WEDDING GUIDELINES

A MESSAGE FROM THE PASTOR

The staff and parishioners of the Church of the Assumption congratulate you on this most important time in your life. We will do all that we can to make your wedding as beautiful and as meaningful for you as we can. We want this time of preparation to be a positive experience.

As Catholics we have certain structures and rituals that are to be respected. These guidelines are meant to inform and aid you in planning a Nuptial Ceremony that is in accord with these respective structures. Please pay particular attention to the guidelines for music, bridal/maid gowns, and church decor. For the sake of consistency, please do not ask for exceptions to these guidelines. If you agree to fully cooperate with the requests below, you may call the rectory to set up an appointment to begin the marriage preparation process.

The Marriage Course - Remember, Marriage is a lifetime, not a one time ceremony!

Adhering to the norms of the Diocese of Lafayette regarding marriage preparation courses, and as participants in a diocesan sponsored program to teach Natural Family Planning to engaged couples, the Church of the Assumption offers two options for preparatory marriage courses.

Option A

*Initial Contact with the Priest (Must be a Priest of the Church of the Assumption)

a) Confirmation of wedding date

b) Recording of Sacramental records

c) Payment of cleaning fee, etc.

d) Set up dates for classes

*Participation in a diocesan sponsored Catholic Engaged Encounter (Friday 7 p.m. to Sunday 3:30 p.m.) in Lafayette.

*Attendance at the first class of a local Natural Family Planning Course. (All four classes are recommended, but not required under option A)

*Closing Meeting with priest who will officiate at your Wedding Ceremony to conclude paper work and to discuss rehearsal.

The price of this course is $100.00 to cover the weekend Engaged Encounter. A $50.00 non-refundable deposit is to be paid at the time of the first session with the priest.

Option B

This option is made available to those whose working schedules would prevent participation in the weekend Engaged Encounter.

*Initial contact with the Priest (Must be a Priest of the Church of the Assumption)

*Attendance at a Diocesan Engaged Couples Conference (a Sunday workshop, 8:45 a.m. - 6 p.m., held in Lafayette; Mass included)

*Participation in a diocesan approved Natural Family Planning course (four classes, locally taught.)

*Closing meeting with the priest who will officiate at you wedding ceremony.

The price of this course is $40.00 to cover the cost of the one-day Engaged Couples Conference. Also, the price of the NFP kit is $40.00, to be paid at the first class session.

IMPORTANT: When coming to your first session with the priest, you are to bring your sacramental records: recent copies of certificates of baptism and confirmation (to be obtained at the Church of your baptism), and recent copies of paperwork in reference to any previous marriage, divorce, annulment. Also, plan to bring the $25.00 Church cleaning fee, and a blank check in which to write out the price of the marriage course which you selected.

VISITING PRIESTS

We warmly welcome any visiting priest you may desire to officiate at your Nuptial Ceremony. To avoid schedule conflicts, your first contact must be with the priest(s) of Assumption Church. This will also allow us to properly enroll you in the Marriage Course of your choice.

While priests vary with ceremonial and rehearsal procedures, guidelines for music, church decor (flowers, candelabra), and bridal gowns are to be adhered to in all wedding ceremonies at the Church of the Assumption. We ask that you do not embarrass a visiting priest by asking him to make exceptions in these areas.

CHURCH FEE

For parishioners of the Church of the Assumption, there is only a $25.00 cleaning fee.? This payment is to be made at the time of your first session with the priest. The wedding date will remain open until this fee is paid. For non-parishioners, written delegation is required by the pastor of your Church. The Parish Council of the Church of the Assumption has designated the cost for use of the Church (heating, air and electricity) for non-parishioners to be $100.00. This is in addition to the $25.00 cleaning fee. A gratuitous gift may be given to the priest on the day of the ceremony, but this is not required.

BRIDAL/MAID GOWNS

The criterion here is simple. We ask that you practice Christian modesty. Please understand that plunging necklines, bare backs, halter tops or spaghetti straps are inappropriate for sacred worship. Feel free to bring in a picture of a dress or gown should you have any questions.

PHOTOGRAPHY

One hired photographer and one video camera person is allowed. Set up should always be situated on the side; this location is to be approved by the priest before the ceremony. An additional photographer or video camera person may be situated in the choir loft. A separate copy of photography guidelines will be given to your photographer before the Nuptial Ceremony.?

Due to 3 p.m. confessions, wedding pictures in Church are not allowed after Saturday afternoon wedding ceremonies have been completed.

FLOWERS

To prevent an overcrowded environment, and to not impede movement in the Sanctuary, flowers may be situated in the following places:

1. On two pedestals in the rear of the Sanctuary

2. On the High Altar

3. On the two Side Altars (Blessed Mother and St. Joseph)

The use of flower petals or rice inside or outside of Church is not allowed.

You may be able to save money on your floral arrangements, depending upon the liturgical season, by enhancing and/or building on or around existing altar decorations. However, it is very important that you contact Mr. Perry Lowery at (337) 923-4204 several weeks before the wedding to discuss your floral decisions. No changes are allowed without prior contact.

FLORAL ARCHWAY

Church decor should never distract from the primary action at the Altar. For this reason the archway is not allowed in Church as it takes focus away from the Altar, and hinders the view of the Sanctuary. These types of things are best set up at the reception.

CANDELABRA

Candelabra must have tubes or globes on them. Open candles are not allowed because they tend to drip on the floor. Candelabra are allowed in the Sanctuary area and may also be placed along the pews. Hard wiring, tape, etc., is not allowed on the pews, since they tend to destroy polished wood.

PEW MARKERS/CHURCH AISLE?

There are thirty-three pews on either side of the Church. The Church aisle uses a 125 ft. runner. Pew markers are to be assembled with ribbon and/or rubber bands only. No tape of any kind is allowed.

About Candelabra/Pew Markers - There have been occasions when this instruction is not followed, causing wax spill and damage to the pews. Please help us avoid unnecessary problems by following these instructions.

OUTDOOR WREATHS are not allowed on the doors of the Church for paint preservation purposes.

CHOICE OF MUSIC?

Liturgical music should add solemnity and joy to the celebration, and serve primarily to help people pray. Certain secular pieces, which are in accord with Christian principles, may be played before the bride processes to the Altar (when parents are escorted to their seat, etc.) However, these types of pieces are to be kept to a minimum. If the musical selection is secular, it is more appropriate that it be instrumental only, no vocal.

Music during the Mass may be sung at the following times:

Gathering Music before the ceremony

Entrance Procession

Responsorial Psalm

Alleluia

Offertory/Flower to the Blessed Mother Statue

*The Mass Propers: Holy, Memorial Acclamation, Great Amen, Lamb of God

Holy Communion

Recessional

CHOICE OF MUSICIANS - The musicians below are to be used at wedding ceremonies at the Church of the Assumption. Each is capable of offering well trained instrumental and vocal abilities. Their cost is $100.00. We strongly recommend your calling the musician of your choice as soon as possible, to ensure scheduling.

Mrs. Karen Minor - (337) 828-5907

Mr. Clay Boudreaux - (225) 273-6036

Mr. Pat Melancon - (337) 332-4759

Mrs. Linda Kidd - (337) 981-7378

Other instruments such as a trumpet/flute are allowed. If chosen, please inform the priest. The use of cassette tapes is not allowed for Nuptial Ceremonies.

Why the mandate to use only the musicians listed above? Music during the Mass is meant to give glory to God, not ourselves. Church music is not performance; it must foster prayer. These musicians have been trained to ensure a prayerful setting in which the priest can lead others in prayer. Also, they are familiar with the Church instruments and the proper volume, sound, etc., so important for proper effect. In the past, allowing outside musicians has resulted in serious damage to the musical instruments, costing the Church expensive repair fees. Again, please do not ask for exceptions to this policy.

REHEARSAL

The rehearsal will be done in a 30 minute time span. The priest alone is the principle talker and director of the rehearsal. To allow for a smooth and quick rehearsal, we ask that you decide the following before arriving in Church for the rehearsal.

1. Bridesmaids/Groomsmen -- Assign partners and the order and manner in which they are to walk up.

2. Bring Marriage License/Certificate to the rehearsal. The couple and the witnesses will sign these at the rehearsal.

3. Make a list of the Readings you have selected for the ceremony. The Readings will be read from a Lectionary (special book). The Lectionary will be properly marked before the Nuptial Ceremony. Readers are to report to the Sacristy fifteen minutes before the wedding to check the Lectionary and to address further questions.

NOTE WELL: Church law does not permit a non-Catholic to participate in the Liturgy as a Reader. Number 56 of the document AD TOTAM ECCLESIAM states: A separated brother is not to act as a scripture reader.......

4. It is important that you remind your wedding party that the church building is a sacred one. For this reason, when coming to Church for the rehearsal, talking should be minimal. Out of respect for the Blessed Sacrament, no caps, no gum chewing, no shorts, etc.

OFFERTORY - If you desire family members to bring up the offertory gifts, please inform the priest at the final meeting session.

RINGS - It is recommended that the best man carry the bride and groom's rings in his coat pocket. Ring bearers may carry the actual rings if you desire, though many are reluctant to place expensive jewelry on the pillow of a young ring bearer.

UNITY CANDLE - If used, it is tobe provided by the couple.

CLEAN UP

While a designated staff member will do the major clean up work after your wedding, you must also collect any personal items and ensure that the Church is to be returned to its original setting. Flowers, pew markers, runners, etc. must be picked up. Your wedding is one of several other activities for which the church is used on a given weekend. (Masses, Baptisms, Confessions, etc.)

WEDDINGS DURING THE LITURGICAL SEASONS

In accord with the ancient tradition of the Church, and in order for us to live out the themes of the Church's Liturgical year, no Nuptial Masses are allowed during the Penitential Season of Lent. Nuptial Masses are also discouraged during the Season of Advent, since this season has a penitential tone, as well. We will always try to accommodate your wishes if there is a serious and legitimate reason for your desire to have a Wedding during Advent. But, again, no Wedding Masses will be allowed during the Season of Lent.

SATURDAY WEDDING TIMES

1:00 p.m. is the latest time a Saturday Wedding can be held at the Church of the Assumption. This is due to 3:00 p.m. confessions on Saturday afternoon. Church Law does not permit a Nuptial Mass on Saturday evenings. If you desire a Saturday evening ceremony, you may have a Service of the Word.

MARRIAGE LICENSE

In St. Mary Parish, marriage licenses are issued by the Clerk of Court's Office in the Franklin Courthouse building (Second Floor) from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The cost is $25, and couples must bring birth certificate (or driver's license if birth certificate is not available). Social security number, birthplace, and knowledge of parent's birthplace are required.?

SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION

To allow for the proper disposition of the sacred wedding vows, the couple is to receive the sacrament of reconciliation a few days before the ceremony. Usually this is done before the wedding rehearsal.