Celebrating the Sacrament of Marriage

Celebrating the Sacrament of Matrimony at St. Lawrence, Lawrenceville

September 2020

Revised: 09.2020 Dear Bride and Groom,

Congratulations on your engagement!

The information in this folder is designed to assist you in planning your wedding at Saint Lawrence Catholic Church, Lawrenceville, GA.

The clergy, staff, and community of Saint Lawrence want your wedding to be one of the most beautiful and memorable days of your life. We certainly understand that there are many details to take care of in planning your wedding ceremony and reception. However, we ask both of you to keep your primary focus on the sacramental union you are entering - you are not just planning a day - you are preparing for a lifetime together.

Please read carefully through these Policies and Procedures for Weddings. This information will assist you in maintaining a balance in your preparations, so that all the practical details – important as they are – do not overwhelm the importance of the sacrament.

The Saint Lawrence clergy, staff, and wedding coordinators are here to advise and assist you, and will be happy to discuss any questions or concerns you may have. To indicate your understanding and acceptance of the Policies and Procedures, we ask that both of you, as bride and groom, sign and return the Acknowledgment of Responsibility Form included in this folder.

We pray for every blessing on you as you enter into married life together, and we will do all we can to help you begin your life journey well and happily.

God Bless, Saint Lawrence Catholic Church

CONTENTS: I. Introduction II. Scheduling Your Wedding a. Basic steps b. Interfaith Marriage III. General Requirements a. Marriage Preparation b. Visiting Clergy c. Fees IV. General Logistics a. Wedding Guild Coordinator b. Facilities c. Marriage License/Certificate d. Photography and Videography e. Flowers, Candles & Decorations f. Readings for Wedding Liturgy g. Other Participants in the Liturgy h. Reception of Holy Communion at Mass i. Officiant Stipend j. Appropriate Behavior k. Music l. Rehearsal V. Wedding Day VI. General Regulations VII. Cancellation Policy VIII. Forms a. Acknowledgment of Responsibility Form b. Church Reservation Form c. Photography Contract d. Videography Contract IX. Basic Fees and Recommended Stipends

INTRODUCTION:

The Sacrament of Matrimony is a sign to the whole Church of the intimate and faithful love God has for each of us. Your wedding day is the beginning of a sacramental way of life for you. It is truly a joyous occasion not only for you, your family, and your friends, but also for the whole Church. Your wedding is, and should be, one of the happiest moments of your life. The church rejoices in this experience and is eager to help make it an occasion that will be remembered with deep joy. The wedding need not be elaborate to be meaningful and beautiful. The true meaning and beauty lie in the spirit and attitude of those who take part.

These guidelines will help you to prepare for the celebration of this Sacrament. It is hoped that they will answer many of your questions and make your preparations a little smoother. The parish priest or deacon you choose to help you with your preparation, our Directors of Liturgy and Music, and our parish wedding ministers will be happy to give you any further clarification needed and will work with you to make your wedding a meaningful celebration of your lifetime commitment to each other.

We, at St. Lawrence, wish you every blessing as you begin your journey toward marriage. This time of preparation during your engagement is a time of great joy; however, it can also be a very stressful time for many. The following information should help you as you begin the process of preparing as a couple for the Sacrament of Matrimony.

1. SCHEDULING YOUR WEDDING:

As with all Sacraments of the Catholic Church, the Sacrament of Matrimony requires special sacramental preparation.

Step one: Couples should contact the church at least nine (9) months prior to the desired date of their wedding to begin their preparation. To begin the process, contact our Parish Secretary as soon as possible at 770.963.8992 Ext. 300 to set up an appointment to meet with a priest or deacon.

Step two: During your first meeting with the priest or deacon, he will explain the sacramental formation for marriage as well as complete some preliminary paperwork, and tentatively set your wedding date/time. Your wedding date will be formally confirmed once you return some additional paperwork listed below.

• AFFIDAVIT OF FREEDOM TO MARRY • CURRENT COPY OF BAPTISMAL CERTIFICATE WITH NOTATIONS signed by the current Pastor • ANNULMENT DECREE OR DEATH CERTIFICATE (if applicable) • CHURCH RESERVATION FORM • ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF RESPONSIBILITY FORM

You will be given two (2) copies, each, of the Affidavit of Freedom to Marry. Both the bride-to-be and the groom-to-be need to have the forms completed by parents or other relatives or close friends, notarized by a priest, or deacon, or notary public, and returned to the Parish Office.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Church law requires that both Bride and Groom must be free to marry, i.e., neither one was married before. If either was

5 married before and the former spouse(s) are still living, you will need to obtain a declaration of nullity for the marriage (an annulment) from an Ecclesiastical (Church) Tribunal. A civil annulment is in no way a substitute. The priest or deacon will assist you in starting the process. Under no circumstances can a date be set for the ceremony, even tentatively, until the Tribunal process is completed and the annulment granted.

Interfaith Marriage: In an interfaith marriage (between a Catholic and non- Catholic), the Catholic party promises to maintain his or her own faith, and to do all in his or her power to ensure that any children born of the union will be raised in the Catholic faith. The non-Catholic party makes no promises but is made aware of the promise by the Catholic party. In an interfaith marriage, the minister of the non-Catholic party may be invited to participate in the ceremony. The type of participation will depend upon whether or not the marriage will be celebrated within a Mass. Usually it will involve participating in the readings and/or giving a blessing. In some circumstances, permission may be given for a minister to officiate at the marriage in a location other than the Catholic parish. If you wish to obtain this permission, you must speak to a priest at St. Lawrence to direct you on how to obtain a dispensation from the tribunal so that the marriage will be recognized by the Catholic Church. Note that this permission affects only the actual marriage ceremony. You must still comply with the other provisions of Church law, especially in regard to preparation.

2. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:

Marriage Preparation: The priest or deacon you are working with will direct you to the programs that best suit your needs. It is required that you take part in one of these programs and present a certificate of participation to the Pastoral Office to be placed in your file. In addition, we normally ask each couple to complete PREPARE’N ENRICH, a pre-marital inventory that will provide a basis for future discussion and preparation.

There are several Marriage Preparation program options available in the Archdiocese of Atlanta. You will have a discussion with the priest or deacon as to what program, in addition to PREPARE’N ENRICH, they think would serve you best. Available programs may include but not limited to: a) A weekend Engaged Encounter Retreat (Please consult www.atlcee.org for dates) b) Joy-Filled Marriage Program (Please email [email protected] for dates) c) A Sponsor Couple Program: The sponsor couple program is a couple-to-couple program. Several married couples in the parish have agreed to share their experiences and advice for living a faithful and fruitful marriage. One of these couples will be assigned to you after your initial meeting with a priest or deacon.

When you have completed the Marriage preparation programs selected by your priest or deacon, please contact the office to schedule a final appointment to review your Wedding Liturgy and receive the Together for Life planning guide. Additionally, we can furnish you with certification for a discount on your Marriage License. You receive this discount based on your participation in a Marriage Preparation Program.

Visiting Clergy: We are happy to assist you if you are working with a priest or deacon outside of our parish, either for your preparation or as your presider. Please let us know so that we can provide both of you with all the important information.

Fees: For all those preparing for marriage through St. Lawrence, there is a $300 Marriage preparation fee to cover the cost of materials and courses associated with marriage preparation (regardless of whether you are having your ceremony at St. Lawrence or not).

For registered active parishioners, there is no cost to reserve the church. To qualify as a registered active parishioner, you or your parents must:

a. Be registered at St. Lawrence for at least six months prior to the beginning of marriage preparation. b. Attend Mass regularly on Sundays and Holydays of Obligation c. Participate in time and talent by belonging to at least one ministry in the parish. d. Support the parish financially in a trackable way through the regular use of parish envelopes, online giving, or check (on record at the parish). Loose cash cannot be credited to you because it is not trackable.

For non-parishioners or non-active registered parishioners, there is an additional fee of $700 to reserve the church. See below or contact Parish Office for complete list of basic fees and recommended stipends.

Note that for your reservation to be guaranteed, fifty percent (50%) of Marriage prep fee and church fee are due at the time of reservation. Rest of the fee is due at least 90 days before wedding.

Please note that no fees are required for a simple marriage convalidation ceremony which is celebrated in preparation for the reception of the Sacraments of Christian Initiation at the Easter Vigil.

3. GENERAL LOGISTICS:

Wedding Guild Coordinator: Consultation with the wedding guild coordinator at the parish is required for all weddings at St. Lawrence. The St. Lawrence wedding guild coordinator will contact you within 60 days of your wedding. Please be aware that the entire ceremony is under the direction of the St. Lawrence clergy and wedding guild coordinator. If you choose to have a bridal consultant or wedding coordinator, they must NOT interfere and may ONLY function under the direction of the clergy and the wedding guild coordinator. The wedding guild coordinator will be responsible for meeting with the couple 60 days prior to wedding, rehearsal supervision, directing the bridal party to

8 their various locations, getting the church ready for the ceremony, making copies of readings, and any other reasonable consultation.

Facilities: The church seats approximately 800 guests and may be reserved for a 2 hour block (typically the ceremony lasts one hour, so the church may be reserved for 30 minutes before and after the ceremony). The wedding party, photographers, videographers, etc. may arrive 30 minutes before the ceremony for preparation and set-up.

Marriage License/Certificate: A couple must have obtained a civil marriage license from the State of Georgia in order to be married at St. Lawrence. Applying for a civil marriage license does not mean that the couple is civilly married; it merely grants permission to the officiant to perform the ceremony. After the ceremony, the officiant completes the license and sends it back to the county. At this point, the civil marriage contract takes effect, and a copy of the official civil marriage certificate will be mailed to the couple from the county. The marriage license should be submitted to the wedding guild coordinator no later than the day of the wedding rehearsal. If the couple has already been civilly married, a copy of the civil marriage certificate should be submitted to the officiant no later than 60 days before the wedding. Please be aware that if the marriage license or certificate is not submitted prior to the rehearsal, the rehearsal cannot proceed and wedding cannot take place. Please see https://www.usmarriagelaws.com/marriage-license/georgia/ for more information. There is a discount for the license that may be obtained using a certificate given by the clergy performing your preparation.

Photography and Videography: The sanctuary has the capability to livestream all celebrations taking place in the church and this can be viewed through our parish website, our Facebook page and YouTube channel. The couple can request to use this service for a small fee.

However, the bride and groom may make arrangements for photography and videography. Photographer and videographer must sign parish contract (attached below) at least 30 days before the day of the wedding.

Flowers, Candles and Decorations: The Church may have altar arrangements displayed for normal use but does not provide additional flower arrangements for weddings. You are free to use your own florist for floral arrangements; however the parish wedding guild coordinator will assist in determining appropriate placement of flowers. Sanctuary furnishings may not be removed. No aisle runners are allowed. Due to liability issues, flower petals may not be strewn on the floors. Neither may rice or bird seed be thrown in or outside of the Church. Pew decorations, if used, must be affixed with ribbon or plastic clips. Tacks, staples, tape or putty are not permitted on the church walls or furnishings. All pew decorations must be removed immediately following the ceremony.

Readings for the Wedding Liturgy: Recommended selection of readings for the wedding liturgy may be found by visiting www.foryourmarriage.org/readings.

Other Participants in the Liturgy: Normally, when a wedding Mass is celebrated, it is required that lectors and all participating as public ministers in the liturgy be Catholic. If the wedding is a Liturgy of the Word (without Mass), non-Catholic Christians may serve as lectors. Generally, musicians, including cantors singing the Responsorial Psalm, may be non-Catholics, as their role is considered musical and not a formal ministerial function.

Reception of Holy Communion at Mass: As Catholics, we believe that Jesus Christ is truly present in the Holy Eucharist and the celebration of the Mass is a sign of our oneness in faith, life and worship. Therefore, non-Catholics are not ordinarily permitted to receive the Holy Eucharist. However, we welcome everyone, regardless of denomination or faith tradition to attend Mass and we pray that the Holy Spirit in this Eucharist will draw us closer to one another and begin to dispel the divisions which separate us. All who are not receiving Holy

Communion are encouraged to express in their hearts a prayerful desire for unity with the Lord Jesus and with one another.

Officiant Stipend: There is no charge for the administration of sacraments; however it is customary for the couple to provide a stipend to the officiant. Recommended stipends are attached.

Appropriate Behavior: All attendees should keep in mind the sacred nature of the occasion and conduct themselves accordingly with a realization that the church is a sacred place, and reverential silence is expected during the wedding and rehearsal. Similarly, all should be dressed appropriately for this sacred setting. No food or drinks are allowed in the church at any time; however, food and drinks are permitted in the dressing rooms.

There is to be NO alcohol consumed in the church or on the church grounds before, during or after the wedding. This includes the parking lot. Any member of the wedding party (the bride and the bridal party, the groom and his groomsmen, readers, and ushers) who comes for the wedding and appears to have been drinking will not participate in the wedding. No smoking is allowed anywhere in the Church building.

Please note that it is the responsibility of the bride and groom to advise the photographer, videographer, and other attendants at the wedding of these regulations and to insist upon compliance.

Music: A Catholic wedding has many opportunities for musical sections, all of which will be discussed in your music consultation. Your wedding music will be a great part of your memory of this wonderful day. Our parish policy is to have our Music Director meet with you to go over all music for your wedding. The Music Director will help to provide appropriate sacred music pieces needed for your liturgical celebration.

• The Music Director should be contacted as soon as a date is decided upon but no later than two months before the wedding date. • Because the wedding ceremony is a sacred act, secular music, such as family favorites, themes from movies, Broadway plays, or love songs, while beautiful, will be even more memorable at the reception. Only sacred music approved by the Music Director will be allowed during the wedding ceremony. No secular music will be allowed. • Only live music is allowed; no recorded music is permitted. • A Cantor is required for all weddings. • All questions concerning music must be discussed with the Music Director. The general presumption is that the Music Director, or one of the designated associates, may play for your wedding. • Guest organists, instrumentalists and soloists must be approved by the Music Director. To ensure the quality of music, a member of the music staff must be present at the wedding regardless of whether he or she participates directly (Bench fees may apply). • No music rehearsal may take place during the wedding rehearsal.

Please contact the Music Director of St. Lawrence at [email protected] to plan the music at the wedding and any rehearsals necessary.

Rehearsal: The rehearsal is usually scheduled for the day before the ceremony. Please be aware that the entire rehearsal and ceremony are under the direction of the officiant who is in attendance, with the assistance of the parish wedding guild coordinator. If the couple chooses to have a bridal consultant or wedding planner, they must NOT interfere and may ONLY function under the direction of the officiant and/or the wedding coordinator. The rehearsal is limited to the time allotted. The bride and groom are responsible for ensuring prompt attendance of the wedding party. Those attending should be present at least 30 minutes before the scheduled rehearsal time.

If your wedding is: Your rehearsal is: Friday, 7:00 p.m. Thursday, 6:00 p.m. Saturday, 12:00 p.m. Friday, 4:00 p.m. Saturday, 2:00 p.m. Friday, 5:30 p.m. Saturday, 7:00pm Friday, 7:00pm

(These rehearsal times may be changed if there are no conflicts)

4. WEDDING DAY:

The Bridal Party is urged to arrive at the Church ONE HOUR BEFORE the scheduled wedding time. The Wedding Coordinator and Wedding Guild volunteers will be there to guide you to the Bride's Room and Groom's Waiting Area. The photographer and videographer may set up 30 minutes prior to the wedding. They are asked to abide by the regulations set forth in the vendor agreement they have signed. If they have any questions on the wedding day, they should direct them to the Wedding Coordinator.

5. GENERAL REGULATIONS:

• No smoking is permitted anywhere in the parish buildings. • No alcohol may be consumed or brought on the parish grounds or in parish buildings, either at the rehearsal, before the ceremony or at the actual ceremony. • We ask that you please keep the Bride’s Room and Groom’s room neat as well as the entire church facility.

6. CANCELLATION POLICY:

Saint Lawrence Catholic Church reserves the right to cancel the wedding if the legal requirements under State or Church law are not met and for any other violations of our policy.

ST. LAWRENCE CATHOLIC CHURCH

Acknowledgement of Responsibility Form

By completing this form and signing below, you are indicating that you have read the included policy and procedures and agree to comply with all of them. Failure to do so can lead to incurring a penalty and even cancellation of the ceremony.

All fees are nonrefundable. Your reservation is not complete until we have received this form along with payment.

______

GROOM’S NAME SIGNATURE DATE

______

BRIDE’S NAME SIGNATURE DATE

ST. LAWRENCE CATHOLIC CHURCH

Church reservation form

Today’s Date: ______

This form should be returned to the office alongside the other basic paperwork and payments.

Please note that if you have a pending annulment case, we CANNOT reserve the church for you until you receive a definitive ruling from the church tribunal.

Groom’s name: ______

Groom’s phone number: ______

Email address: ______

Bride’s name: ______

Bride’s phone number: ______

Email address: ______

Anticipated Wedding Date: ______

Celebrant’s name: ______

PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRACT

The Bride and Groom make their own arrangements for photography. Though we permit a great deal of leeway inside the church, these instructions must be strictly adhered to.

• Before and after the celebration of the sacrament, the photographer may make use of the Church to his or her convenience and for the effectiveness of his or her work, except that he or she CANNOT photograph from the altar area at any time throughout the ceremony. • The photographer may not, in any way, disrupt the sacredness of the ceremony. He/she must remain behind the guests and use the periphery of the church. • No flash photography when the ceremony begins. However, flash photography can be used for the procession and recession. • Any posed photographs involving the Officiant are to be taken first. • The time allocated for posed photographs after the ceremony is 30 minutes. Please be prepared to move quickly through your list of photos. (It is a good idea to give your photographer a complete list of your requests a week before your wedding. With this list, he will be able to make the most of the time allotted.) • For the sake of time, the photographer may not attend the wedding rehearsal. Any questions must be answered before the rehearsal. • No floodlights or any other special lighting may be used during the ceremony. • Photographers shall dress appropriately for a formal Church service, i.e., in a manner comparable to the guests in attendance. We reserve the right to ask any photographer in violation of these rules to correct the violation immediately or to leave the premises. No exceptions will be made.

______Photographer’s Signature Date

VIDEOGRAPHY CONTRACT

The following regulations apply to videotaping weddings:

• All video equipment must be set up in the periphery of the church at least thirty minutes prior to the scheduled time of the wedding. Any exposed cables/cords must be covered. • Wireless microphones may be worn by members of the wedding party only with permission of the officiant. • Video equipment may not be moved during the ceremony; no "roving" camera is permitted. • No floodlights or any other special lighting may be used during the ceremony. • Nothing may be taped, pinned, stapled or otherwise attached in any way to the Church walls, furnishings, or floors. • Persons operating video equipment shall be dressed appropriately for a formal Church service, i.e., in a manner comparable to the guests in attendance. • We reserve the right to ask any videographer who is in violation of these rules to correct the violation immediately or to leave the premises. No exceptions will be made.

______Videographer’s Signature Date