Sacrament of Marriage
Sacred Scripture begins with the creation and union of man and woman and ends with "the wedding feast of the Lamb" (Rev 19:7, 9). Scripture often refers to marriage, its origin and purpose, the meaning God gave to it, and its renewal in the covenant made by Jesus with his Church. Man and woman were created for each other.
By their marriage, the couple witnesses Christ's spousal love for the Church. One of the Nuptial Blessings in the liturgical celebration of marriage refers to this in saying, "Father, you have made the union of man and wife so holy a mystery that it symbolizes the marriage of Christ and his Church."
The Sacrament of Marriage is a covenant, which is more than a contract. Covenant always expresses a relationship between persons. The marriage covenant refers to the relationship between the husband and wife, a permanent union of persons capable of knowing and loving each other and God. The celebration of marriage is also a liturgical act, appropriately held in a public liturgy at church. Catholics are urged to celebrate their marriage within the Eucharistic Liturgy.
Congratulations
The St. Joseph Parish Family rejoices in your decision to love and marry each other. We are happy that you have decided to come to our parish to prepare to celebrate the Sacrament of Matrimony. As you know you are not just preparing for the Wedding Day, but a new life together as husband and wife.
No doubt you will spend much time in planning your big day with attire, invitations, receptions, etc. But it is now most important for you to take a keen interest in the Sacrament of Matrimony.
In order to make sure that you are willing and prepared to enter into the Sacrament of Matrimony, and in order to preserve the sacredness and meaning of this sacrament, St. Joseph and the Archdiocese of Kansas City, KS present these Wedding Guidelines for our couples who are taking this most significant step. Please read it over carefully so that you have no problem with what is required, and things will flow smoothly for you.
It is our hope that your Wedding will be a beautiful celebration and we want to help you be assured of this. It is even more our hope that your marriage is beautiful, life-giving and truly sacramental in every way
What Preparation is Involved?
The Catholic Church takes marriage very seriously and thus requires a period of preparation and discernment including:
- One year needed for preparation of the couple prior to the date
- An initial meeting with one of our Parish Priests prior to setting a date
- The date should be arranged with the Church FIRST before any reception plans are made.
- 7 weeks of Marriage Prep class, usually in the winter(Jan-Feb) or summer(June-July)
- A Natural Family Planning Class
- FOCCUS – the assessment is reviewed by one of our Priests
- Meeting with the Wedding Planner for the church
What Documents are needed and submitted to the Archdiocese?
- A Baptismal Certificate from the Bride and the Groom DATED WITHIN 6 months of the wedding (NOT YOUR ORIGINAL from when you were born) You can usually contact the original church where it happened and ask them to send it to us.
- A certificate indicating the completion of the Marriage Prep Class – provided to the office/church upon completion.
- Introduction to NFP(Natural Family Planning) Class & certificate
- A MARRIAGE LICENSE obtained WITHIN 6 months of the Wedding. Make sure your Marriage License is at the Parish Office 1 month prior to your wedding day.
- Signed Archdiocese documents that will be reviewed at the time of discussing the FOCCUS test with the Priest.
What About the Wedding Itself?
The actual details regarding the Marriage Rite of the Catholic Church are the last thing that are planned together. Before this discussion takes place there is much to talk about regarding the couple’s relationship with each other and God, plans for a future family, communication etc. Please see the Wedding Guide for specific details about the wedding dos and don’ts, decorating, fees, etc.
Wedding Times
Weddings/Ceremonies take place on FRIDAY evenings from 5-6 or SATURDAY afternoons at 1pm. The rehearsal can be on the Thursday or Friday prior to the wedding in the evening.
Planning the Wedding Liturgy
- Readings: You may have two readings from Scripture read by friends or relatives. The Prayer of the Faithful may also be read by friends or relatives. The priest/deacon will read the Gospel. So, you need to choose 3 people to read. Since Scripture must be heard and understood, the person (s) you choose should have a strong and articulate speaking voice.
- If you are having a Mass, you may ask 2 people to bring up the Offertory Gifts (bread and wine).
- If you include children in your wedding party, we ask that they be at least five years old. If they carry rings they should carry props, the real rings should be held by the Best Man or Maid of Honor. It is strongly advised that the couple exercise good judgment when making their choice regarding the involvement of children.
- Visiting Priests and Deacons: Priests and Deacons from outside St. Joseph are most welcome. They need to be delegated by our pastor and have a letter from their Diocesan Chancery indicating that they are in good standing. They are asked to respect the practice of the celebration of weddings at St. Joseph
The Rehearsal
The rehearsal date should be set at your First meeting. It is usually the evening before the wedding. It includes the wedding party and anyone else taking part in the ceremony (readers, gift bearers etc.) Please ask these people to commit themselves to both the wedding and the rehearsal. PLEASE BRING YOUR MARRIAGE LICENSE TO THE REHEARSAL as well as any payments that are due to the wedding coordinator. We want you to come on your wedding day and not have to worry about any paperwork or money, so we take care of this at the rehearsal. See the Wedding Guide for payment details.
Please commit to being on time for the wedding and the rehearsal and take this commitment seriously. There is much happening in our parish on weekends. Thank you!
Music
Sacred music is an essential part of the Church’s tradition of prayer, it sets the tone for the experience. Music invites the assembly to participate with heart, mind and spirit. Music is not just a “nice touch” to the ceremony or liturgy, but indeed draws the whole person into the celebration; it is therefore not an option not to have music since it is very much a part of the Sacramental celebration. Our Music Director will assist you in the selection of the music for your wedding. Popular songs that have special meaning for the couple are more appropriate at the reception. To schedule an appointment to plan your music selections, contact our Music minister through our parish office. Please make your appointment 2-3 months before the wedding.
For more information about weddings please contact the Parish Office at 913-631-5983
