Wedding Information
Weddings are a celebration for the couple, for their family, and for the wider family of the Church. St. Vincent de Paul Church is delighted to be part of this celebration.
A desire to marry is a sign that each partner has opened their hearts to each other and finally found the courage in their love to want to offer and to receive total commitment for life. There is a risk here for they are offering their whole life to another human being in complete trust. But love, the kind of authentic love which reflects the love of God, does just that; it is willing to give everything, even life itself, for the beloved.
Couples that wish to be married at St. Vincent de Paul Church should contact the office at least 6 months in advance and make an appointment with the pastor. We want to help you in not only planning your wedding but also provide marriage preparation that will strengthen your relationship and provide greater success in your marriage. So even though at least 6 months is recommended for the preparation, couples are encouraged to start the preparation and planning process as soon as they are engaged. Starting the preparation early also allows you to schedule the date you want.
Preparation for marriage normally includes:
- A meeting with the pastor to schedule the wedding, fill out paperwork, discuss marriage preparation and wedding planning.
- A meeting with the parish secretary to schedule the facilities;
- Couple’s counseling using the Prepare/Enrich tool;
- The introductory class about Natural Family Planning;
- Participation in either the Unitas Marriage Preparation at St. Vincent’s (see below) or Catholic Engaged Encounter.
- A final meeting to discuss your experience of marriage preparation and plan the Wedding Liturgy.
Contact the office to set up an appointment at 316-733-1423.
Planning Your Wedding
Couples meet with the pastor in the month before the wedding to plan in detail for their wedding liturgy. Couples also should communicate with the music director 4 months in advance to reserve the date and at least 1 month in advance to finalize the music.
The following are materials to help you personalize your wedding. These choices should be made before your first meeting with the pastor to plan the wedding liturgy. Carefully reading and praying with these ritual options and scripture readings will help you appreciate more deeply God’s place in your relationship and the sacrament of marriage.
The Marriage Rite selections include information to guide the choice of type of wedding liturgy as well as options for the Vows, Reception of Consent, Blessings of Rings, Nuptial Blessing, Final Blessing, and the Prayer of the Faithful.
Marriage Rite Selections
- Old Testament Readings (choose one)
- New Testament Readings (choose one)
- Gospel Readings (choose one)
There is a Wedding Liturgy Planning Sheet to record your selections before meeting to plan the Wedding Liturgy.
The SVdP Wedding Planning Book contains information for Marriage Preparation, Ceremony Planning, and Music Planning.
Unitas Marriage Preparation
This ministry is geared to those preparing for the sacrament of marriage. Sponsor couples are matched with engaged couples in this program which extends over 4 or 5 weeks. Experienced volunteers make presentations, provide hospitality, and help couples explore areas of married life, such as finance, children, spirituality, intimacy, values, and family background.