Matrimony

God who created man out of love also calls him to love the fundamental and innate vocation of every human being. For man is created in the image and likeness of God who is himself love.Since God created him man and woman, their mutual love becomes an image of the absolute and unfailing love with which God loves man. It is good, very good, in the Creator’s eyes. And this love which God blesses is intended to be fruitful and to be realized in the common work of watching over creation: “And God blessed them, and God said to them: ‘Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it.’

Cathechism of the Catholic Church

The Sacrament of Marriage at St. Leander

To apply for sacrament of marriage, please contact the Parish Office at (510) 895-5631 at least six months in advance of the planned wedding ceremony date.

General Guidelines for Weddings and Wedding Anniversaries at St. Leander

Below are some general guidelines to help celebrate this important event. You may consider hiring a wedding consultant, who will help you plan the liturgy for your wedding or wedding anniversary mass. The consultant will help you select other consultants from among your family and friends, help you with your selected readings, guide you during rehearsal and assist you and the presider during the mass.

For assistance or specific information regarding weddings at St. Leander Church, contact the Parish Office.

Planning the Liturgy For Your Celebration

Decide between a Word Liturgy or a Eucharistic Liturgy. Discuss options for your liturgy, and select the ministers who will assist at your celebration. Select your processional style and decide on your entourage seating arrangements. Depending on your plans and budget, you may consider choosing photographers, videographers, altar and aisle decorations, musicians and soloists.

Who Helps You Celebrate?

If you choose a Word Liturgy, the participants will be the Bride and Groom, the priest or deacon, two official witnesses and Lector (1-4)

If you choose a Eucharistic Liturgy, in addition to the above, you will need the assistance of an Acolyte/Deacon and two Eucharistic Ministers.

Additional ministers may include Bridesmaids and Groomsmen, Bearers for rings, coins, bible and flowers, Primary Sponsors, Secondary Sponsors (Unity Candle, Veil and Cord), Gift Bearers (2-4), a Cross Bearer, Mass Candle Bearers.

The Processional

The bride and groom are the ministers of the sacrament of marriage. They enter the assembly from the same door, avoiding any visual suggestion that one is more important than the other.

Separation of the men and women in the procession (separate single file for bridesmaids and grooms) is discouraged. It is an artificial separation of people who have been chosen to be partners for the day.

Other processional participants are the ministers of the liturgy, parents, grandparents, two witnesses and special friends of the couple (bridesmaids, groomsmen, sponsors, bearers).

Photographers and Videographers

The liturgy during which you celebrate your wedding or wedding anniversary is a sacred moment of rejoicing in prayers, song and gesture. While your desire to record this moment is understandable, observe the following rules so that the sacred joy of this day is not marred by photo and recording equipment and those who operate it:

  • Professionals only: No flash or bright lights
  • Photographers and videographers are not permitted to roam about the church once the liturgy begins.
  • Most parishes allow thirty minutes ONLY for the photo session, especially if there are other church activities after the wedding. Instruct your entourage to be attentive and close by. Consider taking photographs before the celebration.

Decorations

Floral decorations should never impede the ritual movement and action of the liturgical celebration. There are many places that could enhance the liturgical space with floral baskets and bowls (steps, ambo, candles). The whole church is considered the arena for decoration, not merely the sanctuary.

  • A floral arrangement may be placed on the narthex table.
  • Pew decorations can be secured with a thick rubber band. Absolutely NO Scotch tape, masking tape, or tacks.
  • If tulle or netting yardage is draped it should not be secured, but easily removed before Holy Communion.
  • Aisle runners are discouraged for safety reasons.
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