Policy & Guidelines

MARRIAGE PREPARATION POLICY AND GUIDELINES FOR ST. CATHERINE OF SIENA CHURCH

This information represents the combined policies of the Archdiocese of Denver and St. Catherine of Siena Church.

WEDDING DATE

The general policy at St. Catherine’s is to have a ceremony on any given Saturday. Times available for weddings are 10:30 AM, 2:00 PM and 6:30 PM. Your wedding date may be secured by calling the marriage coordinator to see if a particular date is available. An  initial interview with the marriage coordinator will determine if you are “free” to marry, that is, there are no impediments or previous marriages. The couple must make a non-refundable $150.00 down-payment to reserve the date.

FEES FOR USE OF THE CHURCH

For members of the parish for a period of no less than eight months, the fee is $350.00. For non-parishioners, the fee is $550.00. All fees must be paid within 30 days of the wedding. They do not however include the cost of the required Archdiocesan preparation programs. This also does not include an honorarium (donation) for the officiating clergy.

CANCELLATION

In the event of cancellation we ask to be notified at the earliest possible time so that the date can be available for other use.

MARRIAGE PREPARATION

The preparation length is twelve to eight months. Each engaged couple looking to be married at St.Catherine’s’ must contact the parish office at least twelve to eight months in advance of their wedding date. This twelve to eight-month period allows time to develop “life skills” that will help in their life together and understand more, the beauty of the Church’s’ teaching on marriage.

The couple is also required to participate in an “engaged couple’s” inventory (FOCCUS) to be completed at St. Catherine’s. They are then required to participate in one of the Archdiocesan approved marriage preparation programs. Here at St Catherine of Siena Parish we offer a comprehensive marriage preparation course, that covers two of the three steps required by the Archdiocese. There are also a variety of programs offered in the Archdiocese.

Marriage preparation programs allow the engaged couple to reflect on and discuss various areas that touch married life today, such as religious values, communication skills, lifestyle expectations, the raising of children, etc. For various Archdiocesan programs call 303-715-3259, or visit online at www.archden.org/marriage

This process is an investment of time and energy, to help build the foundation of your life together. The Church wants your marriage to be successful and we feel that it is our responsibility to provide you with the best possible preparation for married life.

DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED

  • Baptismal Certificate: A current (within six months of the wedding date) baptismal certificate is required (with notations of 1st Communion and Confirmation if applicable) from the Catholic party. This is obtained by calling or writing the parish in which you were baptized and asking them to send you a copy of your baptismal certificate. A copy of the certificate given to your parents at the time of your baptism is not acceptable.
  • Proof of Freedom to Marry: A witness (preferably a parent) must complete a questionnaire attesting to the individual’s freedom to marry. Other documentation is required when one of the parties is not Catholic. The priest or marriage coordinator will outline the specific requirements.

WEDDING DAY

Rehearsal

Rehearsals are generally scheduled on the day before your wedding between 4:00 and 6:00 P.M. Exceptions to this must be arranged with the priest who is witnessing your ceremony and approved by the pastor, since all rehearsals are subject to the availability of the church. Visiting clergy must conduct their own rehearsals.

Photography and Videography

Both photography and videography are allowed, however, a professional photographer should contact the marriage coordinator prior to the ceremony to determine what is permitted. Anyone filming or taking pictures of the ceremony should keep in mind the sacredness of the event and at all times be mindful of the presence of the Blessed Sacrament.

Music

Only music approved by the parish music director, Mrs. Madeline Mottola, is permitted. All music should be coordinated through Mrs. Mottola, including the use of outside musicians and vocalists. Mrs. Madeline Mottola can be reached at 303-477-9489. Spanish music is available by the Jovenes Para Cristo for a Spanish Mass. (Please contact the parish)

Rice or similar substances

No rice, confetti, bird seed, torn paper, flower petals, or other items may be thrown on church property as these items create a safety hazard for wedding guests or our parishioners who will be attending mass later on that day.

Aisle Runner

The center aisle is 100 feet long. If you use an aisle runner it is your responsibility to remove and dispose of it after the ceremony. The parish does not provide the aisle runner.

Decorations and Flowers

It is the couple’s responsibility to provide any flower arrangements. The church has a limited number of flower stands available for use. It is also the couple’s responsibility to remove flowers from the church at the end of the ceremony. If you are having your flowers delivered, please call the parish office and make arrangements for someone to receive them. Pews may be decorated with bows on the side. No decorations and/or flowers are permitted on or behind the altar.

Candles and Candelabra

The only candles permitted are those provided by the church. The only exception is a “Unity” candle or unity candle set, (if you chose to provide one).

Dressing Rooms

A dressing room is available in the basement of the church for use of the bride and bridesmaids. Be sure to protect your personal belongings, as the church cannot be responsible for lost or stolen items. Putting a relative or friend in charge of these items is recommended. The groom and ushers must be dressed for the wedding when they come to church, as no facilities are available for them to dress.

Officiating Clergy

The officiating clergy for a wedding in the Catholic Church is a priest or a deacon. A priest assigned to the parish will normally officiate, however, if you have a friend or relative who is a priest or deacon and would like to officiate, check with the priest or marriage coordinator who is preparing you, so that arrangements can be made. The honorarium (donation) for the officiating clergy is not included in the fees paid to the church.

Marriage License

A Colorado marriage license, which is valid for a period of no more than 30 days, must be provided at the time of the rehearsal. We recommend that the license is obtained at least a week prior to the ceremony.

Alcohol and Drugs

Alcohol and/or drugs are prohibited on church grounds. Intoxication with either drugs or alcohol on the part of the couple or their witnesses renders a marriage invalid in both civil and church law.

Items Left Behind in the Church

The church is not responsible for any items that may be left behind. Please make arrangements for someone to check the church after the ceremony to avoid leaving items behind. If you have questions regarding this information, or additional questions or issues, please contact the marriage coordinator, Ph. 303-455-9090.