Marriage
God created man and woman out of love and commanded them to imitate his love in their relations with each other. Man and woman were created for each other…Woman and man are equal in human dignity, and in marriage both are united in an unbreakable bond. (United States Catholic Catechism for Adults, Ch. 21, p. 279)
The sacrament of marriage is a visible sign of God’s love for the Church. When a man and a woman are married in the Church, they receive the grace needed for a lifelong bond of unity.
Requirement for your Wedding updated August 2024
A minimum of eight months’ advanced planning and preparation prior to the wedding date is required.
Certificate of Baptism, dated within six (6) months of your wedding date. Call the secretary of the parish where you were baptized and tell her that the certificate is for marriage purposes.
A non-refundable deposit in the amount of $300 is required to reserve the date for the wedding.
Copy of your birth certificate to make sure your name is correctly spelled as it is in your birth certificate.
Initial meeting with your priest
The initial meeting with the parish priest is a time to talk and discover what is expected. This may also be when you reserve your wedding date and fill out the FOCCUS personal inventory. During this meeting you may also discuss what marriage preparation program is best for you and your fiancé.
Complete de FOCCUS
FOCCUS is a personality profile that is completed BEFORE attending a Marriage Preparation session. It is not a test, but a discovery questionnaire which will personalize your marriage preparation and give you insights into yourself and your partner.
Register for Marriage Preparation
If using the Diocesan marriage preparation program, you must register immediately after reserving your wedding date at your parish. Your space must be reserved at least eight months before the wedding.
Sign up for “At the Table” in-person sessions 1 and 2 by visiting the following link:
https://www.fallriverfaithformation.org/marriage-preparation
The fee is $150 per couple.
FOCCUS evaluation
The FOCCUS evaluation will be done in a second meeting at the parish, approximately a month after completing the questionnaire. The information which you receive will help you to make constructive use of both your strengths and weaknesses and prepare you for more meaningful participation in the Marriage Preparation program.
Planning the Wedding Liturgy
Since the couple are actually the ordinary ministers of the Sacrament of Matrimony, you will want to take time to carefully read the booklet "Together For Life" which you will receive from your parish. This will help you plan a meaningful liturgy. Please consult the priest responsible for your wedding before making the final selections.
Third Parish Visit
The third parish visit is an opportunity to discuss your reactions to the marriage preparation session and to make specific plans with the priest for your wedding liturgy.
You can also find helpful information at For Your Marriage and Catholic Wedding Help.
Wedding Rehearsal and Liturgy
The wedding rehearsal is the final step before approaching the altar to bestow on each other the Sacrament of Matrimony.
Wedding Time: Due to the celebration of the Sacrament of Baptism and Confession. Weddings are scheduled at 1:30pm.
Music Director Guest Musician Protocol
The Music Director at St. Anthony’s Church will be the ordinary organist and choral director at all Weddings. Additional guest musicians, such as professional violinists and singers, are welcome with the approval of the Director. The music for the wedding liturgy is arranged with the music director.
Mr. Daniel Marshall, Director of Sacred Music/Organist
dmarshall@gloriadeo.org; tel: (401) 288-7172
Celebrant
The celebrant for the wedding is the pastor of St. Anthony's or one of the parochial vicars. A celebrant from outside the Diocese of Fall River needs to present to the pastor of St. Anthony of Padua a letter of good standing from Diocesan bishop or religious superior; after that, the pastor of St. Anthony’s will issue the proper marriage delegation.
Wedding Offering and Fee
The Wedding Offering Is $ 1,025.00; includes a fee for the music director, cantors, decorative lights, marriage papers, and the priest offering. This does not include the diocese preparation program.
Payment
Payment (including both Church stipend and musician stipend) will be made payable to St. Anthony Church. Payment is expected prior to the day of service.
