Catholic Weddings — The Knot Community

A few questions

larzhope — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 18:16:47 +0000

Hey all,

Not sure I"ve ever posted on this board before. My fiance and I are getting married 9/17/11 in MIchigan (we live in Seattle currently). We found a church that would marry us in Michigan and a priest (no easy task since we weren't members, even though we are both Catholic and have been through all the required sacraments).

We are opting to have a marriage ceremony outside of mass. What does this typically look like? Our priest gave us a book, but I'm pretty sure it covers both ceremonies so I'm trying to figure out how many readings to pick, etc.

The church that we are marrying at doesn't have a priest, so they recommended that we contact a retired priest, which we've done and he's agreed to marry us. We paid a $950 fee for using the church - should we also pay the priest? If so, how much do you think is appropriate?

We are also goign through pre-cana here in Seattle - I'm very nervous about all the correct paperwork getting done on time and filed with all the appropriate archdiocese. Any tips/advice anyone can give me on that would be great!

Prayer of the Faithful Petitions...

onthego11 — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 02:10:45 +0000

It was brought up last night during our meeting with Fr. Bob about my FI and I doing the reading of our Petiitions. My FI is all for it, but I dont do well with public speaking...even if its our family and friends. What are your thoughts?

Full Catholic ceremony with mass OR Catholic liturgy

lindzi375 — Sun, 28 Nov 2010 17:05:02 +0000

I am curious as to who is having a full mass at their wedding and who is only doing the liturgy? Also, may I ask why you chose that ceremony?

prayer request

meganb1977 — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 20:21:09 +0000

Just wanted to reach out for some good wishes...my father went into the hospital yesterday with chest pains and they suspect a blockage and are doing a balloon/stint this afternoon. I know it's routine and that people bounce right back and are fine afterwards (my fiance's mother had one done thirteen years ago and is still very much alive and kicking). But it gave me a lot of perspective. My father and I aren't close and it seemed weird to have him walking me down the aisle especially since I've been living on my own for almost twelve years, but if I think about something happening to him, I wouldn't want him to NOT be there when the time comes. Despite the differences in their lifestyles that my dad is healthier than his dad was, it's scary to think that when my grandfather died he was only a few years older than my father and my father was a couple of years younger than me. And there is a lot of time before my April 2012 wedding so anything could happen! Not to mention that my poor mother probably has her hands full, my father hasn't even been able to have water since midnight and you know how men get when they don't feel good. So all positive vibes are greatly appreciated.

prayer request

meganb1977 — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 19:22:41 +0000

Resolution Check - in 1/5/11

k8ly — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 15:04:54 +0000

So today's goals:

1. Get up on time - check.
2. Rosary before bed
3. Have our tasting tonight for our reception venue, so try to be good during day. Bringing lunch helping - and fruit for snacks instead of vending machine.

Got on the scale today. O_o! Will hopefully be incentive to get up and do SOME form of exercise in the morning!

Have a good day, all!

Please check my invitations

mcdol3 — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 15:13:56 +0000

Hey ladies,

We are having a full mass for our ceremony. Both our parents and us are paying for the wedding, but it's mostly them. Can you check our wording?
Any suggestions?

Do you like the look of it

?

"Upon This Rock... " Awesome excerpt from Fr. Corapi's book

Jasmine&Rajah — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 12:41:05 +0000

Apologies in advance if this looks odd - the font size stubbornly refuses to adjust . . .

For anyone who isn't familiar with Father's preaching . . . he is, IMHO, a truly amazing man and priest. After a life of wealth and luxury followed by a drug addiction and homelessness, he had a conversion to Catholicism and discerned his call to the priesthood. Tapings of his sermons given around the country are often shown on EWTN (if you have a DVR or Tivo, I highly recommendsetting up a "Corapi" channel to catch the programs.) DH and I have learned so much from him.

Upon This Rock, I Shall Build My Church

An Excerpt from Father Corapi's book, "Ever Ancient, Ever New"

Reflecting the thought of the church through the ages, the Catechism (#760) reminds us that Christians of the first centuries said, "The world was created for the sake of the Church." God created the world for the sake of communion with his divine life, a communion brought about by the "convocation" of men in Christ, and this "convocation" is the Church. Many people have problems with the Church quite simply because they do not understand its origins, its mission, or its end. The Catholic Church is not a mere human invention, like a political or social entity. The Church is of divine institution; Jesus Christ himself instituted the Church, not mere men after his Ascension (#763-766)

We recall a striking scene from the Gospel of Matthew: Jesus and his disciples are passing through the region of Caesarea Philippi - a region known for its pagan religions. The Mater asks his disciples who they say that the Son of Man is. It was perhaps one of the first public opinion polls regarding Christianity. The results of such polls of mere personal opinions, then as now, are less than satisfying: "Some say John the Baptizer, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." These were conflicting and contradictory guesses and opinions that have none of the ring of authority and authenticity the human spirit needs in order to walk confidently in the dark night of faith. Then, one voice rang out, the voice of Simon: "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God!" The response of the Lord is the definitive answer when it comes to answering the question, "Who founded the Church?": "Blest are you, Simon son of John! No mere man has revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. I for my part declare to you, you are 'Rock,' and on this rock I will build my church, and the jaws of death shall not prevail against it." Note who the "I" is: the "I" is a divine person, the subject of action is divine; God himself institutes the Church. The Church is not a mere human institution. Christ, the eternal Word, the Father's Son, institutes and builds his Church on the "Rock."

All through the Old Testament, "Rock" with an uppercase"R" refers to God himself. Then in the Gospel of Matthew referred to above, we see Jesus, the "Rock," because he is a divine subject of action, renaming Simon "Rock." Jesus, the real "Rock," is also referred to as the "bridegroom" or "groom" as well in Scripture. The Church is his "bride" (#796). We know, also from the Word, that in marriage, whether natural or supernatural, the "two become one flesh." Jesus and his church are one; bridegroom and bride are one. Hence, Christ is naming Peter "Rock", one with himself. There is no other "Rock" other than Christ absolutely speaking. However, the Rock, in a mystical marriage, unites his beloved bride, the Church, to himself. Simon is named "Rock", and whoever hears the Rock Peter is hearing the Rock who is Christ; whoever rejects the Rock who is Peter, rejects the Rock Christ and the One who sent him, the Father.

You cannot separate the Lord Jesus from his beloved body and bride, the Church. To reject the teaching of Peter and his successors the Roman pontiffs, together with the bishops who are united with the Holy Father in teaching the one faith which has been handed down faithfully from the apostles, is to reject the teaching of Jesus Christ, and the One who sent him, the Father (cf. Luke 10:16).

The Catholic Church can never fail ultimately, although her members can and do. The Church is far more than the sum of her human members, for if that were the case the Church would surely have fallen long ago. The most important member of the Church is her head, Christ the Lord (#792-795). The soul of the Church, the life-giving power, the animator and sanctifier of the Church, is the Holy Spirit. The head and soul of the Church is God; the Church will never fail. The storms of time and the tempests stirred up by earthly kings and rulers come and go; their crowns rise and fall, and roll in the dust but the Church goes on. Mere personal opinions come and go. Some say this, some say that, but mere personal opinion cannot move the Rock.

Head and body are one; bridegroom and bride are one. Those who attack the Church attack Christ. When Saul of Tarsus was persecuting the newborn church on his way to Damascus, he was knocked off his horse by the light who is Christ. "He fell to the ground and at the same time heard a voice saying, 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?' 'Who are you, sir?' he asked. The voice answered, 'I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting.'" Saul was "breathing murderous threats against the Lord's disciples," against the Church. Christ told him clearly that he was persecuting him, Jesus, the Lord. Christ and his church are one. To love Jesus truly, we must love his church.

In an age of violence and violent change, it is comforting to know that we are so intimately one with Christ, residing in his body and his bride, the Church. Transcending time and space, the Church is relevant to all people at all times and in all places. Indeed, to be rooted in the Rock, to be one with the Rock, keeps us from being swept away by the strife and storms of any time and any place.

- Fr. John Corapi

AW - My little sister got married yesterday :)

newlyseliski — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 02:39:38 +0000

Ok, not that little... she's only two years younger than me and is actually taller than me... Just thought I'd share! I'm in one of the poofy red dresses. Although we've gotten a ridiculous amount of snow this winter in MN and it's been pretty cold, it was warmer than usual rainy on and off most of the afternoon. Good thing we didn't do any outdoor photos!

I hope you all have a wonderful and blessed new year :)

Resolution Check in - 1/4/11

lmeade62 — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 00:41:59 +0000

Hello, everyone!

My goals for today were to:

1. Go to daily Mass - I did, and the priest's homily included a perspective on the "loaves and fishes" story that I had never considered before: he observed that Jesus performed the miracle, BUT to do so involved a HUMAN contribution - the initial loaves and fishes. I thought that was a great twist on the statement: "Pray as if everything depends on God. Work as if it depends on you."

2. I did walk at lunchtime, to help my anxiety level before my interview.

I had my interview at 1:00, and I think it went pretty well. It lasted 90 minutes - the only thing is I felt like I was babbling half the time! I think I got my points across, I just think I might have gone beyond that sometimes. But I think my vision and intent came through loud and clear. I don't know when they'll decide or announce whether I got the job.

3. I admit to buying ice cream (light ice cream) to eat tonight as a sop to my anxiety and stress - my downfall. I didn't have anything else to eat today so I feel kind of okay about treating myself a little bit. I promise not to go overboard. My FI is here, so we're having butterfly chops and veggies for our actual dinner.

I missed my Rosary on the way home - I was so anxious, I didn't even remember. I did start reading Luke while I was walking today - I love that it starts with Elizabeth and Zacharia - I love the idea that someone who was barren could conceive a child. "Nothing is impossible for God."

And I'm so exhausted right now that I didn't walk when I got home. I will get back on my wagon!

How're you guys??

Resolution Success - Check-in!

lmeade62 — Sun, 02 Jan 2011 02:54:20 +0000

Okay, here's the thread for those who want some company in losing weight/getting fit, and improving our relationship with God. Check in daily, weekly, whatever works for you. I'm going to post here daily about my next day's goals and then how I did.

My first goal is "an hour a day for God." May need some help with this one - I listen pretty much every day to the daily Mass on EWTN, on my way to work, and often I add a Rosary on my way home from work, but does that count? I'd like to add a daily Mass or two, and some Bible reading...any ideas of a guide?

My goal is to start exercising again and eating well, so I can lose 15 pounds by April, then see where I am weightwise to decide whether I want to maintain or lose five or so more.

So...my goals for Sunday, 1/2, are:

1. Exercise 45 minutes - the Firm Sculpting with Weights
2. Eat healthily (no chocolate or ice cream), and shop healthily for the week
3. Say a Rosary

Linda

Mention Mass in invitation?

waitingformay — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 13:51:18 +0000

For those of you who had or are having a full mass, did you word your invitation to indicate it was a full mass? I'm leaning towards not doing that - just putting the time and indicating it's a Catholic church.

Thanks!

Prayer Request

caitriona87 — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 20:40:22 +0000

Hi,

I don't post here too often but this is the only board I've been on with any sort of frequency. You may have seen my broken pregnancy ticker. Well, our baby was born Dec 18, and he was perfect. Absolutely perfect. We had 9 wonderful days with him and then he passed early morning on Dec 28, the Feast of the Holy Innocents. If you could spare a few prayers for an internet stranger, I'd be so thankful. His name was Jack.

Wedding times

jen2013 — Sun, 02 Jan 2011 03:03:50 +0000

What were your ceremony & reception times? I am contemplating on what I should do regarding them. thanks!

Need Knottie Support

mlbalais — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 16:14:18 +0000

Hi girls!

So I'm in a videography contest on Facebook that ends tomorrow at 4PM! I just got an email last night from the studio saying it's between me and one other couple! It's so close and last night we had gained a 75-vote lead and I wake up this morning and they passed us by 10 overnight (a little weird)!! I swear this contest will be the death of me! :(

Anyway, I wanted to ask anyone here who can vote for us to PLEASE do so if you don't mind. I would really appreciate the support.

Here's how to vote for us (Michelle & Rene):

1) Click "LIKE" on this page --- /> http://tinyurl.com/22oz5w8
2) Click "LIKE" under our picture --- /> http://tinyurl.com/2b49y7p

Thank you from the bottom of my stressed little heart! <3
Michelle

prayer request

jesslovespete — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 17:35:36 +0000

I was just informed that my high school religion teacher (Catholic school) passed away last week due to a prolonged illness. Reaching out for prayers for him and his family.

Thank you.

hippie marrying catholic

raspberrysage84 — Sun, 02 Jan 2011 14:35:59 +0000

I am engaged to marry a practicing catholic. His family and friends are all catholic and my family and friends are all agnostic. We both want to have our ceremony and reception outside at a plantation in Richmond VA however it seems like this may not be recognized by the catholic church. Any suggestions on how to make everyone feel comfortable and accepted without losing our vision of our perfect wedding day?

wedding planning

jen2013 — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 00:36:29 +0000

Has anyone used any "wedding planning" book as a guidline? I am trying to find a good reliable one, and I think it will also make a keepsake. maybe, a "Catholic wedding" one, any suggestions? TIA

NWR - basal body thermometer recs

kbarker719 — Sun, 02 Jan 2011 20:56:21 +0000

I need to buy a basal body temp thermometer and was wondering if anyone had a recommendation for a good one. I remember a post from a while back (which I can't find now) saying that the Target one is not reliable, so does anyone have a good brand that they can recommend to me? TIA!

Pre-Cana

jesslovespete — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 17:37:43 +0000

Based on the posts I've read on the board here, our pre-cana is a little different! We just have the one pre-cana class (an 8 hour day) then we'll have 3 meetings one-on-one with the priest marrying us. No sponsor couple and no engaged encounter. Has anyone else had pre-cana in this format? Our class is in a few weeks and I'm just not sure what to expect (a little nervous!).

TIA!

songs

jen2013 — Sun, 02 Jan 2011 16:40:09 +0000

What were songs included in your wedding? -first dance, flower throw, garter throw, etc

My guest list - his guest list - two very different ideas

lmeade62 — Sun, 02 Jan 2011 05:06:43 +0000

I've read the answer to this many times, but I just can't seem to be okay with it.

We want to keep the wedding small...we were talking close to 50, and we were at 44 when we limited it solely to our families and people we both knew. My FI is very introverted, and his first wedding was full of people he didn't know at all. He's been somewhat adament about not wanting to be at the reception and not know half the people there.

But...I have a number of very good friends at work who are very excited, and that I really would like to invite to the wedding. I know the standard is not to invite people just to the wedding, that this looks tacky, and that if you can't invite them to the wedding and reception, don't invite them at all, and don't talk about the wedding around them.

But I can't help but think that inviting them to just the wedding is better than leaving them out completely and acting like the wedding isn't happening. It seems that asking them to the wedding is a way to include them but not make my FI crazy.

Any other ideas besides the tried and true?

Thanks...

Linda

new years resolutions

Calypso1977 — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 22:03:33 +0000

so what are they?

mine are, in no particular order:

1. lose weight/exercise more
2. attend Mass more often
3. reduce stress (i'm already signed up for a yoga class)
4. hire a housekeeper (see #3 above!)
5. think about a possible career change (job and hours directly related to numbers 1-4 above)

and while not a resolution per se, try to come to some sort of a decision on a baby.

Wedding Timeline UPDATED!

wifeandmommy0609 — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 00:25:30 +0000

Here is what I have come up with so far.. I am sure it will get changed alot between now and April 30th.

Wedding day Timeline:(new timeline as of 1/3/11)

10:00am-1:00pm      Hair/Makeup Dressed
1:00pm-1:30pm      Arrive at church
1:30pm-2:30pm      Church pictures
2:30pm-2:55pm      Re-touch Makeup
3:00pm-4:00pm      Wedding (Full Mass)
4:00pm-5:00pm      Driving to reception (it's only 30 min drive at most but with older slower drivers and traffic i thought i would give an hour for drive)
5:00pm-6:00pm      Cocktail hour
6:00pm-7:00pm      Intro & Dinner
7:00pm-8:00pm      1st Dance & Dancing
8:00pm-8:30pm      Cake Cutting & Toasts
8:30pm-11:50pm    Dancing
11:50pm-12:00am    Last Dance

Wedding day Timeline: (old timeline)

10:00am-1:00pm    Hair/Makeup Dressed
1:00pm-1:30pm      Arrive at church
1:30pm-2:30 pm     Church pictures
2:30pm-2:55pm      Retouch Makeup
3:00pm-4:00pm      Wedding (full Mass)
4:00pm-5:00pm      Driving to reception (it's only 30 min drive at most but with older slower drivers and traffic i thought i would give an hour for drive)
5:00pm-6:00pm      Cocktail hour
6:00pm-7:00pm      Intro and 1st Dance
7:00pm-8:00pm      Dinner
8:00pm-8:30pm      Cake Cutting, Toasts
8:30pm-11:50pm    Dancing
11:50pm-12:00am Last Dance

Had my Serena course last night (NFP)

mcdol3 — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 15:37:36 +0000

I posted before Christmas that I had found a couple that will teach NFP. FI and I went over last night and they did a presentation/conversation for 2.5 hours. It was awesome. The husband spoke directly to FI and told him he's the keeper of the chart. lol They even looked at my first chart and helped us understand what happened. Since I JUST came off the pill, my first chart was all over the place and I had no idea if I O'd. After having them look at it, they explained what was going on and why, and no I didn't O. they also said I need 3 - 4 charts for things to really settle down. This is such a comfort.

It was so awesome to sit and have someone to talk to about this. Even better than FI and I both have a better understanding of what to look for. We were both under the impression that temperature was the most important sign, but it's more the CM and cervix position. I left feeling so good about this entire thing.

They are having a potluck next weekend and they are bringing in a doctor to speak. I really want to go. There are a few young couples our age that should be there so I really want to go. Not sure how comfortable FI would be talking to people brought together because of cycles. haha

On another good note, there will finally be an NFP doctor in calgary! Right now there isn't one. I can't find anybody in the city, and when I asked the couple last night, they didn't know of any either. There is 3 young doctors recently graduated from med school starting their own practice that is strictly NFP. I'm going to get my name in as soon as they open.

I have to thank you to this board. I wasn't really sure what NFP was until I got engaged and came on here. Thank you so much for helping me take control of my body.

Ceremony participants

lcsnowflake — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 21:06:40 +0000

I assume this is standard for a Catholic wedding with a full mass, but we need 3 reader (2 bible readings and one reader for the prayers of the faithful) and we also need about 3-4 people to bring up the gifts to the alter.

I am not sure who to ask to be readers and who to ask to bring up the gifts. FI and I have 4 godparents total so if they were readers then one would be left out. My confirmation sponsor is my godmother and FI has a seperate confirmation sponsor than his godparents.

Does anyone have ideas for how to split up the tasks evenly? I would really like to include the godparents and FI's confirmation sponsor in the ceremony, but not sure how to make it fair.

TIA!

confession???

soontobeharalson — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 21:13:38 +0000

So my fiance says we have to do confession before we get married. Is this true? Do we do it through our priest? I havent heard this before.

Im not Cathoilic but fiance is!

whitneypoo6091 — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 22:25:38 +0000

NaPro Technology?

bel138 — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 01:52:57 +0000

I have a terrible Knot memory, and I can't find anything on search. I know at least one of you ladies has used NaPro, right? I have contacted a doctor to make an appointment, but I don't know what to expect.

All the blogs and stuff I can find online is about ladies using it for infertility. We're not at that stage yet, and I just want to figure out why my body is all wonky. I can't find anything about doing it for general gynecologic health.

If anyone could give me any ifno, that would be excellent! Thanks.

Beginning Marriage Prep

Tiffany6912 — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 00:03:42 +0000

Hey ladies!

We have already had one meeting with both our local priest and our priest in New Jersey where we will be getting married.

But today I mailed the form to register us for PreCana (Jan 29). Then I got an email from our sponsor couple, looking to set up our first meeting; coffee in a couple weeks after mass. I am pretty excited!

I am curious about what we can expect from PreCana?
Also, have any of you had a sponsor couple that you worked with the whole time?