YOUR WEDDING IN THE CHURCH
In choosing to be married in the Church, you are making a statement of faith and commitment not only to each other, but also to God. Your wedding is an act of worship of God and a celebration of the love you have found with each other. It is appropriate then, that it takes place in a sacred environment amongst the community of the church. The Sacrament of Marriage is a sacred union of two people who wish to have God’s help and blessing not only on their most special day but every day of the married life.

RESERVING THE CHURCH
Catholic marriage should be celebrated in one’s own parish church, as this is the center of family worship. Your pastor has jurisdiction over he Sacrament of Matrimony. Weddings are allowed to be celebrated at Holy Spirit without a charge if you are a registered active contributing parishioner. This means that you have been registered, attend mass weekly, and worship with your offerings and that you have done so for at least one year. If you live out of town, you may also be married at Holy Spirit, but only if you have parents or other close relatives who attend Holy Spirit and meet the “active parishioner” criteria. For those who do not meet that criterion, there is a charge. Please consult the fee schedule on page eleven for that information. This is to secure the church for the wedding and the rehearsal. This fee is payable along with the “Statement of Agreement” which must be signed and returned to the church office. No date will be reserved until the fee is paid.

GETTING THE BALL ROLLING
In order to plan your wedding at Holy Spirit, please read the following information carefully. Anyone wishing to enter marriage must contact Kathy Coder, our Office Secretary at least six months prior to your desired wedding date. This is Diocesan Policy. If you live out of town, it is your responsibility to contact your parish priest to begin your preparation. It is your home parish’s responsibility to arrange all necessary marriage instruction. Paper work and other requirements are also to be completed in conjunction with your home parish and by your parish priest or his delegate.

PREVIOUS MARRIAGE
If there has been a previous marriage you must inform the Pastor. It will be necessary that the freedom to marry be ascertained according to the Church law. This may mean that one or both parties need to obtain an annulment prior to a wedding being scheduled here.

No date for a wedding can be given until the freedom to marry has been determined. If you have been granted an annulment, proper documentation must be presented to the Pastor. This will determine if any other actions need to take place before you can move forward with your wedding. If you do not live in the Charleston area, this documentation must be mailed to Kathy Coder at her request. The issue of a previous marriage and the decree of nullity apply to Catholics and non-Catholics alike.

Once the freedom to marry has been determined a date and time will be set, At the time you speak with Kathy Coder she will confirm the date and time of the wedding and the rehearsal.

SCHEDULING YOUR WEDDING
All weddings are celebrated on Saturdays. Because of our regular weekend liturgical schedule, they are celebrated at 2:00 PM. Arrangements for weddings must be made directly with Kathy Coder and not with other members of the parish staff. The Bride or Groom or both must make the arrangements, Arrangements will not be made through parents, friends or wedding coordinators.

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