Ready For The Next 150 Years!

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Marriages

We, the priests and people of HOLY FAMILY PARISH wish to extend to you our most sincere congratulations as you Prepare to enter on one the most fruitful periods of your life. We wish to make the ceremony of your joining together as Husband and Wife, a very joyous and meaningful experience. We pray that you will always remember this day with happiness throughout your life together. To aid you in planning your marriage, it is necessary to know the procedures and regulations which exist in our parish and diocese, to help you facilitate in the preparation or a beautiful and meaningful ceremony.

Please remember that newly married couples MUST REGISTER in the parish as a newly married couple, even if they are already registered as single members. By registering you can fully participate in the life of the parish as a newly married couple. One should never be a stranger to the Catholic Church after they have been joined together by God to begin a new life.

ALL WEDDINGS MUST TAKE PLACE IN A CHURCH AS PER DIOCESAN REGULATIONS.

All couples must contact a priest at least six months before the desired date to complete the necessary paperwork. A wedding on Saturday can be scheduled no later than 2:30 p.m. at Holy Family Church. Weddings may also be scheduled during the week with the consultation of the priest and the parish schedule

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WEDDING REGULATIONS
.	Al couples MUST attend either the Engaged Encounter Weekend offered by the Diocese of Greensburg or receive the marriage instructions. Registration forms and dates are available at the rectory. All couples MUST take the FOCCUS Test offered by the parish. The couple will need to return and review the results of the FOCCUS Test with the priest once they are received. Couples will also need to submit a new copy of their Baptismal Certificate, which must be dated within six months of the wedding. To help the couple plan the ceremony, the priest will give them a booklet "Together for Life" which will help them to choose their readings and prayers. All couples must obtain a Marriage License from any county courthouse located in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Also, please bring the civil license to the church the night of the rehearsal.

	It is expected that the couple provide FLOWERS for the ceremony or the alter. It is reminded that the flower arrangements remain on the alter for the entire weekend, and these should be live flowers. Please contact your priest who can give you all the details about what decorations are permitted.

	IF YOU ARE NOT A REGISTERED MEMBER OF HOLY FAMILY PARISH AND DESIRE TO BE MARRIED HERE, YOU WILL NEED TO FOLLOW THESE GUIDELINES:
	You will need the proper permission from the Pastor of Holy Family Parish.
	You will need the proper permission from the Pastor of the Catholic Parish of which you are a registered and attending member ( bride & groom ).
	The date must be available.
	You will need to bring your own Priest for the Rehearsal and the Wedding.

	PHOTOGRAPHS
	Photographs may be taken from the side of the Sanctuary during the actual marriage ceremony. Photographs may be taken before and after the actual marriage ceremony outside of the Sanctuary only. At the conclusion of the service the wedding party may return to the Sanctuary for pictures only if time permits. PLEASE BE RESPECTFUL OF THOSE IN CHURCH WHO ARE PRAYING AND / OR GOING TO CONFESSION.

	VIDEO CAMERAS
	Video cameras may be used with the discretion of the priest and should be stationary at the back of the Sanctuary or mobile outside the sanctuary. All professional photographers should check with the priest ( celebrant ) before the actual ceremony. A Christian wedding is more than a solemn exchange of vows by an engaged couple. It is also an act of worship in which the bride and groom come together to celebrate a sacrament, to offer thanks and praise together with their family and friends, and to ask God's blessings on their life together as husband and wife.

	REHEARSAL / RECEPTION LINE
	Ordinarily, the rehearsal will take place the evening before the wedding for all members of the bridal party, which includes the parents of the bride and groom. The exact time is set with the priest. A this time, the marriage license and wedding stipend for the church / priest and alter servers should be presented to the priest. This will prevent last minute forgetfulness by the couple on the day of the wedding. ( Stipends for the Music Director and Cantor are expected two weeks before the wedding.) Please remember that the priest is prohibited by the State of Pennsylvania from performing the ceremony unless he has the license in his hands. If permission is granted to a receiving line in the church itself, please remember that it should be done in a quiet and respectful manner because everyone is still present in the house of God.

	The PEW BOWS and CRASH are your responsibility. If it is your desire to have this as part of your ceremony. NOTE: The aisle at Holy Family Church is 100 feet long.

	If a PROGRAM is desired for use during the wedding ceremony, it is the responsibility of the couple to provide one. BEFORE IT IS PRINTED, it should be shown to the priest ( celebrant ) and the Music Director for their approval.

	Throwing of rice, birdseed, etc. is forbidden on church property. It poses a problem for footing especially if the weather is damp and for cleanup.
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SUGGESTED OFFERINGS ACCORDING TO DIOCESAN POLICY
.	PRIEST & CHURCH - Combined . . . $100.00

	CHURCH ( for non-members ) . . . $200.00 - you will also be responsible for the stipend for the Priest

	ALTER SERVERS ( 2 ) - Minimum $5.00 each . . . ( If you have family members / friends who will act as Alter Servers, please let us know.)

	ORGANIST . . . $75.00 - ( You MUST contact our Music Director for more information )

	CANTOR . . . $75.00 - Our Music Director can suggest a Cantor for you. If you have a friend or family member who can be the Cantor, please speak with our Music Director about this.
	If you have any questions, please call the Rectory at 724-539-9751