St. Mary Catholic Church 1612 East Walker League City, Texas (281) Office) (281) (Fax)

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1 St. Mary Catholic Church 1612 East Walker League City, Texas (281) Office) (281) (Fax) Dear Engaged Couple, Thank you for your recent inquiry regarding the Sacrament of Matrimony and for contacting St. Mary Parish regarding your wedding plans. Marriage is one of the most important commitments you will make during the course of your life. Because of its importance, the following points are important in regard to your plans. The Sacrament of Marriage is part of the faith life of the individual. It is also an extension of the life of faith of the community. As part of the journey toward marriage, we ask that couples register in our parish and share our Sunday worship six months prior to the beginning of the marriage preparation process. Marriage is the one Sacrament that is administered by the couple to each other. The Catholic Church beginning in the 1960 s, required that couples undergo a marriage preparation process (sometimes referred to as Pre Cana) of 4 to 6 months in duration. This process has enabled couples to have a stronger marriage long-term and a greater chance of true success. The marriage preparation process begins with a meeting of the couple with a priest or deacon. The second part of the preparation process consists of participation and completion of the sponsor couple program offered through our parish. The priest or deacon will provide details at the initial meeting. A particular area of concern in marriage preparation is the issue of co-habitation of couples. More and more it has become acceptable for couples to live together prior to their marriage. Although this may seem like a socially acceptable action, clergy, as well as psychologists have found that it is the one single factor that can have the most damaging effects for a lifelong commitment. The changing spiritual and personal dynamics of a couple moving from a cohabitating to a marital commitment has in some instances caused up to a 60% greater chance of divorce in the life of the future marriage. We ask that you seriously consider the implications of this before beginning the marriage preparation process. This may be a factor in the type of wedding ceremony that will be celebrated. When the couple meets with the priest or deacon for the first time, specific details, such as the date and time of the marriage will be arranged. Marriages are not scheduled during Lent. Thank you again for considering the importance of the marriage, not so much as a social act, but an act of two people of faith. We look forward to working with you. In Christ, Fr. Howard E. Drabek Pastor

2 Please read the entire packet before completing the Wedding Information Form For couples being married at St. Mary Parish, please sign and return the acknowledgment form and return it with the information form.

3 Marriage Guidelines In the Catholic Church, marriage is a sacrament a holy moment. All sacraments are a reflection of our deepening faith commitment. Weddings are celebrated with those couples who both practice their faith and see their faith in God as an integral part of their relationship with each other. Weddings are scheduled for those couples who do not have a prior marriage bond. If either party, regardless of religion, has been married previously, the prior marriage must be resolved. The process for a formal annulment takes about fourteen months. Please contact the Parish Office for more information. Marriages are scheduled throughout the calendar year. Marriages are not scheduled during Lent. Details regarding church fees can be found in this packet of information. These fees do not cover the parish musicians or offering for the priest or the deacon. It is customary to offer a stipend to the priest or deacon conducting the ceremony. Music chosen must be Liturgical (church music). There is a form in this packet regarding the guidelines for the music that you select. This form must be submitted no later than 60 days prior to your wedding date. The Church will seat 1300 people, the Day Chapel seats people and Old St. Mary Church seats 100. The Church has 21 center aisle rows, the Day Chapel has 5 center aisle rows and Old St. Mary has 10 center aisle rows. Candelabras are not allowed due to the carpeting in the Church. The church has a unity candle stand which remains on the premises at all times. It may be used for your wedding. You may decorate it with ivy, ribbons, tulle, etc. You must provide your own candles. Plastic pew clips, ribbons, or soft material must be used to attach bows or flowers to the pews. NO TAPE, NO METAL, NO CLAMPS. Candles are not allowed to be placed on the pews. Candle stands are not allowed to be placed down any of the aisles. No rice, flower petals, confetti, bird seed, or any other type of material may be thrown in the church or anywhere on church property. Please be mindful of dresses and/or decorations that use glitter. Many times additional effort must be used to clean and an additional cost may be added. All ring bearers and flower girls under the age of 6 must be accompanied by an adult for the procession.

4 Choose any photographer you like. Those who take photographs or videos must not be present in the sanctuary area (raised area with altar). Photos may be taken as wedding parties enter and leave, but photographer may not stop either procession. No flash photography during ceremony. Video cameras may be placed on one of the side aisles. You must use available light only. You are responsible for contracting and paying your musicians and/or vocalists. If interested, we can provide suggestions. Musicians may bring in their musical instruments or rented instruments only with the approval of the Director of Music Ministry. Musical selections must be Scripture-based / liturgically correct and be approved by St. Mary s Music Minister. See Music Form in this packet. All scripture selections to be read can be chosen with the guidance of the priest or deacon and with the help of the Together For Life Book that will be provided for you by the parish. The Bridal Parlor on the right side of the vestibule can be used by the bride on the day of the wedding. There is a long mirror in the room. Attendants must come to church already dressed. Bride should need only to slip into her dress. Hair and makeup needs to be done prior to arrival. Groom and groomsmen should dress prior to their arrival. Groomsmen will process into the church from the side by the tabernacle or will walk attendants down the center aisle from the back. Microphones are not available for the bride and groom. NO FOOD OR DRINKS OR ALCHOLIC BEVERAGES allowed in the church building including sacristy, bridal parlor and vestibule. Any alcohol found on the premises either during the rehearsal or on the wedding day will lead to immediate cancellation of your wedding. St. Mary Parish is not responsible for items lost or left behind after the wedding. The rehearsal date is arranged with the priest or deacon. It is generally scheduled for the evening before the wedding. Everyone who has a part in the ceremony should attend (bridesmaids, groomsmen, parents, readers, etc.) Professional wedding coordinators are discouraged. The parish supplies a wedding coordinator familiar with the Church guidelines. If a professional wedding coordinator is present, they will not be allowed to participate in the rehearsal or ceremony.

5 Music Guidelines We highly recommend choosing one of the St. Mary musicians to provide the music on your wedding day. This is because these musicians are familiar with the church s equipment and appropriate songs/music. Please contact the parish office to schedule one of our musicians. Music chosen must be Liturgical. No outside individuals are allowed to operate sound equipment. All wedding music must be approved by the St. Mary Director of Music Ministry, John Garza. Contact John to discuss your wedding music selections. St. Mary parish wedding coordinator must have the music minister s approval of your wedding music at least 60 days prior to the wedding. If you have any questions please contact John Garza at the Parish Office or him at john.garza@saintmcc.org.

6 Music Information Form Approved Wedding Date: Musician(s): Bride s Name: Soloist(s): Groom s Name: Priest/Deacon This form is used for planning the music for your wedding day. The Music Minister approves your wedding music. This can be done one of two ways... Return this form to John Garza, Director of Music Ministry, St. Mary Catholic Church, 1612 E. Walker Street, League City, TX John at john.garza@saintmcc.org. The following is the music we have chosen to be played/sung on our wedding day. The song quantity varies by ceremony, please verify with your priest/deacon or John the number needed. This form is to be turned in to the parish office no later than 60 Days prior to the wedding.

7 St. Mary Catholic Church 1612 East Walker Street League City, TX (281) Church Fee: Registered Couple $250 Non-registered Couple $750 Old St. Mary: Registered Couple $500 (for wedding ceremonies only. Mass is not celebrated Non-registered Couple $750 at Old St. Mary) Day Chapel Fee: Registered Couple $100 Non-registered Couple $250 Musician Fee: Negotiated directly with the musician and paid directly to the musician. Priest/Deacon: An offering is usually made to the Priest or Deacon. Fee Payment Schedule Deposit (non-refundable) at the time this form is returned $ Balance of Church fees due 60 days prior to wedding date

8 Please read the entire packet before completing this form. Wedding Information Form Please note that no wedding date can be scheduled until this form is completed, and has been reviewed by the priest or deacon. For couples being married at St. Mary s, please sign the acknowledgment form and return with this information form. After returning both forms properly completed, you will be contacted by the priest or deacon. Groom Name: Last First Middle Address City State Zip Phone (home) (work) (cell) DOB: Birth Place Religion Baptized Yes No Baptism Date: Church City State Zip Bride Name: Last First Middle Address City State Zip Phone (home) (work) (cell) DOB: Birth Place Religion Baptized Yes No Baptism Date: Church City State Zip Confirmation Yes No Date Confirmation Yes No Date Church City State Zip Married Previously Yes No If yes, where When By Whom Church City State Zip Married Previously Yes No If yes, where When By Whom Parish/Church (currently attending) Father s Name Last First Middle Father s Religion Parish/Church (currently attending) Father s Name Last First Middle Father s Religion Mother s Name Maiden First Middle Mother s Religion Mother s Name Maiden First Middle Mother s Religion For Office Use Only: Date of Registration: Active yes no Wedding Date: Notes:

9 1612 East Walker League City, Texas (281) Office) (281) (Fax) Acknowledgment The guidelines for wedding ceremonies at St. Mary have been read and understood and I/we meet all detailed criteria. Please note failure to meet any of the deadlines or adhere to any of these guidelines may result in the immediate cancellation of your ceremony up to and including the day of the wedding. Bride s Signature date Groom s Signature date Please sign, date and return to the Parish Office with your completed Wedding Information Form. Thank you