Wedding is a day

Marriage is a lifetime

As a church we rejoice with you as you begin your lifelong commitment in the Sacrament of Marriage.  You have chosen to come to the Church for this sacrament because you value marriage as more than a civil bond, a contract, that can one day be dismissed; it is a covenant, a lifelong commitment bound by the love of God.

As a covenantal relationship you are inviting God to be a central part of your married life.  Just as Adam, Noah, Moses and David entered bound themselves and their people to God, you are allowing the love of God to be part of your life together.  Before Jesus sealed the new and eternal covenant through his death on the Cross he said, “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends (John 15:13).”  As you enter marriage you are saying to each other that you are willing to place your wife, your husband and your future family above your very self.  You are willing to die to yourself so you can grow in the joy and happiness of Christ that is only found in true love.

Marriage is also a sacrament.  A sacrament is:  An outward sign instituted by Christ to bring grace to the world:

1. Your marriage is an outward sign. Mary Star of the Sea is just a building, but you are not just bringing your marriage to a building, you are bringing it to the “Church” , the whole family of God including all the Christians throughout the world, the angels and saints in heaven along with your family and friends.  And if placed our whole faith in three words those words would be:  “God is love!”  Your marriage is a reflection, the outward sign of the Love of God here in this world.
2. Your marriage is instituted by Christ.  We believe that as you approach the altar for the sacrament of marriage you are not only fulfilling what you want, you are fulfilling the will of God.  God has been a part of your discovering each other, God has been a part of your courtship and God will be a part of your lifelong union.  Just as a priest or religious is following their vocation in life you are following your vocation (your calling) to love each other in good times and bad until separated by death.
3. Your marriage is an instrument of God’s grace.  All life is a gift from God and this is an especially joyful time in your life.  Yet God always has more for us and in the sacrament the divine life of God will always be a part of your marriage.  Your marriage will not only be to bring each other joy in this life, but to lead each other to everlasting life.
4. Your marriage is for the world.  As we believe your love is beautiful it is always something to be shared.  True love is always giving.  Your married love is a blessing for your family, your friends and God willing your future children.  They will always be an extension of this love that you are sharing with each other.

As a family we rejoice with you, we pray for you and we hope that you will always grow together in God’s love.

MARRIAGE GUIDELINES

 

1. REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

1. A recent copy of your Baptismal Record will be needed dated within six months of the wedding.  All essential information regarding your sacramental life as a Catholic including your marriage, is recorded at the place of baptism, hence a recent certificate is a proof of your freedom to marry in the Catholic Church
2. First Communion Certificates – new ones are not necessary.
3. Confirmation Certificates – new ones are not necessary.
4. Prenuptial Witness forms – two for each person who can testify to your freedom to marriage, preferably parents.
5. Focus test:  This test is required unless the priest exempts you from it for special circumstances.  Registration forms should be provided you by the priest at your initial interview.  Tests are normally administered on the first Wednesday of each month or by special appointment through the wedding coordinator.  The couples are responsible to make sure they take this test.
6. Engaged Encounter Certificate or Marriage Preparation Course Certificate:  The Engaged Encounter is by far the best program offered by the Church to prepare for your marriage; however if you are not able to attend the weekend, the one day class is an option. Information will be provided for you in this package.
7. Letter of permission: Only needed if necessary and the priest will explain if needed.
8. Dispensation: Only needed if necessary and the priest will explain if needed.
9. Prenuptial Inquiry Form: This will be filled out with the priest about a month prior to the marriage. The couples are responsible to make the appointment.
10. A Marriage License or a copy of the marriage certificate should be presented to the church at least seven days before the wedding.  The names and addresses of the official marriage witnesses (i.e. Best Man/Maid of Honor, Padrinos) also need to be provided so they may be added to the license.

2. WEDDING COORDINATOR:

The wedding coordinator is Cornella Berger. She will be responsible for administering and reviewing your Focus test, assisting you in the planning of your liturgy and scheduling and leading the wedding rehearsal. Please keep in contact with her throughout the preparation for your wedding.  You can reach her at 310-833-3541 ext.204. No wedding coordinator outside the parish is allowed during the rehearsal or assisting in the church before, during or after the ceremony. 

3. REHEARSAL:

1. The wedding coordinator schedules rehearsals; the priest will not be present at the rehearsal.
2. The wedding party and all who participate in the ceremony are to attend.  Please be on time and give your full attention and cooperation to the Wedding Coordinator.
3. Allow one hour for the rehearsal.  Occasionally an emergency will occur in the church, wherein you may be asked to adjust the time of your rehearsal by an hour or so.  We ask for your patience should this occur.

4. CEREMONY:

1. Children under four years old generally should not be in the wedding procession.  If they are in the procession they must sit in the pews with their parents or guardians. 
2. There are a maximum of 8 couples that walk in procession on the wedding date.
3. The chairs for the bridal party must be used. This is non-notational. This is for your comfort, safety and the dignity of the ceremony.
4.  The Maid (Matron) of Honor and the Best Man should sit at either side of the bride and groom during the ceremony and go to the sacristy immediately after the marriage to sign the official documents.

5: FLOWERS & DECORATIONS:

1. The parish provides two bouquets of flowers for the altar in order to assist all involved: you, the other couples who will celebrate their marriage on this day, and the parish.  Your share of the cost for the flowers is $100.  This is a savings for all who are involved. These flowers are to remain in the church for the Sunday masses.
2. Our beautiful sanctuary does not require additional decoration; however, if you feel that you need any additional flowers this may be discussed with the coordinator.  Additional flowers must be removed following the ceremony.
3. Anything attached to the pews must be fastened by ribbon or large rubber bands.  Lights, tape, glue or wire is not allowed. Access to the pews must not be blocked from either end.
4. We do not allow any balloon decoration or arch decoration.

6: PHOTOGRAPHY:

1. The photographer and/or videographer must contact the Wedding Coordinator upon arrival at least 20 minutes before the mass.
2. Pictures of the groomsmen are usually taken on the corner of Meyler and Eighth Streets and must be completed at least twenty minutes before the ceremony.  Pictures of the bride and bridesmaids must be completed five minutes before the scheduled marriage time. 
3. There is No Video lighting in the church.
4. If there is another wedding or event in the church following the wedding, no formal pictures are allowed in the church following the ceremony.  Please remember that the Church is not a photo studio and respect needs to be shown in the church before and following the ceremony.
5. Video filming is allowed during the ceremony, but flash photographs may be taken only during the procession in and out of the church.
6. It will be expected the photographers will not distract or impede the ceremony.  Photographers may be asked to leave the ceremony by the priest or wedding coordinator if they become a distraction to the wedding.
7. Photographer and/or equipment are not allowed in the sanctuary area if these are not introduced to the coordinator before mass.
8. The coordinator will provide you with Photographer Guidelines which you must give to the photographer and the videographer.

7. MUSIC:

1. Our Music Director and Parish Organist is Jelil Romano.  All music must be coordinated through him. You can reach him at 310-833-3541 Ext. 224.
2. All music used must be Roman Catholic Liturgical Music honoring the sacred nature of the marriage.
3. The Music Director will coordinate your use of organist, soloist or other accompanist.  If you wish to use mariachis or an outside group, a bench fee of $125 must be paid to the church organist/music director for his services.

8. MISCELANEOUS REGULATIONS:

1. It is recommended that all of the Catholic members of the court of honor and immediate family of the engaged couple receive the Sacrament of Penance (confession) before the ceremony.  Confessions at Mary Star of the Sea are following the 5:15 P.M. mass on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday; following the 8:00 A.M. mass on Saturday and 4:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. Saturday.
2. Rice, rose petals, or any similar articles are not permitted inside or outside of the church.
3. Please inform all in the party to turn off cell phones and remove gum before entering the church.
4. Absolutely No alcohol is permitted on church premises.

9. PARISH MEMBERSHIP

1. First preference for marriages is always given to parishioners of Mary Star of the Sea Parish.
2. Parish Membership for marriage means that at least one of the party is a registered parishioners; lives in our boundaries, or has graduated from one of our schools.  Children of those who live in our parish or are registered at our parish are also considered parish members for the sacrament of marriage.
3. Marriages may be performed at Mary Star of the Sea for those outside of our parish with proper permission from their parish and at outside the parish rate.

10. BASIC FEES:

Parishioner

Church Donation	400.00	Outside Parish	500.00
Wedding Coordinator	175.00	Wedding Coordinator	175.00
Organist	175.00	Organist	175.00
Soloist	175.00	Soloist	175.00
Flower Donation	150.00	Flower Donation	100.00
Altar Server (per server)	15.00	Altar Server (per server)	15.00

Priest honorarium is made at the discretion of the couple and is
presented by the Best Man after the ceremony.

1. $100 deposit, paid in the rectory, is required in order to confirm your wedding date.
2. The total amount for the church should be paid in full one month before the marriage.
3. The deposit is NOT refundable if the wedding is canceled within three months of the date.

 

• Prayer of the Faithful # 1
• Prayer of the Faithful # 2
• Prayer of the Faithful #3
• Pre-Nuptual Witness Form
• Marriage License Application