Couples contemplating marriage should contact our parish office as soon as they decide to marry and speak with a priest or deacon to begin their preparation and schedule the wedding date. Couples should plan to begin the necessary paperwork with a priest or deacon at least six months prior to the planned wedding date.
St. Helen Catholic Church Marriage Guidelines
I. Initial Arrangements – Please call for an appointment with the Priest/Deacon as soon as possible after becoming engaged. At this interview, you will be given an overview of the marriage preparation process, be able to determine if your date and time are free, discuss fees and begin certain documentation preparation. St. Helen reserves weddings on site for registered parishioners. The Priest/Deacon can also discuss the process to have an existing civil marriage sacramentally blessed.
II. Marriage Preparation Process – There are three major aspects of this process.
Fully Engaged-The Priest/deacon following the initial meeting will register you with Fully Engaged-an online questionnaire to compare how you and your spouse view the important issues in a marriage. Once you have completed this online you will meet with a couple to review and begin the Witness to Love Program.
Witness to Love-this is a 6-session program in which you meet with a mentoring couple in their home to view a video on marriage and then discuss the mentoring couple experiences. It is imperative that the couple to be married pick their own mentoring couple. The Priest/deacon will review this at the initial meeting. Marriage Preparation Class-this is a Saturday program (morning to midafternoon), offered monthly by the Diocese of Palm Beach which covers many significant topics regarding marriage. The class is offered on the St. Helen campus twice yearly. Registration is through the Diocese of Palm Beach web site.
ONLINE MARRIAGE PREP REGISTRATION LINK
III. Scheduling – Wedding ceremonies may be scheduled on Saturday at 10:00 a.m., 12:00 noon, or 2:00 p.m. Weddings may also be scheduled on weekday evenings at times that do not conflict with other parish or school activities.
IV. Paperwork – The following paperwork is necessary before marriage can occur in the Catholic Church. A copy of the Baptismal Record for each baptized person – one issued within the last six months for each Catholic party. Widows and widowers will need to produce a Death Certificate for the previous spouse. A marriage license is an absolute requirement for marriage in the state. For information on this, contact the County Clerk at 772-567-8000. If a previous marriage has occurred with either partner, which might require further discussion, a Divorce Decree is required.
V. Rehearsal – The Priest/Deacon assisting you will suggest a time for rehearsal. The wedding party and all who participate in the ceremony are to attend. Please remember to bring the marriage license and church/music fees, along with the booklet “Together for Life” to the rehearsal.
VI. Music – All music for the wedding ceremony is to be arranged through Music Director at 772-567-5129. Please call for an appointment as soon as you have your wedding day. The Music Director will assist you with our music selections.
VII. Flowers – Flowers are the responsibility of the couple. Flower, ribbons, and candles that are used on the pews must be secured with pew clips or ribbons, but not tape, glue, or wire because can damage the wood finish. White runners for the center aisle are available through your florist.
VIII. Photos – Professional photographers and other desiring pictures are welcome, but they are to consult with the Priest/Deacon before the ceremony. Photographers are not disturbing or impede the ceremony. Photos taken after the ceremony are to be completed a one-half hour before the next ceremony.
Other Reminders:
- It is extremely important that the rehearsal and wedding begin on time. Please be early, or at least on time.
- Please refrain from throwing rice, flower petals, birdseed, confetti, etc., on the church property.
- There are no dressing room facilities for the wedding party.
- At St. Helen Parish we have a dress code for the bride, bridesmaids and guests. The Priest/Deacon or Marriage Preparation Coordinator will review these guidelines.
- Any deviations from the traditional ceremony should be discussed with the Priest/Deacon well in advance of the rehearsal
St. Helen Parish Office 772-567-5129