A WISH FOR YOU

Preparation for Marriage

The priests of the parish wish you every happiness and blessing in your forthcoming marriage.

We shall be happy to help you with the arrangements for your forth-coming marriage, and we hope that this booklet will be of help to you.

The preparation for marriage should not be rushed. The decision to marry is one of the greatest decisions of your life. Because it is such a serious step, your priest will want to see you and discuss your marriage with you on at least three occasions.

We therefore invite you to call and see your priest or contact Arus Lorcain well in advance of the proposed date of your marriage.

WHAT IS CHRISTIAN MARRIAGE?

"Married people must believe in the power of the Sacrament to make them holy; they must believe in their vocation to witness through their marriage to the power of Christ's Love" (Pope John Paul 11- Limerick).

Normally, when a couple decide to marry, a relationship of real love has developed between them. Their original friendship will have deepened and flowered into love. Now in deciding to marry, they are voluntarily making a very specific commitment. They are pledging to give themselves totally and exclusively to each other in love for life.

A couple will see their love in self-giving, each to the other. This self-giving must be total and exclusive, not half hearted, and not shared with any other. Their commitment is solely for themselves; their union is also designed by God for the procreation of children who will be the fruit of their mutual love. It is precisely in this self giving, that a couple publicly pledge themselves, when in marriage they exchange their 'irrevocable personal consent', and by that exchange there arises between them that 'intimate partnership of life and love' which in God's design constitutes the Sacrament of Marriage.

…Our love

today we pledge

forever…

ARRANGEMENTS

1. Notification to the priest of the parish or contact Arus Lorcain (0402-31716).

If under 18 years of age, six months notice must be given to the priests in which you live, if over 18 years of age, three months notice must be given to the priests of your parish. It is also necessary to give three months notice to the 'Registrar of civil marriages' prior to the date of your marriage.

2. Papers Required (by both parties)

a) Pre-nuptial form. This will be provided and completed by the priest of you parish.

b) Certificate of Baptism, issued within the last 6 months

c) Certificate of Confirmation

d) Letters of Freedom

If you resided outside your parish, in any one parish for more than 6 months, you will require a 'letter of freedom' from that parish, stating that you did not contract marriage while living there.

e) Letter of consent from your parents if you are under 21 years of age.

If either party is resident outside Ireland, all of the above papers should be completed by the priest where they live, and be forward by him to:-

The Chancellor,

Chancellor Offices,

Archbishop's House,

Dublin 9.

3. If one party is not catholic, the catholic party must write to;-

The Archbishop of Dublin,

Archbishop's House,

Drumcondra,

Dublin. 9.

and request a dispensation for a marriage of 'mixed religion'.

4. Permission can be given for a marriage of mixed religion in the Church of the 'non-catholic' party. If this is desired, permission for it must also be requested from the Archbishop.

5. The Priests of the Parish request that the couples take part in one of the Pre-Marriage courses. There are also special courses for ‘Inter Church’ couples. Information on these courses may be obtained from:-

The Secretary,

Accord,

35 Harcourt St.,

Dublin 2.

Tel. No. 01-47808866

6. If you wish to be married in Rome, the following requirements are necessary:-

a) Couples should contact a priest in Rome who would be willing to officiate at their wedding. Priests may be contacted at either the Irish College, or the Augustinian Church in Rome. Addresses are as follows:-

(i) The Rector

Pontifical Irish College,

Via Santi Quattro 1,

Roma,

Italy.

(ii) The Rev. Prior,

St Patrick's College and Church

Via Piemonte 60, 000187,

Roma,

Italy.

b) When (a) is confirmed, the priest of your parish will complete the customary pre-nuptial papers as described in No. 2, (page 3) Theses papers are then forward to the Chancellery, Archbishop's House. They should be sent to the Chancellery at least two months prior to the proposed date of the marriage.

c) At least 3 months prior to the data of marriage, the couple should go the Department of Foreign Affairs,

St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, indicating their intention of marrying in Rome. They will be asked to complete certain forms, which in turn will be sent to the Irish Ambassador in either Rome or the Vatican, depending upon where the wedding is to take place.

It is only when the designated priest in Rome has received both sets of papers (Ecclesiastical and Civil) that he can approach the church authorities in Rome /Vatican and finalise the arrangements.

BOOKING THE CHURCH

As soon as you have decided upon the date of your wedding, it is advisable to book the Church. Contact Arus Lorcáin (0402-317816).

Weddings are not permitted in this diocese after 4.30 p.m. or during Holy Week, Sundays or Holy Days.

In keeping with the spirit of Liturgical Seasons, if possible, you are asked to avoid the season of Lent and Advent. We would ask you, please, not to clash with fixtures already booked in the Church, such as Confirmations, 40 Hours Adoration, etc

THE CELEBRATION OF MARRIAGE

There are three recognised Rites for the celebration of marriage.

(1) The celebration of marriage during mass (normally known as a Nuptial Mass).

(2) The celebration of marriage without a Mass.

(3) The celebration of marriage between a catholic and an unbaptised person.

The priest you are dealing with will advise you on the most appropriate Rite for your wedding.

THE CELEBRATION OF MARRIAGE DURING MASS

THE NUPTIAL MASS

Readings: We suggest that the Best man / Bridesmaid or one of the guest should read the Lesson and the Responsorial Psalm. When reading they will benefit by facing the microphone speaking in a clear voice and reading the text slowly.

THE MARRIAGE CEREMONY

This takes place immediately after the Homily. There is a choice of three formulas to select from for:-

(a) The marriage.

(b) The blessing of rings.

(d) The nuptial blessing.

You should read them over in the booklet "The Marriage Rite" and let the priest know which one you select.

OFFERTORY PROCESSION

After the prayers of the faithful, the gifts of bread and wine may be brought in procession by some of your guests, handed to you, and then give them to the celebrant of the Mass.

HOLY COMMUNION

The Bride and Groom may receive Holy Communion under both species if they so wish. Those not coming to Holy Communion including visitors from other religious denominations are welcome to come forward with their arms crossed to accept words of blessing, 'Let us bless the Lord'.

THE NUPTIAL BLESSING

This blessing is given during Mass. Sometimes, in addition to this blessing, a couple may wish to have a Papal Blessing. If you would like to have this, the priest will give you the necessary letter. Application for the Papal Blessing should be made at least eight weeks before your wedding.

YOUR GUESTS

Your family and guests present at your Nuptial Mass form an important part of a very important day for you. Just as they will join in the celebration after Mass, they should be encouraged to join in the celebration of the Mass. A booklet for the Mass and ceremony is frequently helpful.

MUSIC AND THE CELEBRATION OF MARRIAGE

Liturgical music at the church ceremony can help to create a prayer-full atmosphere and deepen our and your guests' appreciation and understanding of the mystery of God's love which is at the centre of the sacramental celebration of marriage.

For some years a trend has developed where music from shows, musicals and popular charts have been played and sung in the church. These are more suitable for the private celebration that normally follows the Mass.

If you wish to have music at your wedding we would ask you to please make arrangements with the Church Organist or the Folk Group.

The Church Organists are:

Rosarii Kinsella, 8 Lamberton Heights, Arklow, Co Wicklow

Tel: (0402) 32150

John Bonner, Coolgreany Road, Arklow, Co Wicklow.

Tel: (0402) 39438

Mathew Sharpe, 3 Connolly Street, Arklow, Co Wicklow.

Tel: (0402) 31438

The Folk Group may be contacted after the 7 p.m. Sunday Mass.

The organists can guide you in your selection of music, following the guidelines laid down in the booklet "Music and the celebration of Marriage" issued by the Diocesan Music Commission.

FLOWERS

"Flowers and plants may be used as an adornment but any effect of crowding or over decoration must be avoided. Emphasis should be placed on the grouping of plants rather than on isolated, sometimes distracting flower arrangements. Artificial flowers, or other such arches may never be used within churches". (The Place of Worship'; Episcopal Liturgical Commission of Ireland, 1991).

The floral arrangements on our altar are a source of constant admiration by all who visit our churches. If you wish to present flowers to the church for your wedding, please contact: -

Arklow Church Johnstown Church

Mrs. L. Ryan, Mrs. Peg Lacy,

8 South Green, Johnstown,

Arklow, Arklow,

Co. Wicklow. Co. Wicklow.

Tel: (0402)39583 Tel: (0402)31034

It would be appreciated if you would please show your appreciation financially to the ladies who spend their time preparing the flowers for your wedding. It normally takes three to four hours to prepare flowers for a church wedding.

PHOTOGRAPHS & VIDEOS

The recording of your wedding on film can in later years give many hours of enjoyment. We would be grateful that when engaging your photographer, that you would please request him / her to be discreet when filming in church. We request that no floodlighting be used, and that all filming be done from outside the sanctuary area.

CONFETTI

The Church Guild are a voluntary body of parishioners who maintained the church in impeccable order. Confetti thrown in the church porch or grounds adds considerable to their work. We would appreciate it if you would please ask your guess not to scatter confetti in the church or church grounds.

PASSPORT

The priest arranging your wedding will give you a letter prior to your marriage stating that you will be married in the near future, if you should need it for the Passport Office.

CONFESSIONS

The bridal party should make sure to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation before the marriage ceremony.

PUNCTUALITY

We would appreciate very much you being in the church at the agreed time of your marriage.

THE MARRIAGE REGISTER

The bride and groom, best man and bridesmaid normally sign the civil documents after the ceremony.

WEDDING OFFERING

It is customary to make and offering to the church on the occasion of a wedding. An envelope is enclosed for your offering, which currently is €150. It is also tradition to make an offering to the clerk of the church (St David's, Johnstown) and to the alter servers.

All offerings should be made before the wedding when the marriage arrangements are being finalised.

YOU AND YOUR PARISH

If you are making your home in this parish, we are happy to welcome you. If you so wish, one of the priests will be happy to bless your home. If your home will be in another parish, it is probably that one of the priests may call on you. You might like to make yourself known to the priests of your new parish, after you settle down.

THE MASS AND YOU

The Parish Church is the centre of the Parish. The Sunday Parish Mass is the central action of the Parish Community. Your marriage began at the altar, and week by week at the altar at your Sunday Mass and Holy Communion, your love, the consecration of your lives to each other is refreshed and renewed.

…The first day of

our life together…