Nuptial Ceremony or Nuptial Mass
You have an option to celebrate the Sacrament of Marriage at either a Nuptial Mass or a Nuptial Ceremony. We strongly recommend when either the bride or groom is not Catholic, or when a large percentage of the guests are not Catholic, that a Nuptial Ceremony be celebrated. In this way, no one will be excluded from the Eucharist. Each wedding will be allotted 2 hours consisting of: 30 minutes before the scheduled wedding time and 90 minutes from the scheduled start of the wedding.
Decorations and Flowers in Church
Flowers and other decorations for the wedding celebration must be in keeping with the liturgical season. If the church is already decorated for a particular season, those decorations will remain. So, for example, if you are getting married in the Christmas Season, you better love poinsettias! It is a good idea, therefore, to check with the Pastoral Staff person who is doing your preparation; it may not be necessary for you to purchase flowers.
Pew decorations such as bows and ribbons, must be secured with string or rubber bands only and must be removed immediately after the wedding. Please do not use tacks, tape, or staples.
Dress
It is not necessary that a bride and groom dress in the “traditional” wedding gown and tuxedo. A simple dress for bride and bridesmaids, and suit and tie for groom and ushers, are very appropriate. A short bridal gown train, which allows greater mobility, is more fitting for today’s wedding celebration.
Fees and Donations
The Church of St. Gregory the Great does not charge a fee for any sacraments. However, you are asked to make a donation to the Church in gratitude to God for all the many blessings you have received. When you consider the amount of money spent on weddings these days (e.g. reception) it only seems appropriate and just that a donation be given to the Church.
In addition, you may want to consider making a donation to another charity of your choice in order to share your blessings with the poor.
Marriage License
The license is acquired from a N.J. city or township’s municipal office and must be obtained within 30 days of the wedding date. Please leave ample time to apply for the license and then to pick it up. The license should be brought to the wedding rehearsal.
Music
The Sacrament of Marriage is celebrated by the Church in the context of the Sacred Liturgy. Everyone present for the wedding participates in this act of worship. Liturgical music is directed towards God, and gives expression to the Sacrament of Marriage. In the Guidelines for Sacred Music, our Director of Sacred Music and organist Dr. John Shaddy (jj38shad@aol.com) provides you with a choice of musical selections. Dr. Shaddy is the organist at all weddings here at Saint Gregory the Great. A cantor (vocalist) from the parish will also be provided. There are fees associated with the organist and vocalist.
Penance/Confession
Couples wishing to celebrate the Sacrament of Penance are encouraged to do so before the week of the wedding. Confessions are heard every:
Servers, other Liturgical Ministers
It is not our custom to have altar servers; should family members or friends wish to serve, they are most welcome. Care should be made to select Readers who will effectively proclaim the Word of God. You may want to select parish lectors to read. Should communion under both kinds be distributed, or if a large congregation, Eucharistic ministers within the family or from the parish will be needed.
Unity Candle
Many people are surprised to learn that the unity candle (sometimes called “wedding candle”) is not an official part of the Catholic Church’s Rite of Marriage; we therefore will not use this ritual during a wedding Mass or Ceremony in our church. For those who would like to light the unity candle, however, Diocesan guidelines recommend this ritual take place at the reception as part of the invocation. A special prayer for the lighting of the unity candle will be provided if you so choose this.
Visiting Clergy
Deacons and priests who are friends of either the bride or groom are always welcome to witness their marriage in our church. The visiting priest or deacon must write a letter to the pastor of St. Gregory the Great Church asking for delegation. If the visiting clergy is also going to do all of the marriage preparation and paperwork, he must inform the pastor in his letter requesting delegation.