Guidelines for Marriages

The guidelines given below are meant to help those planning to have their wedding / anniversary / jubilee and other celebrations in our Church to organize their celebration in a meaningful way.

PRIOR TO THE CELEBRATION

Those wishing to celebrate their nuptials or jubilees in our Church should meet the Parish Priest and inform him about the date and time on which they wish to have their celebration at least three months in advance so that the same may be confirmed and noted on the parish diary without prejudice to the regular services taking place in the Church. Please check the Parish Planner, or if your celebration is on Wednesday evening (we have Charismatic Prayer Service from 3.30 – 5.30 p.m) or if the Church is booked for any other mass or celebration.
Those wishing to get married should after finalizing the date and time of the nuptial ceremony follow all the pre-nuptial formalities as laid down by the Code of Canon Law, the Archdiocesan norms and the parish church regulations.
If an outside priest is invited to celebrate the wedding, the concerned party should inform the Parish Priest much in advance. For the purpose of officiating at the nuptial rite, the letter of delegation needs to be given to the priest delegate. Hence the same may be collected from the Parish Priest and handed over to the officiating priest well in time.

BOOKLETS, LEAFLETS OR OTHER MATERIAL and all prayers and hymns to be used in the liturgy should have the prior approval of the Parish Priest or his Assistant. No booklet or leaflet may be used in the liturgy unless the text of the same is approved by the concerned authority.

CHOIR

The choir master / leader of the choir has to meet the Parish Priest or his assistant before assembling any equipment in the Church. If the Church sound is used then a nominal fee of Rs. 1000/- will be charged. If any equipment of the Church is damaged during the choir performance then the same will have to be replaced by the concerned party.

DECORATIONS / FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS

Prior to making arrangements for decoration / flower arrangement the party should contact the Liturgical Animators and co-ordinate these arrangements.
The altar decoration should inspire awe and reverence to Christ whose Eucharistic sacrifice is perpetuated on the altar and whose presence in Word and Sacrament causes “our hearts to burn within us” (Lk 24, 32). As such, the altar decoration should be simple, minimum and conducive to prayer and worship.
Decorations on the pews should not be stuck with cello-tape or any other sticking material, as it destroys the polish of the benches. It is better if the decoration is tied to the pews. Altar decorations and flower arrangements are to be done in the morning during office hours (9.00 a.m – 12.00 p.m) and if need be  in the afternoon from 3.00 p.m onwards. Concerned parties are requested not to disturb the priests during the afternoon hours from 12.00 noon till 3.00 p.m.
No flower arrangements are allowed on top of the altar and the lectern. Flowers are also to be avoided close to the statues of Jesus behind the altar and on the side crucifix.
All decorations, booklets, equipments should be cleared off from the Church immediately after the ceremony is over. If it is difficult for you to do so, you can avail the services of the Church employee by paying a minimal charge.

VIDEO FILMING / VIDEOGRAPHY

Photographer / Videographer should be informed to contact the Parish priest or his assistant before assembling equipment in the Church.
Photography / Videography should film the proceedings from a fixed spot (not too close to the altar) and avoid moving up and down the aisles. He / She should not be a cause of distraction and strictly abide by the instructions given by the Parish Priest or anyone authorized by him.
To avoid unnecessary delay, only the couple is permitted to take a photograph at the main altar. All other photographs may be taken outside the Church. Group photography, video filming before the Blessed Sacrament is not allowed.

DRESS CODE

The brides, bridesmaids, lectors, cantors, etc should attire themselves with appropriate dresses worthy of the celebration. Wearing of strapless, low-cut (back and front), off-the-shoulder, halters, spaghetti-straps, tubes and filmsy transparent material are strictly prohibited for the liturgical service. Those dressed immodestly are not allowed to read in the Church.

MISCELLANEOUS

The bridal couple may be wished only outside the church. Wishing the couple in the Church is to be avoided.
Bursting of crackers is to be done in the specified place only.
If refreshments are served in the church compound, all trash is to be collected and properly disposed off at a dump yard and not in the church premises.
No speeches will be allowed inside the church before or after the service. A short vote of thanks may be given with prior permission of the Parish Priest.
The Church fees are to be paid preferably a day before the celebration of marriage.
On auspicious occasions such as weddings / anniversaries / jubilees contribution towards the maintenance and needs of the Church, or for Poor Man’s Fund given in a spirit of generosity would be greatly appreciated.
The couple should strictly abide by the time fixed for the celebration.