The Sacrament of Marriage, or Holy Matrimony, is a public sign that one gives oneself totally to this other person. It is also a public statement about God: the loving union of husband and wife speaks of family values and also God’s values.
When a Christian marries a Christian, they receive the Sacrament of Matrimony, a sacramental union that directs those two people into a deeper relationship with Christ. The purpose of marriage is unitive and procreative: to bring the couple closer together and to bring new life into the world. However, sometimes a Catholic marries someone who is not a baptized person. In that case, the marriage is not a sacramental marriage, in which case the marriage is not leading them into a deeper relationship with Christ. But it is a natural marriage, the love of man and woman, which is what God has intended for his creation.
Requirements for the Sacrament of Marriage at SCA
Certificates: Unless you were baptized in St. Catharine, you must provide a newly issued copy of your Baptismal Certificate. This copy may not be dated more than six months prior to your wedding date.
Please be sure to bring with you a copy of your First Communion and Confirmation certificates.
Letter of Permission: If the bride and groom reside outside the boundaries of St. Catharine, they must present a letter from their respective parishes granting permission marry at St. Catharine.
Freedom to Marry: A form must be signed by the parents of the bride and groom or by someone they have known for a substantial number of years, testifying that:
If either the bride or groom have had a prior marriage, no date may be set until all the documentations have been brought to the priest and reviewed by him to assure that everything is complete.
Pre-Cana Program: It is a Diocesan requirement to attend a Pre-Cana program before any marriage may be celebrated in any Parish. For more information and to register visit the website: www.pre-cana.org
Marriage license: A New York State Marriage license is required before any marriage may be celebrated in the Church. Please remember that the State license is not valid until twenty-four hours have elapsed from the time and date stamped by the Marriage License Bureau. Once this initial time period has passed, the license is valid for sixty days. (kindly note- This license is to be used only for the Church ceremony and is necessary, if the bride and groom have not been married previously)
You may choose any of the priests at St. Catharine to perform your Wedding. Kindly call him to make an appointment so that the arrangements may be made. Please deal with him alone to ensure that all the necessary work is completed.
The offering for the wedding ceremony is $550. If both the bride and the groom reside outside the boundaries of St. Catharine, the offering is $650.
Wedding Rehearsals: If you are planning a rehearsal, please decide with the priest at least one month in advance and please make sure that the rehearsal starts on time. If you are considering a flower girl or ring bearer as part of your procession, we strongly recommend that the children be at least five years of age.
Sacrament of Confession: The priest will be available to couples who wish to go to Confession. Please talk to the priest in advance
Pictures and Video: Pictures may be taken in the Church -NOT IN THE SANCTUARY! Videos and camcorders may be used but the priest should be notified in advance. The bride and groom should advise the photographer and video people that discretion should be used so as not to distract from the dignity of the ceremony, nor should they interfere with the wedding being on time at the Church. No Pictures may be taken after the Ceremony. Our Parish Grotto will be open for family pictures.
The throwing of flower petals or confetti in the church is FORBIDDEN. If anyone falls, the couple will be held responsible. The Parish can be opened up to one hour before the Ceremony for Decorations.
Music for the Ceremony: The Church provides the organist and singer. No secular music is allowed. Any special music must meet the approval set forth by the Liturgical commission of the Diocese.
Please make sure that your Weddings begin on time. Your failure to comply with this request could lead to your inconveniencing and delaying other scheduled weddings or Church services.
For more information, please call our Rectory office at 718.436.5917