Sacraments - Matrimony

   It is an honor and privilege to walk with you on your journey to the sacrament of marriage.  I/we want to assist you so that this journey can truly be a joyful and life enriching experience.  This guide is meant to help you navigate some of the practical dimensions of preparing for your wedding within our parish family.  May God bless you!   

Very Rev. Msgr. Matthew T. Long, Pastor

Email address: pastor@stjudebossier.org

 MARRIAGE PREPARATION GUIDELINES & REQUIREMENTS 

Either the bride or the groom must be a registered parishioner at St. Jude Catholic Church for at least nine months prior to the wedding. Non-parishioners are allowed with the permission of the Pastor.  

The couple needs to contact the pastor at least nine months prior to the wedding (diocesan policy) to allow for adequate marriage preparation and reflection.  

Since participation in Sunday Eucharist is so central to practicing the Catholic faith, the Catholic parties are highly expected to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation. 

 You have the freedom to select the priest of your choice to witness your marriage at St. Jude, whether assigned at St. Jude or another Catholic Church.  You can also select the deacon of your choice if your ceremony is outside the context of a Mass.  If you select a clergyman from another church, they would need to formally request permission from the pastor of St. Jude in writing. 

An initial meeting of both bride and groom with the priest/deacon to complete necessary paperwork, go over the process, and begin the FOCCUS inventory will be required. 

 3 to 5 subsequent meetings with be required with the pastor/deacon to evaluate the FOCCUS results and provide “Together For Life” book for wedding ceremony selections.  

After first meeting with priest/deacon, contact Wedding Coordinators Lynn Mills & Sharon Barrett, and Director of Music & Liturgy, Gwen Stuart. 

All musical selections and all musicians must be coordinated and approved through the Parish Director of Music & Liturgy, Gwen Stuart, to ensure appropriateness. Order of Service (program) must also be approved. 

Attendance at a Marriage Seminar at St. Jude is required.  If schedule conflict, able to attend at another Catholic Seminar in area.  Turn in copy of certificate to verify participation in Seminar.  

If Catholic, obtain a new copy of your baptismal certificate (one issued within six months of the wedding) from your church of Baptism.   

If not Catholic, obtain a Baptism Statement from the church or a family witness.  

• Photocopy of annulment decree/s if previously married.  If previous spouse/s is/are         deceased, photocopy of their death certificate.  
• Turn in required documents and selections for wedding ceremony to priest/deacon preparing you for the sacrament at least two weeks before wedding, preferably sooner. 
• As a form of spiritual preparation, each Catholic party is highly encouraged to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation prior to the wedding.

WEDDING TIME AND RECEPTION 

Weddings may take place any day except Sunday. Saturdays until Noon or at 6:30pm (unless held during Mass).

The Family Life Center, which can be divided into  three sections, is available for receptions.  

Responsibility for set-up and clean-up   (immediately following the reception) is that of the  family.    

None of the furniture or statues in the  Family Life Center or hallways can be moved other  than the 6 foot and 8 foot table and chairs.  

The Family Life Center can seat 300 for meals, 500 for stand-up receptions.  Seating 300 with a band and dance floor could be a challenge, especially with round tables. Sound hook-up is available. 

A contract is signed with the Parish Business Manager for the use of the space.  Rental fees depend on use. 

If alcohol is to be served, permission of pastor is required. A uniformed security officer and professional bartenders must be secured per diocesan guidelines.

 REHEARSAL AND WEDDING  

Bring the marriage license to the rehearsal 

The church’s wedding coordinator is present for the rehearsal and ceremony, helps with flowers, protocol, etc.   

Altar flowers at a weekend wedding can remain in the sanctuary for the parish Masses, or be taken home immediately after wedding.  

A Bride’s Room is available with direct access to bathroom facilities.  Groom and groomsmen come to the church already attired.  They may use an adjoining area as a place to relax.

   Photographs may be scheduled ninety minutes prior to the ceremony and immediately following wedding. 

 Rice, confetti, rose petals or any other material may not be thrown inside or outside the church.  Permission may be obtained for birdseed outside the reception building.  

All rented pieces must be approved.  The sanctuary must be cleaned immediately following wedding & photographs. The family is responsible for the cleaning.