their assistants must respect the sacredness of the wedding and the Church building. They must behave discreetly and reverently and follow the policies in this guideline. The directions of St. Leo’s staff must be followed at all times.

You have the church for two hours before your wedding, 1½ hours for photos and ½ hour to prepare for your guests. No exceptions will be made.

There is to be no disruption or disturbance of the ceremony by the photographer or videographer. Videotaping and photographing the ceremony from the back of the church or in the balcony is permitted.

Pre-nuptial photo sessions must be scheduled on the church calendar. No flash photography or additional lighting is permitted during the ceremony. Please advise your guests

of these restrictions. No camera lights or additional lighting is permitted for video cameras. No photographer, videographer, or assistant is permitted in the sanctuary or behind the sanctuary at any

time before or during the ceremony. Video equipment must remain unobtrusive. A single video camera may be placed in the balcony. The

location of the camera is at the discretion of the organist who will be working in the balcony. All equipment must remain on the floor and be kept well out of the way of traffic. Nothing should be

placed in or on the pews. Photos may be taken after the ceremony for a maximum of 30 minutes but not on Saturday of the

wedding takes place at 1:00 pm. This is due to confessions taking place at 2:00 pm. If the wedding start is delayed, this time may be shortened. The Wedding Coordinator will indicate when it is time to move on.

Church decorations and furnishings may not be removed. Because of the sacredness and formality of the wedding, proper professional attire is required of all

personnel. No food or beverage may be brought into the Church. Please keep voices at a low level during photographic sessions.

It is the responsibility of the wedding couple to ensure the photographers and video personnel receive these policies and abide by them. Any questions about these policies should be directed to the Wedding Coordinator.

Any violation of these policies will be immediately addressed. Any photographer or videographer who violates these policies may be denied the privilege of working weddings at St. Leo’s in the future.

APPENDIX E:ST. LEO’S CATHOLIC CHURCH MARRIAGE PREPARATION AND WEDDING GUIDELINES

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Sample Program for Celebrating Marriage During Mass

CELEBRATING MARRIAGE DURING MASS

When both partners are Catholic, the celebration of marriage takes place during Mass. Below is a sample program for the celebrating Marriage during Mass.

The Marriage Ceremony

Prelude “God, A Woman, and A Man”Procession “Processional in D”Greeting and Opening Prayer

Liturgy of the Word

Old Testament Reading Sirach 26: 1-4, 16-21Responsorial Psalm Psalm 112: 12 “Happy are those who do what the Lord commands”

New Testament Reading Colossians 3:12-17Alleluia and gospel Acclamation Gospel Reading John 15: 9-12Homily

Rite of Marriage

Exchange of Marriage VowsBlessing and Exchange of RingsPrayer of the Faithful

Liturgy of the Eucharist

Preparation of the Gifts InstrumentalEucharistic PrayerThe Lord’s PrayerNuptial BlessingSign of Peace “Let There Be Peace on Earth”Communion “On Eagles Wings”

Concluding Rite

Final Prayer and BlessingPresentation of Couple

Recessional “Trumpet Tune”

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APPENDIX F:

ST. LEO’S CATHOLIC CHURCH MARRIAGE PREPARATION AND WEDDING GUIDELINES

Sample Program for Celebrating Marriage Outside Mass

CELEBRATING MARRIAGE OUTSIDE MASS

The celebration of marriage for an interfaith couple often takes place outside of the Mass. However, the couple may personally request marriage during the Mass. Below is a sample program for celebrating Marriage outside Mass.

The Marriage Ceremony

Prelude “God, a Woman, and a Man”Processional “Trumpet Tune in D Major”Greeting and Opening Prayer

Liturgy of the Word

Old Testament Reading Tobit 8: 4-9Responsorial Psalm Psalm 128Psalm Response “Happy are those who fear the Lord” New Testament Reading 1 John 3: 18-2 Alleluia and Gospel Acclamation Gospel Reading John 15: 9-12 Homily

Rite of Marriage

Exchange of Marriage Vows Blessing and Exchange of Rings Prayer of the Faithful Lord’s Prayer Nuptial Blessing Sign of Peace “Peace is Flowing” Final Prayer and Blessing Presentation of Couple Recessional “March in G Major”

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