Wedding Planner

The Sacrament of Marriage

In the sacraments, we meet the Risen Christ and are touched by God's love. In a Christian marriage, God's love and faithfulness are revealed in tangible form, and the couple becomes a sign to all the Church of God's unity and fruitful love.

The parish is primarily a community of faith. The faith awareness that is therefore necessary for marriage at Sacred Heart Parish includes trust in God and in Jesus Christ, but it also includes a faith that has presence, relationship, and participation in the Catholic Church. This parish family stands ready to help you prepare for the celebration of this sacrament in your life.
However, to request or insist upon a marriage within this parish requires a commitment of faith.

Section I: General Requirements

A. Diocesan Requirements
1. Preparation
The Diocese of St. Cloud requires a minimum of 6 months preparation prior to the wedding date. This preparation helps to aid in the development of your relationship with one another and to prepare for the celebration of Matrimony, the couple is asked to participate in these steps.

a. A pre-marriage inventory is administered. This tool will help you understand some of the potential strengths and weaknesses in your relationship.

b. Couple to Couple Program. In the months prior to your wedding, you will be assigned to a sponsor couple. You will meet with them 2-4 times.

c. An Engaged Couples Program. The different programs are listed below, you must attend one prior to the wedding date.

1. St. Cloud Marriage Preparation Courses
Location: Family Life & Respect Life Office, St. Cloud
(call: 320-252-4721)

2. Catholic Engaged Encounter
Location: Dunrovin, Marine on St. Croix
Or Christ The King, Buffalo
(call: 763-694-0075)

3. Office of Marriage, Family & Laity
Location: 328 West Kellogg Blvd, St. Paul, MN 55102-1997
651-291-4488, Marriage information

d. A baptismal certificate, issued within the last six months, is required by Catholics, unless baptized at Sacred Heart Church, Sauk Rapids. For Protestants, a copy of the baptismal certificate is sufficient.

e. In order to be married in the Catholic Church, you must fit into the categories below:

• Be 18 years or older.
• Not be in a previous marriage.
• Have no parental objection.
• According to Diocesan Policy, couples are asked to separate immediately if living together, however an exception may be made for serious circumstances (this will be determined between the couple and the pastor).

f. The publication of the banns of marriage is announced in the parish bulletin three successive Sundays of your intention to enter marriage. However, those entering a second marriage are often not announced.

g. Couples are encouraged to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation before the wedding day. The sacrament is celebrated at Sacred Heart Church each Saturday at 3:30 P.M.

h. Prenuptial Inventory

B. Civil Requirements
1. Marriage License
For information regarding marriage licenses, contact the Clerk of Court in any Minnesota county. The license is valid for six months from the date of issuance. There is a five day waiting period after you apply for the license. A discount will be applied toward the marriage certificate provided that you have completed a minimum of 12 hours of marriage preparation and have a signed document stating such. Please bring the wedding license to the office a month prior to wedding.

2. Minister
Although only one minister may function as the official witness for the church and for the state (normally the priest of the parish where the wedding is taking place), other priests or non-Catholic ministers are welcome to participate in the wedding liturgy. If you wish this, please make known your intentions early.

3. Witnesses
According to Minnesota State law, two witnesses age 16 or older are required for a legal and binding marriage.

C. Sacred Heart Parish Requirements:

1. Church Facilities
Sacred Heart is a large, vibrant parish with many activities. In some cases there may be another wedding the same day or weekend as yours. There is also the possibility that there may need to be a funeral the morning of your wedding. Generally the church is available for your use during the following times.
i. Friday evening weddings from 1:00 p.m. until 6:30 p.m.
ii. Saturday weddings from 10:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.
a. Schedule your photographs & flower deliveries after the opening time.
b. Seating capacity is about 800 people.
c. A wedding attendant will be on duty during your time here.
d. One week before the wedding a $300 damage deposit check is required (to be held until after the ceremony). This ensures that the facilities have been returned to their respective order after the ceremony.

2. Offering
The offering to the parish will be discussed between the couple and either the pastor or the liturgy director.

3. Musicians:
A Sacred Heart accompanist and a cantor are needed for your wedding. These are professional musicians who are not only trained musically, but are also trained to lead musical worship in the Catholic Church.

The accompanist leads the singing of the congregation, accompanies the cantor, and provides instrumental music at various times (e.g., during the entrance procession or before the liturgy).

The cantor sings certain parts of the liturgy, such as the verses of the Responsorial Psalm, and also leads the singing of the assembly. A confident and well-trained cantor will put the congregation at ease and help to foster active participation in the liturgy. The cantor may also sing an appropriate vocal solo before the liturgy, or even during the preparation of the gifts or after Communion.
Musicians set their own stipends based on their experience, level of training, and meeting time with the couple. The range of stipends is typically between $100-$200 per musician.

Sacred Heart Musicians will:
Meet with you to select appropriate music for your wedding
Help you with the order of the program
Arrive for the wedding with everything they need
Be well rehearsed
Do a professional job that does not draw attention to itself, but serves the worshiping assembly

If you have a qualified family member or friend that you would like to have involved with the music this must first be communicated with the Director of Liturgy and then with the musicians. If extra rehearsals are needed due to guest singers or musicians there may be an additional fee. Please ask your accompanist.

Musician checks need to be correct, made out and placed on the piano before the wedding ceremony.

4. Photography
Pictures may be taken before the wedding only and during the wedding without flash. Pictures must be completed 30 minutes before the wedding. Give the photographer a copy of our guidelines which is found on page 22. Please respect our church as a place of worship; it is not a studio.

5. Videotaping:
We have no objection if the couple wishes to have the wedding videotaped. However, we have these guidelines:
• A camera may not be in the sanctuary,
• The camera must be stationary if used in the nave (body) of the church.
Sacred Heart’s A/V technician will also videotape the wedding liturgy for you provided that there are no technical problems with our system. However; their primary responsibility is to project the music on the screens and check that the audio system is working properly throughout the entire service.

6. Environment
Your primary concern regarding the wedding environment should be the hospitality shown to your guests. A warm, welcoming environment where people are the focus rather than decorations makes for a memorable occasion. There are a few basic elements of design to keep in mind:

1. Less is more
2. Focus on the major symbols
3. Keep the correct proportions of size

Flowers
Flowers are optional, though there may not be any flowers on the altar. Often bouquets are placed near the Presider’s Chair. If you need more information about the best locations for flowers please check with the Director of Liturgy before ordering flowers.

Pew Decorations
The size and nature of our worship space along with the design of our pews does not lend itself well to pew decorations. We also do not want our new pews to be scratched or damaged in anyway due to attempts to attach or remove bows or other decorations from them.

Aisle Runner
At Sacred Heart Church, we discourage an aisle runner since the center aisle is carpeted.

Candles
No candles (other than a unity candle) are permitted. We have had several experiences with wax spilling, and dripping. It is very difficult to clean up.

7. Hospitality Room/ Kitchen
The hospitality room is available for dressing. There is a hook for the bride’s gown near the full length mirror. The kitchen is available for your use on the day of your wedding. Please keep all food and drink in the gathering space. No food or drink is allowed in the worship space. Clear all clothing, cameras, plastics, food, pop cans, and the like before you leave the area and take it with you.

8. Sunday Mass Obligation
The wedding liturgy does not fulfill any Sunday Mass obligation.

9. Wedding Attire
When selecting attire for the wedding keep in mind that this is a place of worship. Please be respectful.

10. Wedding Attendant
A wedding attendant will be on duty here the day of your wedding. The attendant’s job is to answer any questions people may have, assist with deliveries, and make your time here comfortable. They will also help a person who you designate find the necessary supplies for clean up and assist if necessary. Following the ceremony they will walk through the church and gathering space with your designated person to ensure that the facilities have been returned to their original condition.

11. Important reminders
 NO LIQUOR is allowed to be consumed anywhere on church property. This includes at the time of the rehearsal and on the wedding day. Please communicate this clearly to your attendants, ushers & guests.
 RICE, BIRD SEED OR BALLOONS are not permitted at rehearsal or the wedding day!
 Cell phones are to be turned off during the wedding liturgy and the rehearsal.

Section II: Music Selection and the Liturgy

Introduction
Marriage is a social event. Christian Marriage is also a faith event. Each element of the Wedding Liturgy--the scripture readings, the music, the exchange of vows, and the giving and receiving of rings--is a simple and profound expression of faith in God and in each other. You have chosen to live out your marriage commitment in Christian faith and in relationship with the Church. This Church has expectations about your wedding celebration. These expectations are not just arbitrary regulations made by outsiders. This is the way the Christian community celebrates the marriage of two people. The goal of these norms is to help all who gather--you, your family, and friends--to celebrate well.

Music
Music is a basic element of all liturgical celebrations, including weddings. The primary "musical moments" of the liturgy are those that involve the entire assembly: the Gathering song, the Responsorial Psalm, Gospel Acclamation, the Holy, Holy, Memorial Acclamation, Amen and the Communion song. Proper etiquette requires that those in the assembly not be ignored or even be permitted to be passive spectators. For example, you would not want your guests to merely sit against the wall at your reception!

Music of many styles is appropriate for use in the wedding liturgy. The model for selecting music is, with few exceptions, the Sunday Eucharist, i.e., music you would normally hear the assembly/choir singing at Sunday liturgies. All music for liturgical celebrations is chosen based on the following principles outlined in Sing to the Lord: Music in Divine Worship (2007 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops):

126. “In judging the appropriateness of music for the liturgy, one will examine its liturgical, pastoral, and musical qualities. Ultimately, however, these three judgments are but aspects of one evaluation, which answers the question: “Is this particular piece of music appropriate for this use in the particular Liturgy?”

220. “Additionally, music should reflect the truth that all the sacraments celebrate the Paschal Mystery of Christ. Secular music, even though it may emphasize the love of the spouses for one another, is not appropriate for the Sacred Liturgy. Songs that are chosen for the Liturgy should be appropriate for the celebration and express the faith of the Church.”

The so-called traditional “wedding marches” by Wagner and Mendelssohn have nothing to do with the Sacred Liturgy and may not be used. In fact, the origin of these compositions borders on the profane and the ridiculous. Both selections mock marriage. Wagner himself was dumbfounded to hear the USA was using his march inside church settings.
Because music in the liturgy involves an active relationship between the pastoral musician and the assembly, the use of recorded music before or during the liturgy is inappropriate. Sing to the Lord paragraph 93 states “recorded music lacks the authenticity provided by a living liturgical assembly gathered for the Sacred Liturgy.”

Section III: The Wedding Liturgy

A. Eucharistic Liturgy or Liturgy of the Word
The question is often raised whether a couple should have their marriage take place in a Liturgy of the Eucharist (Mass) or Liturgy of the Word.

You should make your decision in consultation with the priest who is assisting in the preparation for your marriage. You will want to consider the following:
• What is our relationship to the Sunday Eucharist?
• Are we faithful to the church's Sunday prayer?
• Have we been away from the community's prayer?
• Have we committed ourselves to returning?

In light of these questions: Is a Eucharistic Liturgy or a Liturgy of the Word the better context for the celebration of our marriage?

If one of you is non-Catholic, how comfortably could those family members participate in a Mass? The Eucharist is ideally a symbol of unity and your marriage liturgy is to be a time to bring people together in common prayer and celebration. It is inappropriate and unwelcoming to use a form of prayer that leaves out a majority of the gathered assembly.

Some persons seem to believe that a couple is not really married unless the wedding takes place at Eucharist. This is simply not true. Be open and honest with the priest with whom you are preparing your wedding and make the decision that will provide the best context for prayer and celebration.

B. Order of Worship:
1. Gathering:
a. The Liturgy begins when the guests start to arrive. As a couple, you have chosen to witness your love before a particular assembly. Because the assembly has gathered to see and share in the wedding ceremony with you, it is strongly encouraged that the couple welcomes the guests as they arrive at the church. Additionally, ministers of greeting could include ushers, parents, guardians, or other family and friends. It is an anomaly to invite guests to a celebration and then not be present to welcome them at your door.

b. Prelude Music
Most prelude music is lost in the excitement of the guests greeting one another. Instrumental music is preferred and should not delay the start of the wedding liturgy. A Christian vocal solo may be sung right before the start of the wedding, when guests are being seated.

2. Procession:
Guests should be seated and the wedding party should be in the gathering space lined up & ready to begin at the designated starting time. A single piece of instrumental music should be chosen for the entire procession.

Plan 1
Cross carried by an usher
Bridesmaids and Groomsmen
Parents and Groom
Parents and Bride

Plan 2
Cross carried by an usher
Bridesmaids and Groomsmen
Bride and Groom

Plan 3
Cross carried by an usher
Parents and Groom
Bridesmaids and Groomsmen
Parents and Bride

Gathering Song
After the members of the procession have reached their place within the liturgical assembly it is recommended that a joyous, familiar hymn or song be sung by the entire assembly to unite them for worship. This is especially appropriate when the liturgical assembly is made up of guests and family members who come from different Christian denominations.

3. Liturgy of the Word:
You will need to have a lector for your wedding. A lector should be someone who is capable of proclaiming the Word of God in a dignified and worthy manner. The lector should be an adult who has been baptized and confirmed. More than one lector may be used if more than one reading (other than the Gospel) is selected. The lector is also responsible to read the General Intercessions.

a. First Reading: The first reading should be chosen from the Old Testament. A non-scripture reading may not be substituted. A psalm is a prayer, therefore it is not acceptable as a reading. (Together for Life p. 10-27)

b. Responsorial Psalm: The responsorial psalm must be taken from the Book of Psalms from the Old Testament. It must be sung--not recited--by a cantor who usually sings the verses and the congregation joins in singing a simple refrain.

c. Second Reading: The second reading should be chosen from the New Testament--other than the Gospels. A non-scripture reading may not be substituted. (Tog. p. 34-54)

d. Gospel Acclamation: This is the Alleluia refrain sung by the cantor and the congregation. A verse is sung by the cantor with a repeat of the alleluia refrain. This acclamation is always sung and never recited.

e. Gospel: The Gospel reading is selected from Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John. This reading is proclaimed by the priest. (Tog. p. 56-73)

f. Homily: A reflection on the readings and meaning of marriage is given by the presider. At the conclusion of the homily we enter the Rite of Marriage.

4. Rite of Marriage:
a. Statement of Intentions (Tog. p. 76)

b. Exchange of Vows (Tog. p. 76-77) – we strongly encourage the vows to be memorized.

c. Blessing and Exchange of Rings (Tog. p. 78) – we strongly encourage the exchange of rings to be memorized.

d. Sung Acclamation: After the exchange of rings, the assembly will sing a joyous acclamation. In most cases this will be the same “Alleluia” as sung before the proclamation of the gospel.

e. General Intercessions: The general intercessions (prayers of the faithful) follow. You may write your own petitions including prayers for yourselves, your families, and for broader social concerns (see page 19 and Tog. p. 80-82).

5. The Liturgy of the Eucharist
a. When the Rite of Marriage is celebrated within Mass, the preparation of the Gifts and Altar follows. You will need to select some “gift bearers.” A fitting gesture might be to honor godparents with this role.
b. Instrumental music may accompany this action. The music used here should not prolong this part of the liturgy.
c. During the Eucharistic Prayer there are three acclamations which are sung by the entire assembly: the “Holy, Holy,” the “Memorial Acclamation,” and the “Great Amen.” Familiar settings should be used so that the assembly can actively participate in the singing.

6. Communion Rite
a. Lord’s Prayer: The presider leads all in this prayer. It must be spoken or sung by the entire assembly. Because of the communal nature of our prayer, solo versions of the Lord’s Prayer are not appropriate.

b. Exchange of Peace: Everyone is encouraged to exchange some form of peace. A short instrumental piece is permitted. It is inappropriate to sing during this time.

c. Lamb of God: At the conclusion of the Sign of Peace, the sacred bread is broken and the sacred wine poured. During this ritual action, the cantor leads the assembly in the singing of the “Lamb of God.” Familiar settings should be used so that the assembly can actively participate in the singing.

d. Communion:
i. The Body and Blood of Christ are now ministered to those who wish to receive. The Bride and Groom may minister to the assembly if they are a commissioned Eucharistic Minister in this or another Catholic parish. A family member is also welcome to minister the Eucharist to the assembly if they are a commissioned Eucharistic Minister.
ii. You will need 3 Eucharistic Ministers in addition to the priest.
iii. Hymns or songs that speak of the Eucharist or our union with Christ are encouraged. Simple responsorial psalms are also appropriate. The “Ave Maria” by a soloist or any other Marian song does not fit this part of the liturgy.

e. Prayer after Communion: After distributing the Body and Blood of Christ, the Communion Rite concludes with a prayer. (Tog. p. 90)

7. Concluding Rite:

a. Unity Candle (optional): The lighting of the unity candle is not a prescribed element of the marriage liturgy. The candle duplicates other symbols of unity during the liturgy. The couple, the vows, the rings and Eucharist are all symbols of unity.

If you choose to add this rite to the liturgy we suggest that you purchase a high quality large white candle. The church will provide pencil-thin wax tapers. If, however, you wish to have tapers standing on either side of the unity candle, you will need to purchase them and bring candle holders for them.

Shorter musical works are suggested during the lighting of the candle.

b. Final Blessing: The priest now blesses all present. (Tog. p. 91-92)

c. Presentation of the Couple: The priest may now announce you, as a couple, to the gathered assembly. Please inform the priest of the way you would like to be introduced.

d. Recessional: The couple and the wedding party now exit the church via the main aisle. Instrumental music is preferred.

e. Receiving Line: In the gathering space near the outside door, or weather permitting, could be outside.

C. Other Liturgy Notes:

Visit to the Statue of Mary
While praying to the Blessed Virgin Mary for intercession is a tradition in our church, this prayer and the taking of flowers to her shrine are private devotions and not a part of the Rite of Marriage. Liturgy is a communal celebration and private devotions are not in keeping with the very nature of liturgy: full, active and conscious participation by the liturgical assembly.

If you would like to take time to pray for Mary’s intercession and offer flowers at her shrine, you may want to include this during the prayer at the wedding rehearsal.

Worship Aids
A printed worship aid is required because it is a practical way to encourage the assembly’s active participation in the liturgy. It is also helpful to those who are unfamiliar with the Catholic liturgy. When listing titles of songs in your program, you MUST list the composer's name as well. Before your final copy of the program is printed it must be approved by the Director of Liturgy. The music for the assembly will be projected on the screens in church during the marriage liturgy.

Ushers
The ushers’ responsibilities are many. Certainly, they are to seat the guests prior to the designated starting time. They are also charged with maintaining the church’s cleanliness before, during and following the liturgy. Therefore, they should be selected for their ability to be responsible and accountable.

Please designate one person (perhaps an usher) who will check in with the attendant when you arrive before the ceremony and who will most likely be the last person to leave. This person will walk through the facilities with the attendant following the ceremony to ensure that everything has been returned to its respective order.

Flower Girls and Ring Bearers
We do not encourage children who are under five years of age for these two roles. (Please be aware that tuxedo rental for children are the same as for adults.)

Altar Servers (optional)
Boys, girls or adults who have served in a parish setting may do so at the wedding. However, at Sacred Heart there is no need for servers.

Section IV: GENERAL INTERCESSIONS

The couple may choose from the following sample intercessions or create their own. The general formula for intercessions is:
1. The needs of the universal church
2. Public authorities and the salvation of the whole world
3. People burdened by any kind of difficulty
4. The local church and assembly
When you have selected or prepared your intercessions please give a copy to the presider.

Sample Intercessions #1:
For the communion of all Christian churches, that all who follow Christ may live in the unity for which Christ prayed, let us pray to the Lord.

For the parishes of which N. and N. have been a part, (here name the parishes), let us pray to the Lord.

For our nation and this city, and for those who serve in our government, let us pray to the Lord.

For the poor, the homeless, and the unemployed of this city, and for all who suffer under persecution, let us pray to the Lord.

For the parents and families of N. and N., and for all who formed them in their faith, let us pray to the Lord.

For the deceased relatives of N. and N., for the sick and for those who will be traveling from here, let us pray to the Lord.

Sample Intercessions #2:
For the Church throughout the world and for those who serve the Church, that all people of God might preach and practice the gospel of Christ, we pray to the Lord.

For the Jewish people, the first to hear the word of God, that they may continue to grow in the love of God's name and in faithfulness to the covenant, we pray to the Lord.

For the outcasts and the downtrodden of our city and our nation, that they may find refuge and compassion in our churches and families, we pray to the Lord.

For family members who have died, (here mention members who have died), that our prayer today may be joined with theirs, we pray to the Lord.

For the families and friends of N. and N. gathered here today and for those unable to be with us, that we may support one another in times of need as we rejoice with one another today, we pray to the Lord.

For N. and N., that the Lord bless them with many happy years together, we pray to the Lord.

Sample Intercession #3:
Let us pray for the Church:
God Spirit, who strengthens hearts,
Make us overflow with love for one another.
Be our justice,
Teach us your paths.
We pray to the Lord.

Let us pray for N. & N. who begin their married life today:
May they come to know in their life together
The height and depth and breath of Christ's love,
And the fullness of his life.
May goodness and kindness follow them,
All the days of their lives.
We pray to the Lord.

Let us pray for all married couples:
May husbands and wives be true to the covenant of married love
And be clothed in a spirit of kindness, humility, and meekness.
We pray to the Lord.

Let us pray to know the reign of God:
May the rich give to those who have nothing.
Let the satisfied give food to the hungry,
May the poor fear not further misfortune.
Lift our minds and hearts in hope.
We pray to the Lord.

Let us pray for those who have died:
May the Beloved fill the banquet hall and say,
"Behold the one to whom we looked to save us!"
Let those who tasted death live forever in your home,
May they see their children's children in a joyous Jerusalem.
We pray to the Lord.

Sample Intercessions #4:
For the mission of the Church, that in faithful witness it may preach the gospel to the ends of the earth, we pray to the Lord.

For the peace of the world, that a spirit of respect and solidarity may grow among nations and peoples, we pray to the Lord.

For N. and N., that surrounded by the prayer and support of family and friends, they may find cause to rejoice in the good times, to embrace the difficult times, and in all times give praise to God for the gift of each other, we pray to the Lord.

For all who live and work in this community, especially engaged and married couples, that filled with dreams and surrounded by hope, they may grow together in devotion and love for each other and reach out to those lonely and alienated, we pray to the Lord.

For all who have passed through the doorway of death, that the God of Compassion and Life may guide them to the wedding feast of eternity, we pray to the Lord.

Section V: Approved Music for Weddings
The following songs are all pre-approved for use during liturgy. This list is composed of the more popular and well known songs for weddings. If is by no means all inclusive. Please contact the Sacred Heart Parish musicians for assistance with music selection. The Hymnal number corresponds with the Gather Comprehensive hymnal found in our pews.

These songs can also be found online. You can try typing the title in at ocp.org, giamusic.com, or itunes.

Gathering Song
online Hymnal # Title Composer
iTunes 753 All Are Welcome Haugen
iTunes 533 All Creatures of Our God and King (public domain)
iTunes 853 Alleluia! Sing to Jesus Dix/Prichard
iTunes 659 Blest Are They Haas
iTunes 496 Canticle of the Sun Haugen
iTunes 572 For the Beauty of the Earth Pierpont
iTunes 744 Gather Us In Haugen
iTunes 522 Glory and Praise to Our God Schutte
GIA 868 God in the Planning Bell
iTunes 528 Joyful, Joyful We Adore You Beethoven/Hodges
iTunes 578 Lord of All Hopefulness Struther/Routley
iTunes 622 Love Divine, All Loves Excelling Wesley/Prichard
GIA 866 Love is the Sunlight Jacobson
iTunes 756 Morning Has Broken Farjeon
iTunes 551 Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven (public domain)
iTunes 527 Praise to the Lord, the Almighty (public domain)
iTunes 537 Sing a New Song Schutte
iTunes 547 Sing of The Lord's Goodness Sands
GIA 435 Sing to the Mountains Dufford
iTunes 718 We Are Called Haas
GIA 865 When Love is Foud Wren

Responsorial Psalm
online Hymnal # Psalm # Title Composer
GIA 27 Psalm 19: Lord, You Have the Words Haas
GIA 36 Psalm 25: To You, O Lord Haugen
GIA 47 Psalm 34: Taste and See Haugen
GIA 814 Psalm 34: Taste and See Moore
GIA 65 Psalm 66: Let All the Earth Haugen
GIA 95 Psalm 98: All the Ends of the Earth Haas/Haugen
GIA 97 Psalm 100: We Are God’s People Haas
GIA 99 Psalm 103: The Lord Is Kind and Merciful Cotter
GIA 107 Psalm 116: Our Blessing Cup Haugen
GIA 114 Psalm 118: Let Us Rejoice Haugen
GIA 125 Psalm 128: Blest Are Those Who Love You Haugen
GIA 125 Psalm 128: May the Lord Bless Us Haugen
GIA 137 Psalm 145: I Will Praise Your Name Haas

Communion Procession
online Hymnal # Title Composer
iTunes 659 Blest Are They Haas/Joncas
iTunes 838 Eat This Bread Batastini/Berthier
GIA 638 Eye Has Not Seen Haugen
GIA 629 God Is Love Haas
iTunes 504 I Have Loved You Joncas
iTunes 841 In the Breaking of the Bread Hurd
GIA 628 No Greater Love Joncas
iTunes 833 Now In This Banquet Haugen
iTunes 830 One Bread, One Body Foley
GIA 669 Servant Song, The Gillard
iTunes 847 Song of the Body of Christ Haas
GIA 849 Table Song Haas
GIA 814 Taste and See Moore
iTunes 733 We Are Many Parts Haugen
iTunes 850 We Come to Your Feast Joncas
iTunes 699 We Have Been Told Haas
iTunes 590 We Walk By Faith Haugen
GIA 865 When Love Is Found Wren/West
iTunes 649 You Are Mine Haas

Vocal Solos: The following selections are approved for use during the prelude or during the lighting of the unity candle.
online Hymnal # Title Composer
iTunes Arise My Love Card
By My Side Porter
iTunes Come and Journey With Me Haas/Cotter
iTunes The Gift of Love Hopson
iTunes How Beautiful Paris
iTunes I Will Be Here Chapman
iTunes 873 In Love We Choose to Live Cotter
iTunes In This Very Room Harris/Harris
iTunes Shine On Us Smith
iTunes Wedding Song Public Domain
GIA 865 When Love Is Found Haas/Cotter
GIA 867 Wherever You Go Haas
GIA 872 Wherever You Go Norbert

Instrumental Music ***This is only a small sampling of the music available***
Title Composer
Canon in D J. Pachelbel (arr. Wolff)
Hymn to Joy J. Cotter
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring J.S. Bach
Joyful, Joyful Beethoven/ L. Line
March Jubliant L. Line
Minuet in G J.S. Bach
Prelude in Classic Style G. Young
Prince of Denmark's March, The (Trumpet Voluntary) J. Clarke
Royal Fireworks Music G. F. Handel
Threads of Love L. Line
Trumpet Tune J. Clarke
Water Music Suite (various titles: Hornpipe, Air) G. F. Handel

USHERS GUIDELINES

1) Following the photo session and before the guests arrive, the ushers should walk through the church, the gathering space and the hospitality area making sure all is neat and presentable. Remove all debris such as boxes and wrappers. Waste needs to be taken out to the dumpsters, chairs in the gathering space need to be pushed in, tables wiped off and crumbs and trash cleaned up from the floor.

2) All ushers should be aware of reserved seating needs for the wedding party, the parents, immediate family, and special guests. This should be discussed the night of the rehearsal. Traditionally, the bride's parents and immediate family are seated on the left and the groom's parents and immediate family are seated on the right. All other guests should be placed immediately behind these family members in any pew, regardless of whose guests they are.

3) Worship aides may be handed out by the ushers, or others chosen as the guests are escorted to their pews.

4) An important responsibility is to have all seated at least 2 minutes prior to the designated starting time. Anytime before the designated starting time the ushers should seat the grandparents.

5) During the liturgy the ushers should be attentive to any needs or concerns that may arise.

6) Ushers need to be aware of the locations of lavatories and drinking fountains and telephones should anyone ask.

7) Ushers should be aware, in case of an emergency, that there is a telephone located in the bridal room/hospitality room and one in the kitchen. A defibrillator is located in gathering space on the wall between the kitchen and the overflow room. Please ask the attendant to show you where.

8) Ushers need not usher people during the Communion procession.

9) Following the wedding liturgy, the ushers may be asked to usher guests out of church, starting with the front pew.

10) After guests have left, ushers should:
--put up all kneelers.
--remove and dispose of all trash, boxes, kleenex, debris, and wedding programs from the pews.
--remove unity candle, and any flowers from the sanctuary.
--remove all waste from the bridal room/hospitality room and kitchen.
--remove all waste from the parking lot

In general, ushers should check the church and make sure that it is left in its original condition.

Photographer & Videographer Guidelines

While recognizing the desire of individuals to make visual recordings of their wedding, there is also a need to ensure a sacred environment for the community’s worship. To help you utilize your talent in the celebration of this marriage, our photo policy is as follows:

1) Photo sessions before the wedding liturgy may use any public part of the church. Limit picture taking to a two hour period before the wedding liturgy, with group photos in the church to be completed 1/2 hour before the liturgy. The church will be open at 10:30 am for a 2:00 pm wedding.

2) No additional photographs are to be taken following the wedding liturgy without permission.

3) Our sanctuary is not a studio; therefore it is improper and not permitted to move liturgical furnishings.

4) Please respect the sacredness of the tabernacle chapel. It is not a place for photos to be taken.

5) Pictures during the ceremony are permitted as long as no flash is used and the prayer is not distracted. Flash pictures are allowed during the procession and recession only. No flash photography is permitted during the liturgy. Video operators may not use extra lighting.

6) Video/Cameras are not allowed in the sanctuary during the liturgy and may not block the view of any member of the worshiping assembly.

7) Please use good judgment and limit your movement during the liturgy. Video or Camera operators may not walk in the procession and take pictures of the bridal party. If you have any questions regarding where you are permitted to stand during the liturgy, please speak to the wedding attendant on duty.

8) Please do not set anything on the altar or on the piano. They are not tables. If you need a table please ask the attendant for one.