Scheduling

We often spend years of academic preparation for a career which we change quite readily, whereas many people spend little or no time understanding the skills that result in a happy marriage to which we commit ourselves for a lifetime. The Church has great concern that there be adequate preparation for marriage.

 

Why six months for Preparation?

One of the most important decisions that a person makes in life is the entrance into marriage.  We often spend years of academic preparation for a career which we change quite readily, whereas many people spend little or no time understanding the skills that result in a happy marriage to which we commit ourselves for a lifetime.  Statistics inform us that half of all present-day marriages end in divorce, most within the first two years. 
 
The Church has great concern that there be adequate preparation for marriage.  We feel that we need at least six months to work with you.  Some couples even begin their preparation a year or more before the date of their wedding.  Occasionally a couple will decide to postpone or call off their wedding if they discover issues which reflect a lack of readiness.  We will spend whatever time that is necessary until you feel that you are as ready as possible for the celebration of your marriage.

 

When celebrated?

Normally marriage can be celebrated on any Saturday, except during the season of Lent, or on Holy Saturday or any Saturday that itself is a holyday, such as Christmas.  Our Saturday morning liturgy is at 8:00 am and our evening Mass is at 4:30 pm.  Wedding ceremonies may be scheduled between the hours of 10:30 am and 1:30 pm or at or after 6:30 pm.  A Friday evening wedding is also an option.  Any variations need the approval of the pastor.

 

Who presides?

The pastor is the normal celebrant for the Sacrament of Marriage.  If the celebration is to be without Mass, either the pastor or one of the deacons may be the celebrant.  If you have a special relationship with a priest or a deacon in another parish, that person may be designated to celebrate your wedding.  Permission is to be obtained from the pastor of Saint Columban.  If a non-Catholic party has a special relationship with his/her minister, that minister may be invited to assist in the ceremony.
 
Please contact your chosen celebrant as soon as possible.  There are two reasons for this.  First, schedules become full rapidly and your chosen celebrant may not have the date open if you wait too long.  Second, most priests and deacons wish to be involved in the preparation of any couples whose marriages they plan to witness.

 

Mass or not?

If both the bride and groom are active Roman Catholics, the wedding usually takes place within the celebration of the Eucharist.  If only one party is Catholic and the other is a baptized Christian, or if one of the parties is not baptized, the wedding takes place without the Eucharist so that both parties and their families can equally participate.