saint mary church · this wedding packet is designed to assist you in planning your wedding...

Congratulations on your engagement!

We welcome you at this special and exciting time of your

lives as you prepare for The Sacrament of Marriage.

As a parish, we want to offer you our prayers and support.

The following guidelines are intended to offer you help in

completing your marriage preparation and planning your

wedding ceremony.

May God bless you as you begin your new life together.

Saint Mary Church

10307 Dundee Road Huntley, IL 60142

Phone: 847-669-3137 •Fax: 847-669-3138

Pastor: Rev. Msgr. Stephen J. Knox

General Guidelines

Registration For a wedding to take place here at Saint Mary’s, you or your parents must be registered members of the parish. Age For a wedding to be celebrated in the Catholic Diocese of Rockford, both individuals must be 19 years of age at the time of the wedding. Setting a Date and Time You must contact the pastor here at St. Mary’s at least six months prior to your wedding date. This is required in order to enable sufficient time to complete an effective marriage preparation and collect the necessary paperwork. Weddings are celebrated at St. Mary’s on Saturdays at 10:00 AM, 12:00 Noon, and 2:00 PM. Due to the fact that we usually have more than one wedding scheduled per Saturday, receiving lines must be done at the reception, not in the church. If your ceremony is scheduled at 2:00 PM, you must be finished in the church by 3:45 PM because the Sacrament of Reconciliation will follow shortly thereafter. Weddings held on Friday will be scheduled no later than 4:00 PM. Documents Needed A Catholic must obtain a recently issued (six month) baptismal certificate from the parish in which they were baptized. A photocopy of a non-Catholic certificate is sufficient. In addition, a civil marriage license must be obtained from McHenry County. This can be obtained at the McHenry County Administration Building, (just north of the courthouse on Rt. 47) 667 Ware Road (Room 107), Woodstock, IL 60098. Phone: 815-334-4242. The priest will assist you in completing the remainder of the necessary forms required by the Diocese of Rockford.

Marriage between a Catholic and non-Catholic

In a marriage between a Catholic and non-Catholic, the Catholic will be asked to make a promise to raise the children as Catholics.

Formal Preparation Process 1. Initial interview with the parish priest, explanation of the preparation

process, establishment of a wedding date and time, and other issues as deemed necessary and appropriate.

2. Participation in the FOCCUS program. 3. Attendance at an Engaged Encounter Seminar sponsored by the

Diocese of Rockford. 4. Attendance at a Natural Family Planning seminar sponsored by the

Diocese of Rockford 5. A music and liturgy preparation meeting with Rick Yurs, our

Director of Worship, to complete wedding music and liturgy selections. Please contact him approximately three to four months prior to the wedding. Rick can be reached at 847-669-3137 ext. 109 or by E-mail at [email protected].

6. A final meeting with the priest to discuss the ceremony and to complete the remaining paperwork.

Wedding Rehearsal The wedding rehearsal normally takes place the evening before the wedding; they are normally scheduled for 6:00PM. Please schedule your rehearsal time with the priest when you have finalized the wedding date. The entire wedding party, parents of the bride and groom, and all others involved in the liturgy (readers, gift bearers, etc.) should be in attendance. This is an opportunity to “walk through” the ceremony and answer any final questions or address any other concerns. If any young children, who are not in the wedding party, will be present at the rehearsal, please make child care arrangements for them. Photography and Video Policy Please consult the photography and video guideline sheet in the packet for details.

Fees and Donations $250.00 to Saint Mary Church

$225.00 to Rick Yurs (for assistance in planning and coordinating, conducting the rehearsal, and providing music for the ceremony.)

$ 10.00 cash to each altar server (there are 2 servers)

Normally, an amount is also given to the priest as a sign of gratitude (usually $100.00). Fees for additional instrumentalists or vocalists from St. Mary’s (if you desire to have them) vary. Please consult Rick Yurs for the exact amount and method of payment preferred. Your envelope with the individual checks for fees and donations, the cash for the altar servers, and the civil marriage license, must be turned in to Rick Yurs in the Liturgy Office no later than one week prior to the wedding.

Odds and Ends Alcoholic beverages are not permitted on St. Mary Church property.

Nothing may be moved or rearranged in the church without permission.

All pictures, with the exception of those taken by the professional photographer, must be taken from the pews. Please remind your guests that no ‘flash’ pictures are allowed during the ceremony. In the interest of safety, cleanliness, and decorum, we ask that nothing be thrown (rice, bird seed, confetti, etc) in the church or on the church grounds. Also in the interest of safety, lighted candelabras and bridal arches are not allowed; and because our floors are marble, and the center aisle is sloped, the use of an aisle runner is not allowed. The flower girl is not allowed to scatter flower petals (real or silk). More information regarding flowers is included in the packet. The bride and groom are asked to please have someone pick up any ribbons, bows, flower boxes, trash, etc. in the church, gathering area, and bride’s room after the ceremony. Trash containers will be provided. On the day of your wedding Rick Yurs, and members of our Wedding Ministry Team, will be available to assist you as needed.

Revised: Sept. 12, 2012

SAINT MARY CHURCH LITURGY OFFICE

10307 DUNDEE ROAD, HUNTLEY, IL 60142 PHONE: 847-669-3137 X109 · FAX: 847-669-3138

EMAIL: [email protected]

Dear Future Bride and Groom: Congratulations on your engagement to be married! This wedding packet is designed to assist you in planning your wedding liturgy. Enclosed you will find the answers to many questions which you may have. I have been helping couples prepare for their wedding for quite a few years, so I’ve also included some “tips” and things “from the voice of experience” that may also be of help to you. We will schedule a time, normally three to four months prior to the wedding, for us to get together. At this meeting you will make your music selections and finalize your wedding liturgy plans, and we’ll get to know each other a little before your ‘big day’. Of course, you are more than welcome to contact me at any time with any questions or concerns you may have.

Along with the “Music and Liturgy Guidelines” you will also find:

Choices for your Scripture readings, including the Responsorial Psalm

A ‘Liturgy of The Word’ selection page (to be filled out and brought to our meeting)

The ‘General Intercessions’ for your wedding liturgy (please fill in the blanks)

A “Photographer/Videographer Guidelines” sheet

A “Flowers and Decorations” guideline sheet

A “Wedding Rehearsal” sheet

Various other pages with information that may be of interest to you I look forward to meeting you and working with you as you prepare for your special day. Again, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me. God Bless,

Rick Rick Yurs

Director of Worship Phone: 847-669-3137 ext. 109 E-Mail: [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

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Wedding Guidelines

After you’ve met with one of the priests, please call or email our Director of Worship, Rick Yurs, to verify that he has received the information regarding your upcoming wedding, and to be certain that you are penciled in on his calendar. He can be contacted at 847-669-3137 ext. 109 or via E-mail at [email protected]. Some of the information you’ll read in these guidelines may have already been mentioned in the bi-fold “General Guidelines” brochure you received in the packet when you first met with the priest, so please bear with us. Weddings are celebrated on Friday afternoons, normally between 1:00 - 4:00pm and on Saturdays at 10:00 a.m., 12:00 noon, and 2:00 p.m. Weddings are not scheduled on Sunday. A couple is assured the use of the Church for two hours, beginning one-half hour before the ceremony begins, and ending approximately thirty to forty-five minutes after the ceremony. For example, a couple whose ceremony is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. is assured of the use of the Church from 9:30–11:30 a.m. We normally have a full schedule, so as a courtesy to the others, we ask that all weddings begin on time since we are normally unable to extend the two hour time frame. We also ask that you please have your receiving line at the reception hall and not here at the church. This will allow you more time for pictures.

SAFETY FIRST

Due to the fact that the church has marble floors, which are sloped, for your own personal safety, and that of your guests, the use of an aisle runner is not permitted. Bridal arches, lighted candles, (other than those already in the sanctuary), and lighted candelabras, in the aisles or elsewhere, are not allowed. Flower girls are not allowed to drop flower petals (real or silk) on the floors. Someone could slip on them. When stepped on, ‘real’ petals stain the marble floors, and silk petals are extremely slippery. Other suggestions are offered on the “Odds and Ends” page in the packet. There is no smoking allowed in the church building. Gum chewing is not appropriate in church. The consumption of alcoholic beverages is not allowed at any time in the church or on the church’s property. If your limo service offers champagne for the bride and groom, this must be done off of the church’s property; not waiting for you outside for when you go to get into the limo.


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PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEO TAPING

Please read the sheet entitled “Photography and Videography” which is enclosed in this packet. Be sure to provide your photographer and videographer with a copy of these guidelines. This is very important because it prevents any last minute confusion regarding church policy for the photographers/videographers when they get to the church. If the photographer or videographer is a friend or relative, the same guidelines apply. Please notify them of this. We ask that you please inform your guests that in order to ensure a prayerful ceremony, Flash photography is not permitted during the ceremony. We suggest including a note with your invitations regarding this. Many professional photographers have told us that when family members or friends are taking “flash” pictures, it produces too much light for the professional photographer; many times ruining those special photos that you have hired him/her to take.

FLOWERS AND CHURCH DECORATIONS

Consider the beauty of St. Mary Church. With this in mind, your thoughts on the flowers and decorations should stress this very basic idea … less is more. Please read the sheet entitled “Flowers and Church Decorations” which is also enclosed in this packet. We ask that you provide Rick with the name and contact information of your florist and anyone else who may be providing decorations. Please give a copy of the guidelines to your florist. This prevents any last minute confusion over the placement of flowers and the use of bows or other decorations on the pews. If they have any questions, please ask them to contact Rick.

CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS Any special customs or traditions, such as the coins, bible, rosary, veil and lasso, that you wish to include in your wedding, should be discussed with the priest and the Director of Worship.

CHILDREN IN THE WEDDING PARTY

Flower girls and ring bearers are a welcome and beautiful addition to weddings. However, to avoid embarrassments and disruptions of the procession when the children decide at the last minute that they don’t want to walk down the aisle, we suggest that the children be at least three years old. They may participate in the procession and recessional. We ask that during the ceremony they sit with their parents or family members, not with the wedding party. Younger children are cute in this role, but many times cause disruptions and “complete stops” in the flow of the processional march.

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THE WEDDING REHEARSAL

Rehearsals are normally scheduled on the evening before the wedding, and are usually scheduled for 6:00PM. If there is more than one wedding scheduled for the day, the rehearsals are normally scheduled at 5:30 and 6:15PM. We schedule forty-five minutes per rehearsal. Because of the excessive traffic in the area on Friday evenings please allow plenty of time to get to the church. Rick Yurs normally conducts all wedding rehearsals. We ask that you and your wedding party please respect him and his schedule by arriving on time. All rehearsals begin on time. A 6:00PM rehearsal time means that everyone is in the church ready to begin at 6:00PM, not that everyone walks into the church as a group at 6:00PM. As the bride and groom, it is your responsibility to ensure that your entire wedding party is at the church at least fifteen minutes early. Rehearsals will start no later than five minutes after the scheduled time; no matter who is missing. To avoid any confusion at the wedding, we ask that all members of the wedding party, including readers, gift bearers, and ushers be present for the rehearsal. Please complete the “Wedding Rehearsal” sheet enclosed in this packet. For planning purposes this sheet should be given to Rick at least two days prior to the rehearsal. Lectors (readers) will be asked to practice their Scripture reading while using the church’s sound system; this is why it is so important they be at the rehearsal. Rick will provide you with a copy of your selected readings to pass along to your readers so they can become familiar with the reading. If you have chosen someone to read the General Intercessions (Prayers of the Faithful), that person should also attend the rehearsal. A copy of the General Intercessions will be provided for that person. If you have names of deceased relatives or friends that you wish to have mentioned in the General Intercessions, Rick must have these names at least two days prior to the rehearsal so a copy can be prepared for the reader to use at the wedding.

PRIOR TO THE CEREMONY

There is a “bride’s room” available for your use. The bride and bridesmaids may dress in the bride’s room if they wish, or they may arrive ‘ready to go’. The bride and bridesmaids should be in the building no later than a half-hour prior to the wedding. The groom and groomsmen normally arrive one hour early, dressed and ready for pictures; we don’t have a private room here in which the guys can get dressed. One or more of the volunteers in our Wedding Ministry will be available to assist you and your guests as needed. A small table is available, upon request, for your guest book if you wish to bring it to the church.

THE WEDDING CEREMONY

A great deal of attention is focused on you, the bride and groom, during the wedding liturgy. You help to set the tone for the assembly by your own attitudes and behavior. If you join in the prayers and singing during the liturgy, others in the assembly will be inclined to follow your lead. The church will provide a padded kneeler for the couple during the wedding ceremony.

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MUSIC

Music for weddings involves informed and liturgical judgment. For the sake of good planning, and out of professional respect, all music plans must be made through the parish’s Director of Worship, Rick Yurs. A meeting will be scheduled with him and the prospective bride and groom. It is preferred that both the bride and groom attend the meeting if at all possible. During that meeting all the music for your wedding will be selected, and any other questions or concerns you may have can be discussed. Please do not contact any musicians to play or sing at your wedding until you have spoken with Rick. We are very fortunate to have a number of very qualified vocalists and instrumentalists here at St. Mary’s, and we strongly recommend that you use them. They are the preferred musicians, and are expected to provide the music for all liturgical celebrations here at St. Mary’s. These musicians are contracted separately, and each one is free to set their own fee. If you have a family member or friend who is a musician or vocalist, and you want him or her to play and/or sing for your wedding, this must be discussed with Rick before asking the person. This person must have knowledge in, and experience with, Catholic liturgy. (Additional fees of $50.00 per hour for ‘rehearsal time’ with this person will be added to the organist fee.) Rick, who provides both instrumentals and vocals for the ceremony, is contractually obligated, as Director of Worship at St. Mary’s, to provide the music for all liturgies. In the event that you should choose to bring in your own musicians, and/or use our other musicians for the wedding, Rick, as our Director of Worship, must still be present at the wedding to ensure that things run smoothly and receives his normal designated fee. When thinking about your music, please be aware that while some music is pretty, or is your “special song”, it may not be appropriate for a sacramental celebration. Popular, secular music is best used at your reception, not at the wedding liturgy here at the church. All musical selections must be appropriate to the occasion and liturgically proper. For this reason selections from operas and movies are not allowed. The use of recorded music such as tapes or CD’s is not an option. We have had couples inquire as to whether they could have a bagpiper at their wedding. It has been strongly suggested to us by many professional bagpipers, and through experience, that the bagpiper should play only outside in front of the church before and/or after the ceremony. Because of the acoustics in the building, bagpipes are extremely loud in the nave of the church. We ask that you please honor our request that bagpipers remain outside of the building when playing. We also ask that you do not hire a bagpiper as a surprise to someone without telling Rick. This could lead to musical chaos if not coordinated correctly. The processional music, which is played while the priest and wedding party walk down the aisle, is one continuous piece of music that is embellished as the bride enters; it normally does not change to another selection for the bride.

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All members of the bridal party, including the groom and best man, will process in from the back of the church with the priest and altar servers. The couples will walk in together; the men do not meet the women at the front of the church. This is the only way the procession is done here at St. Mary’s.

After the Ceremony:

Before you leave the building, please take the time for you, or someone you’ve appointed, to take one last look around the church, in the bride’s room, and in the gathering area to be sure everything has been picked up, and to make sure you have not left anything that you brought with you. A good idea is to ask one or two people to clean up for you while you are having your pictures taken. Trash bags will be provided.

Saint Mary Church is not responsible for lost items.

On Saturdays, if your wedding is at 2:00PM, everyone involved the bridal party, guests,

photographers, videographers, florists, etc. must be finished in the church by 3:45 PM as the Sacrament of Reconciliation begins at 4:00PM.

Registering in the Parish:

Please note that your marriage at Saint Mary Catholic Church does not automatically make you a member of the parish. Therefore, if you will be living in the parish after your marriage, please register as a married couple by calling the parish office during office hours (8:30 AM – 4:00 PM) at 847-669-3137.

Thank you in advance for your assistance and cooperation

in following the parish guidelines and customs.

Revised: September 18, 2012




PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEOGRAPHY (Parish Policy for Weddings)

All photographers and/or videographers, professional and/or amateur, must speak with our Director of Worship before setting up any equipment in the church. We are grateful to photographers and videographers who respect the presence of the Blessed Sacrament, and take care to make sure that the reverent environment of the church is not changed into the environment of a studio. At no time should photography or videotaping be a distraction to the priest, wedding party, guests or musicians.

Photographers/videographers are asked to not enter the sanctuary (the entire area, including the steps, around the altar) at any time. The balcony area MUST be discussed with our Director of Worship before attempting to go up there. You are asked to remain in a fixed location as much as possible. If you move around too much and become a distraction, the priest has the right to stop the ceremony and ask you to sit down.

Photographers may only use “flash” during the procession and recessional. “Flash” or other bright lights are prohibited during the ceremony. This includes any lights or extra lighting used by videographers. (Yes, the couple has been asked to inform their guests of this.) Extra lighting may be used, only if necessary, AFTER the ceremony when the bridal party comes back into the church for formal posing of pictures.

Please do not ask anyone to stop to pose for pictures during the procession and recessional; this really disrupts the flow of the procession. We ask that all formal posing for pictures be done either before or after the ceremony.

The taping of microphone wires or electrical cords to the floors, or to church property is not allowed. Post wedding photography:

On Saturdays, all photography and videotaping must be completed, and everyone finished in the church building by:

11:30 a.m. following a 10:00 a.m. wedding (Promptness allows the next couple to prepare for their wedding.)

1:30 p.m. following a 12:00 noon wedding (Promptness allows the next couple to prepare for their wedding.)

3:45 p.m. following a 2:00 p.m. wedding. (The Sacrament of Reconciliation begins at 4:00) Thank you for your cooperation in observing our photography/videotaping guidelines. If you have any questions, please contact our Director of Worship, Rick Yurs, at the above phone number or E-mail address.





Flowers and Church Decorations — Wedding Guidelines —

The floors in the nave of the church here at St. Mary’s are marble, and the aisles are sloped, so the use of an aisle runner is not allowed. Also because of the marble floors, flower girls are not allowed to drop flower petals (real or silk) on the floors. Slipping on these materials could cause a serious fall or injury to someone. When stepped on, ‘real’ petals also stain the lighter colored marble.

Dropping flower petals, real or artificial, is not allowed outside of the church either. Flowers may be placed on the back altar in the sanctuary, but must not obstruct the view of the tabernacle. The dimensions for these arrangements are: no taller than 36”, no wider than 26”, and they must be ‘mirror image’. Flowers must not be placed on the main altar, (the table on which Mass is celebrated). Florists are cautioned against any floral arrangements or decorations that may prove harmful to church property. We request that all floral arrangements be placed on plastic trays to prevent damage from water leakage. We request that you please not use any glitter on any bouquets, or floral arrangements. The glitter falls off the flowers and gets on the padded seats of the pews, the carpets, and floors, and causes considerable cleaning problems for church personnel; not to mention that the glitter gets all over the groomsmen’s tuxes and bridesmaids dresses. The use of bridal arches, lighted candles, (other than the altar candles already in the sanctuary), and lighted candelabras, in the aisles or elsewhere, is not allowed. Pipe cleaners, ribbon, elastic, or large rubber bands are the only acceptable way to attach bows or flowers to the ends of the pews. Tape, tacks, and plastic clips, (the ones that aren’t supposed to leave marks, but do), will damage the pews. If placing long ribbons, any type of flowers, ivy, etc. into the pew bow, these must not be any longer than the pew height. They must not cascade onto the floor.

Thank you for your cooperation, and if you have any questions please feel free to contact our Director of Worship, Rick Yurs at 847-669-3137 ext. 109 or via E-mail at [email protected].


Odds & Ends

(This is all from 30+ year’s experience) Traffic in this area is terrible, especially on Friday and Saturday, so PLEASE be sure to tell everyone to allow themselves plenty of time to get to the rehearsal and the wedding. We usually have more than one wedding or rehearsal per day, so being prompt is VERY important. A good idea is for you to appoint people to stand at the main doors of the church to greet your guests and direct them to the center doors so that the ushers can seat them. One problem with weddings here at St. Mary’s is that no one ever wants to go into the church and sit down; they stand in the gathering area until the last minute visiting. Through experience, it is highly suggested that your ring bearer and/or flower girl be at least 3 years old. (Nine times out of ten, the younger kids will not walk down the aisle without causing a big ‘screaming’ scene, which is very embarrassing.) As mentioned in the guidelines, flower girls are not allowed to drop flower petals on the floor. Many brides have chosen the option to have their flower girl either carry a small basket with a floral arrangement in it. This one may seem petty, but we ask that you do not use glitter on any of the flowers, and please do not use body or hair glitter until you leave the church. The glitter gets on the padded church pews, floors and carpets, causing considerable cleaning problems for church personnel. It also gets on the guys’ tuxes which then shows in the pictures. Bring a small sewing kit, some scotch tape, things like that, with you on the day of the wedding. (You may need them in a pinch) If you’ll be using ‘programs’, have one or two people assigned to hand them out. If you’ll be having bubbles, bells, etc. handed out after the ceremony, please be sure to have one or two people assigned to hand them out. Preferably not any of the following: someone in the wedding party, a reader, an usher, your parents, or the Mom or Dad of the ring bearer or flower girl. Have one or more people assigned to go around the church, the gathering area, and the bride’s room to pick up programs, tissues, water bottles, film boxes, etc. after the wedding. If you would like / need suggestions for photographers, videographers, florists, a place for the rehearsal dinner, reception halls, DJ’s, etc. … ask Rick.

Most importantly … relax … take a deep breath … It will all work out just fine.

Sample note that should be placed somewhere in your program. (This has worked very well in the past)

Welcome to our family members and friends who have gathered to celebrate our marriage today. We thank each of you for coming from near and far to be with us as we begin our married life. This program contains an outline of the service for our wedding liturgy. We invite you to sing and participate fully! We also kindly ask that flashbulbs not be used during the ceremony.

Thank you!!

Bride and Groom first names here

Sample of how to list wedding participants in your program

(This is a ‘generic’ list. All things listed may not apply in your particular situation.)

Bride’s Parents

Groom’s Parents Bride’s Grandparents

Groom’s Grandparents

The Wedding Party

Maid or Matron of Honor Best Man

Bridesmaids Groomsmen Flower Girl Ring Bearer

Ushers (if not also groomsmen)

Ministers of the Liturgy

Celebrant: Priest’s Name Ministers of Music: Names of organist, cantor and/or soloist(s)

Readers: Names of the readers of 1st & 2nd readings Name of person reading the General Intercessions (If not the priest)

Names of Gift Bearers: (If having a Mass)




The Celebration of Marriage (Order of Service With Mass)

ENTRANCE RITES

Procession Greeting Collect (Opening Prayer) LITURGY OF THE WORD

First Reading (Old Testament) Responsorial Psalm Second Reading (New Testament) Gospel Acclamation Gospel Homily RITE OF MARRIAGE

Address and Statement of Intentions Consent and Exchange of Vows Blessing and Exchange of Rings Meditation Song (Optional) General Intercessions LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST

Preparation of the Gifts Holy Memorial Acclamation Great Amen The Lord’s Prayer Nuptial Blessing Sign of Peace Lamb of God Communion Song Prayer after Communion CONCLUDING RITE

Presentation of Flowers to the Blessed Mother (Optional) Final Blessing Dismissal and Introduction Recessional





The Celebration of Marriage

(Outside of Mass)

ENTRANCE RITES

Procession Greeting Collect (Opening Prayer) LITURGY OF THE WORD

First Reading (Old Testament) Responsorial Psalm Second Reading (New Testament) Gospel Acclamation Gospel Homily RITE OF MARRIAGE

Address and Statement of Intentions Consent and Exchange of Vows Blessing and Exchange of Rings Meditation Song (Optional) General Intercessions Nuptial Blessing CONCLUDING RITE

The Lord’s Prayer Sign of Peace Presentation of Flowers to the Blessed Mother (Optional) Final Blessing Dismissal and Introduction Recessional


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# 1.

Genesis 1:26-28, 31a

A reading from the Book of Genesis

God said: “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. Let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and the cattle, and over all the wild animals and all the creatures that crawl on the ground.” God created man in his image; in the divine image he created him; male and female he created them. God blessed them, saying: “Be fertile and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it. Have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and all the living things that move on the earth.” God looked at everything he had made, and he found it very good. The word of the Lord. # 2.

Genesis 2:18-24

A reading from the Book of Genesis

The Lord God said: “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a suitable partner for him.” So the Lord God formed out of the ground various wild animals and various birds of the air, and he brought them to the man to see what he would call them; whatever the man called each of them would be its name. The man gave names to all the cattle, all the birds of the air, and all wild animals; but none proved to be the suitable partner for the man. So the Lord God cast a deep sleep on the man, and while he was asleep, he took out one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. The Lord God then built up into a woman the rib that he had taken from the man. When he brought her to the man, the man said: “This one, at last, is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; This one shall be called ‘woman,’ for out of ‘her man’ this one has been taken.” That is why a man leaves his father and mother and clings to his wife, and the two of them become one body. The word of the Lord.

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# 3.

Tobit 8:4b-8

A reading from the Book of Tobit

On their wedding night Tobiah arose from bed and said to his wife, “My love, get up. Let us pray and beg our Lord to have mercy on us and to grant us deliverance.” She got up, and they started to pray and beg that deliverance might be theirs. He began with these words:

“Blessed are you, O God of our fathers; praised be your name forever and ever. Let the heavens and all your creation praise you forever. You made Adam and you gave him his wife Eve to be his help and support; and from these two the human race descended. You said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone; let us make him a partner like himself.’ Now, Lord, you know that I take this wife of mine not because of lust, but for a noble purpose. Call down your mercy on me and on her, and allow us to live together to a happy old age.” They said together, “Amen, amen.” The word of the Lord. # 4.

Song of Songs 2:8-10, 14, 16; 8:6-7

A reading from the Song of Songs

Hark! my lover ― here he comes springing across the mountains, leaping across the hills. My lover is like a gazelle or a young stag. Here he stands behind our wall, gazing through the windows, peering through the lattices. My lover speaks; he says to me, “Arise, my beloved, my beautiful one and come! “O my dove in the clefts of the rock, in the secret recesses of the cliff, Let me see you, let me hear your voice, For your voice is sweet, and you are lovely.” My lover belongs to me and I to him. He says to me: “Set me as a seal on your heart, as a seal on your arm; For stern as death is love, relentless as the nether-world is devotion; its flames are a blazing fire. Deep waters cannot quench love, nor floods sweep it away.” The word of the Lord.

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# 5.

Sirach 26:1-4, 13-16 A reading from the Book of Sirach

Blessed the husband of a good wife, twice-lengthened are his days; A worthy wife brings joy to her husband, peaceful and full is his life. A good wife is a generous gift bestowed upon him who fears the Lord; Be he rich or poor, his heart is content, and a smile is ever on his face. A gracious wife delights her husband, her thoughtfulness puts flesh on his bones; A gift from the Lord is her governed speech, and her firm virtue is of surpassing worth. Choicest of blessings is a modest wife, priceless her chaste soul. A holy and decent woman adds grace upon grace; indeed, no price is worthy of her temperate soul. Like the sun rising in the Lord’s heavens, the beauty of a virtuous wife is the radiance of her home. The word of the Lord. # 6.

Jeremiah 29:11-14a

A reading from the Book of the Prophet Jeremiah

For I know well the plans I have in mind for you, says the LORD, plans for your welfare, not for woe! Plans to give you a future full of hope. When you call me, when you go to pray to me, I will listen to you. When you look for me, you will find me. Yes, when you seek me with all your heart, you will find me with you, says the LORD. The word of the Lord.

# 7.

Jeremiah 31:31-32, 33-34

A reading from the Book of the Prophet Jeremiah

The days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant I made with their fathers: the day I took them by the hand to lead them forth from the land of Egypt. But this is the covenant which I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord. I will place my law within them, and write it upon their hearts; I will be their God, and they shall be my people. No longer will they have need to teach their friends and relatives how to know the Lord. All, from least to greatest, shall know me, says the Lord. The word of the Lord.

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Responsorial Psalms for Weddings (Please Choose One)

1. Psalm 33 –

“The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.” 2. Psalm 34 –

“Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.” 3. Psalm 89 –

“Forever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.” 4. Psalm 103 –

“The Lord is kind and merciful.” 5. Psalm 118 –

“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.” 6. Psalm 128 –

“May the Lord bless us all the days of our lives.” 7. “God is Love, and all who live in love, live in God.”

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# 1.

Romans 8:31-35, 37-39

A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Romans

Brothers and sisters: If God is for us, who can be against us? He did not spare his own Son but handed him over for us all, will he not also give us everything else along with him? Who will bring a charge against God’s chosen ones? It is God who acquits us. Who will condemn? It is Christ Jesus who died, rather, was raised, who also is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us. What will separate us from the love of Christ? Will anguish, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or the sword? No, in all these things, we conquer overwhelmingly through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things, nor future things, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. The word of the Lord.

# 2. Romans 12:1-2, 9-13

A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Romans

I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, your spiritual worship. Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, so that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect. Let love be sincere; hate what is evil, hold on to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; anticipate one another in showing honor. Do not grow slack in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the holy ones, exercise hospitality. The word of the Lord.

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# 3. 1 Corinthians 12:31 - 13:8a

A reading from the first Letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians

Brothers and sisters: Strive eagerly for the greatest spiritual gifts. But I shall show you a still more excellent way. If I speak in human and angelic tongues but do not have love, I am a resounding gong or a clashing cymbal. And if I have the gift of prophecy and comprehend all mysteries and all knowledge; if I have all faith so as to move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give away everything I own, and if I hand my body over so that I may boast but do not have love, I gain nothing. Love is patient; love is kind. It is not jealous, is not pompous, it is not inflated, it is not rude, it does not seek its own interests, it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury, it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never fails. The word of the Lord. # 4.

Ephesians 5:2, 25-32

A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Ephesians

Brothers and sisters: Live in love, as Christ love us and handed himself over for us. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ loved the Church and handed himself over for her to sanctify her, cleansing her by the bath of water with the word, that he might present to himself the Church in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. So also husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one hates his own flesh but rather nourishes and cherishes it, even a Christ does the Church, because we are members of his Body. For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. This is a great mystery, but I speak in reference to Christ and the Church. The word of the Lord.

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# 5.

Philippians 4:4-9

A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Philippians

Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice! Your kindness should be known to all. The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me. Then the God of peace will be with you. The word of the Lord.

# 6.

Colossians 3:12-17

A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Colossians

Brothers and sisters: Put on, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another, If one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do. And over all these put on love, that is, the bond of perfection. And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one Body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly. as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. The word of the Lord.

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# 7.

1 John 3:18-24

A reading from the first Letter of Saint John

Children, let us love not in word or speech but in deed and truth. Now this is how we shall know that we belong to the truth and reassure our hearts before him in whatever our hearts condemn, for God is greater than our hearts and knows everything. Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence in God and receive from him whatever we ask, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him. And his commandment is this: we should believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another just as he commanded us. Those who keep his commandments remain in him, and he in them, and the way we know that he remains in us is from the Spirit that he gave us. The word of the Lord.

# 8.

1 John 4:7-12 A reading from the first Letter of Saint John

Beloved, let us love one another, because love is of God; everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God. Whoever is without love does not know God, for God is love. In this way the love of God was revealed to us: God sent his only-begotten Son into the world so that we might have life through him. In this is love: not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as expiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also must love one another. No one has ever seen God. Yet, if we love one another, God remains in us, and his love is brought to perfection in us. The word of the Lord.

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# 9.

Revelation 19:1, 5-9

A reading from the Book of Revelation

I, John, heard what sounded like the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying: “Alleluia! Salvation, glory, and might belong to our God.” A voice coming from the throne said: “Praise our God, all you his servants, and you who revere him, small and great.” Then I heard something like the sound of a great multitude or the sound of rushing water or mighty peals of thunder, as they said: “Alleluia! The Lord has established his reign, our God, the Almighty! Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory. For the wedding day of the Lamb has come, his bride has made herself ready. She was allowed to wear a bright, clean linen garment.” (The linen represents the righteous deeds of the holy ones.) Then the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who have been called to the wedding feast of the Lamb.” The word of the Lord.

Here at St. Mary-Huntley, the Gospel reading is normally selected by the priest/deacon who will be officiating at the ceremony. This eliminates any last minute

changes by the couple and allows Father/Deacon to better prepare his homily.




Liturgy of the Word

Scripture Selections (Please have this filled out, with your selections made,

and bring it to your meeting with Rick.)

Date of Wedding: ______________________________

Bride’s Name: __________________________________________________

Groom’s Name: __________________________________________________

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Please write down the readings you selected,

and the name of the person who will be reading them.

Also, please write down the words for the Responsorial Psalm you selected.

First Reading (Old Testament): ____________________________________________

Read By: _________________________________________________

Responsorial Psalm: (Sung by cantor/song leader)

______________________________________________________________________

Second Reading (New Testament):__________________________________________

Read By: ________________________________________________

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * General Intercessions (Prayers of the Faithful)

If someone other than the priest will be reading the General Intercessions,

please list that person’s name here:

_______________________________________________________





Responsorial Psalms for Weddings

(Please Choose One) 1. Psalm 33 –

“The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.” 2. Psalm 34 –

“Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.” 3. Psalm 89 –

“Forever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.” 4. Psalm 103 –

“The Lord is kind and merciful.” 5. Psalm 118 –

“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.” 6. Psalm 128 –

“May the Lord bless us all the days of our lives.” 7. “God is Love, and all who live in love, live in God.”





General Intercessions (Prayers of the Faithful)

Date and Time of Wedding: ___________________________

Our response is: “Lord, hear our prayer.”

1. For the Church and its leaders, may they lead us to a deeper faith in God and a

stronger love for others, we pray to the Lord: 2. For leaders of government, may they be effective in achieving peace and eliminating

poverty among all nations; and for the safe return of our service men and women, we pray to the Lord:

3. For married couples everywhere, may they be renewed in their commitment to live

together in mutual love and respect, we pray to the Lord: 4. For _____________________ and _____________________, now joined in the

sacrament of marriage, may they continue to grow in love and faithfulness in God, we pray to the Lord:

5. For those who are sick and in need of healing, may they be strengthened by God’s

compassion and peace, we pray to the Lord: 6. For those who have died, we especially remember:

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________,

may they enjoy perfect happiness and total fulfillment in eternal life, we pray to the Lord:

7. For all those intentions we hold in the silence of our hearts, (PAUSE for 5 – 10 seconds), we pray to the Lord:





Wedding Rehearsal Information Please print neatly and then give this completed form to Rick before your rehearsal. This will save us all a lot of time at the rehearsal. Please complete both the front and back of this form. Thank you for your cooperation!!! Date of Wedding: _______________________________________________________________

Bride: _________________________________________________________________________

Groom: _______________________________________________________________________

Names of Bride’s Parents: ________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

Names of Groom’s Parents: _______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________ Does the bride have grandparents who will be attending the ceremony?

If yes, list names here: ___________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________ Does the groom have grandparents who will be attending the ceremony?

If yes, list names here: ___________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________ Is there any other information that Rick, or the priest, needs to be aware of; such as if we need to be attentive to the needs of guests with disabilities, wheel chair accessibility, etc.? ______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

(Continued on back)


PLEASE PRINT NEATLY

___________________________________________________________________________ Names of Ushers

Names and Order of Those Walking in the Wedding Procession

(Please note: the numbers in front of each name/line indicate the order in which this person/couple walks down the aisle.

1. Altar Server (cross bearer)

2. Altar Server

3. Priest

4. _____________________________________________________ Groom

5. _________________________________ with ______________________________________ Junior Bridesmaid Junior Groomsman

Please list the names of those who will be walking together –

(Again, Please note: the numbers in front of each name/line indicate the order in which this person/couple walks down the aisle.

Bridesmaids: Groomsmen:

1. ___________________________________with_____________________________________

2. ___________________________________ with_____________________________________

3. ___________________________________ with______________________________________

4. ___________________________________ with______________________________________

5. ___________________________________ with______________________________________

6. ___________________________________ with______________________________________

7. ___________________________________ with______________________________________

8. ___________________________________ with______________________________________

___________________________________ ______________________________________ Maid (Matron) of Honor Best Man

___________________________________ ______________________________________ Flower Girl(s) Ring Bearer

______________________________________________________________________________

Bride and her Escort