HOLY MATRIMONY
CCC 1601 : “The matrimonial covenant, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life, is by its nature ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring; this covenant between baptized persons has been raised by Christ the Lord to the dignity of a sacrament.”
NUPTIAL MASS TIMINGS IN THE PARISH
On weekdays in the evening at 5.00 pm.
On Sundays in the morning at 9.15pm scheduled Mass. (with special permission of the Parish Priest)
On Saturdays & Sundays in the evening at 5.00 pm
BEFORE THE WEDDING
It is advisable to meet any of the priests of the parish even before planning the wedding date, so as not to choose dates that may clash with parish programs or the Lenten season. It will also give you the opportunity to discuss with the priest about the necessary requirements of documents and procedures. Please do not seek advice from anyone other than the priests of the parish.
CERTIFICATES AND OTHER DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
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Baptism Certificate dated within six months of your proposed marriage
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Certificate of attendance of the Marriage Preparation Course (MPC)
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Postal address of both the parties
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1 passport size photo of both the parties
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Certificate of attendance of The Marriage Preparation Course for parents of the bride and groom only (MPC-P)
THE MARRIAGE PREPARATION COURSE (MPC)
The Marriage Preparation Course (MPC) & (MPC-P) are mandatory in the Archdiocese of Bombay. Try and complete the MPC & MPC-P according to the dates convenient to you but not later than three months before the wedding. It is advisable that the MPC is attended by the prospective bride and groom together, but in case one of the parties is employed outside Mumbai and cannot be present, it becomes the responsibility of the other party to complete the course in Mumbai. If the party employed outside Mumbai has access to the MPC in the diocese of employment it is recommended that it be completed there. The certificates of the MPC & MPC-P have to be shown to the priest while the pre-nuptial papers are being filled.
MIXED MARRIAGE OR DISPARITY OF CULT
In the case of a mixed marriage or a disparity of cult (marriage with Hindu/Muslim), the couple has to meet the priest to be briefed on the procedure. The MPC has to be completed and the PNE is filled in the parish of the Catholic party. The documents required from the Catholic party are as given above. The non-Catholic party will have to furnish a copy of the proof of birth as well as an affidavit stating intention to marry the Catholic party in the Church (format provided). The Catholic party has to sign the promises stipulated by Church law in the presence of the non-Catholic party while filling the PNE.
Please Note: The Church does not permit a second religious rite of marriage in another place of worship or any religious ceremony since these have certain repercussions on the Catholic party. (Canon Law No. 1127)
OTHER OBSERVANCES BEFORE THE WEDDING MASS
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The priest (of the parish) who has prepared your marriage papers (and who usually is also the priest who will celebrate your nuptials, unless you would like to contact someone else) must be contacted in advance in order to discuss the liturgy.
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For flower arrangements you may contact private service providers or the Church office.
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If your nuptials are on a weekday you are permitted to have you own lector who should be advised to be appropriately dressed for the responsibility. For the choirs you may contact any of the parish choirs. The choirs have been instructed about the hymns to be sung. Kindly do not recommend any songs not befitting the liturgy.
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If your nuptials are on a Sunday scheduled Mass (9.15 am) then the liturgy of the Sunday takes precedence and the lectors of the parish appointed for the mass will proclaim the Word of God. Since the liturgy of the Sunday gets precedence, kindly do not recommend any wedding hymns to the choir.
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If you wish to have your own priest, then a letter requesting delegation from him is required, stating his consent to celebrate your nuptials and has to be presented before the wedding so that the parish priest can give him the necessary delegation. If your wedding is on a Sunday scheduled Mass, your priest will be permitted only to bless your nuptials.
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If there is more than one couple for the wedding mass, the couples are requested to meet the priest of the parish well in advance to discuss the co-ordination of lectors, readings, seating arrangements, choir, celebrant, etc.
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When planning your wedding gown and the dresses of the bridesmaids and others, (it is recommended that shoulders & knees are covered) please ensure that these are proper for a Church and a time of prayer.
ON THE WEDDING DAY
PLEASE SEE THAT YOU ARE IN TIME FOR YOUR WEDDING
(at least 15 minutes before the mass)
Remember:
The bride and the groom are the ministers of the rite, therefore the entire focus is meant to be on them.
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At the Entrance to the Church When the Mass is about to begin all the members of the family should already be seated inside the Church. Only the bridal couple, the best man and the bridesmaid should be waiting for the celebrant to come and welcome them. Ideally the members of the family should be in the pews standing to welcome the couple into the Church as the entrance hymn is sung.
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The Readings & Prayers of the Faithful (for an unscheduled mass) if they are being proclaimed by members of the family or friends of the couple should be properly rehearsed. Kindly ensure that those proclaiming the Word are appropriately and decently attired!
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The nuptial ceremony is conducted after the Gospel and homily. However in the case of Disparity of Cult, the nuptials are held before the Thanksgiving Mass. A witness from either side chosen in advance is required and is expected to stand beside the couple as the ceremony progresses. It is advised that the rings be kept in the groom’s pocket or with the best man. If the page boy/flower girl is given the responsibility of the ring cushion, then he should be guided to bring the same forward.
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The nuptial vows are best recited by heart and with the couple facing each other. It makes the ceremony very meaningful. Of course there will be nervousness. In that case keep the cue card close to you. The format of the nuptial vows is provided later in these guidelines.
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The procedure of offering gifts like flowers and fruits, bible and rosary with commentaries to explain the same is discouraged. If the couple would like to give something for the Church or the poor it can be done. Kindly consult the priest about the objects of use for the Church or the poor. In case the couple would like to have a new Bible and rosaries to enhance their prayer life as a family then these may be placed on the altar so that the celebrant blesses them and hands them over.
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After the recitation of the Our Father, the Church reserves a special nuptial blessing over the couple.
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Communion will be given in the form of both species. During communion use the time to pray for each other, for your marriage and for your families.
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There is no need of a separate Thanksgiving Prayer after communion because the Eucharist is itself the highest prayer of thanksgiving.
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After the final blessing, the celebrant leads the couple along with their witnesses to the Sacristy to sign the registers. The families follow. Please remember the sanctuary is a sacred place and not a studio for posing for photographs. Also you are encouraged to maintain the sanctity and decorum of the Church when you are gathered near the entrance of the Church and respect those who have come to Church to pray and prepare for the next Mass.
GUIDELINES FOR VIDEO-SHOOTING & PHOTOGRAPHY
(Please discuss this with your photographer/videographer)
The photographers/videographers should be properly instructed that the Mass is a religious ceremony and under no circumstances should they hinder the proceedings with their movement or instructions.
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During the entrance of the couple into the Church
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During the reading
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During the marriage rite
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The nuptial blessing
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For the sign of peace
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For communion (of the couple only)
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Final Blessing
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While the couple leaves the Church
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Signing of the marriage register.
Please remember the sanctuary is a sacred place and not a studio for posing for photographs. In short, the bride, groom, family members, friends and cameramen are requested to co-operate in order to preserve the prayerful atmosphere of the Church and the Sacraments.