Agata Jones family psychologist

TO THE BRIDE AND GROOM

The guidelines presented below are intended to be helpful in avoiding any misunderstanding that might arise in the planning of your wedding. Any questions should be referred to the Rector of Emmanuel Episcopal Church.

The Celebration and Blessing of a Marriage in the Episcopal Church is a sacramental rite expressing the outward and visible sign of God’s inward and spiritual grace bestowed upon those who are joined together holy matrimony. Marriage is a solemn yet joyful occasion signifying the mystery of the union between Christ and the Church. As the Prayer Book says, “Therefore marriage is not to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but reverently, deliberately, and in accordance with the purposes for which it was instituted by God.” The journey on which you are about to embark will be both the most exhilarating and the most challenging of your life. You and your beloved will be dedicating your lives to each other at God’s holy Altar and asking God to bless your relationship now and in the future. The vows and promises which you will make are intended to be lifelong. Traditional marriage is a symbol of Christ’s abiding presence in the world. We are pleased that you have chosen to celebrate this holy occasion at Emmanuel Episcopal Church and to allow us to share in planning your special day. In the pages which follow you will be given the list of requirements and expectations for you to consider. May God Bless you!

WHO MAY MARRY IN THE CHURCH?

The Episcopal Church does not seek out prospective couples to marry and normally only those who are members of Emmanuel, those becoming members, or those who are related to members are considered. In the case of divorced persons wanting to be married in the church, a petition to the Bishop is required for permission to solemnize the marriage. At least one of the parties must be a baptized Christian. The ceremony must be attested by at least two witnesses and the marriage must conform to the laws of the State and the canons of this church.

STATEMENT OF INTENTION

Your first step in preparing for your marriage at Emmanuel is to make an appointment with the Rector to begin your spiritual preparation. The Rector will put your wedding on the church calendar and verify the availability of the facility. Under no circumstances should you make a commitment in the form of invitation or announcement without first consulting the Rector. You must advise the Rector of your intention to be married at least thirty and preferably sixty days before the wedding so that arrangements can be made for required premarital instruction. If either or both of the parties desiring to be married in the church are divorced one calendar year must have elapsed between the date of the final divorce decree and the date of the wedding.  Additional time should be allowed for the bishop to receive the petition for remarriage and to make his reply. The Rector will guide you in making these plans.

PREMARITAL COUNSELING

Life is full of struggle and obstacles. It is best to begin a marriage with as few struggles as possible and some knowledge of what the obstacles may be. Premarital counseling is required by the church in an effort to help the couple better understand and prepare for marriage. The length and number of premarital counseling sessions may vary but is ordinarily between 4-6 sessions of  an hour to an hour and a half each, preferably at least a week apart. The appointment for counseling with the Rector should be made well in advance. Couples may be asked to take the Prepare and Enrich Inventory, a recognized assessment tool for preparing couples for marriage. This may be taken online from your home or at the church office. A follow-up appointment will be set to review the results. The cost for the online inventory is $30.