SACRAMENT OF MARRIAGE
Congratulations on your decision to get married. The priests at St. Luke will be happy to assist you as you prepare to celebrate the Sacrament of Marriage! Be assured of our prayers and support in the months ahead.
Please scroll through the questions and answers below for some basic information about weddings here at St. Luke. If you have any further questions, the priests of the parish will be ready to assist you in any way.
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Q. How long before our prospective wedding day should we contact St. Luke Church?
A. The Diocese of Brooklyn requires that in all cases couples meet with a priest or deacon at least six months before the date of the wedding. Please call the rectory office at 718-746-8102. You may choose to work with a specific priest, or your call will be directed to one of the priests who is available when you call. -
Q. Can we reserve the reception hall before we meet with a priest?
A. Couples need to meet with a priest before finalizing a date for the reception. First, we need to make sure that the date is available in our church. Also, some marriage cases require extra time to assure that a couple is free to marry, so it is best to meet with a priest before setting a date with the catering hall. -
Q. On what days can we get married? What about the times?
A. Although weddings can take place on any day of the week, usually weddings are scheduled on Friday afternoons (although no weddings are celebrated on First Fridays from September to June due to Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament), Saturdays at 10:30 AM, 1:00 PM or 3:00 PM, and Sundays at 3:00 PM (except Baptism Sundays, which are generally the second and fourth Sunday of the month). Information about the availability of dates and times is not provided over the phone; couples must meet with a priest to set a wedding date. -
Q. Can another priest or deacon preside at our wedding?
A. Yes. Any priest or deacon who is in good standing with the Catholic Church is most welcome to officiate at weddings in our parish, but the preparation of the couple, particularly with regard to the required documentation, is the responsibility of the priests of St. Luke. A member of the clergy who is not from New York City needs to register with the City Clerk's Office so they can be authorized to officiate at a wedding at St. Luke. Clergy from other dioceses or religious communities must provide a letter of good standing from their proper superiors. -
Q. What about music?
A. All your music questions can be answered by Jessica Tranzillo Smith, the parish Director of Music. She can be reached at 718-746-3862. Kindly do not make any decisions about music without first discussing your request and seeking her advice and permission. Secular music is not permitted. -
Q. What paperwork must be provided before we can get married?
A. The priest preparing you for marriage will explain all the requirements for a Catholic marriage, but you will need the following documentation:
◆ Proof of baptism and confirmation
◆ Certificate of completion of a Marriage Preparation program
◆ Testimonial Letters of Freedom (provided by parish)
◆ Marriage License
Those who were previously married will need to provide either a Death Certificate or a Decree of Nullity. Those who were previously married outside the auspices of the Catholic Church will need to obtain a Declaration of Freedom to Marry; the priest will provide further information. -
Q. How much is the offering to the parish for our wedding?
A. An offering of $800 is requested at St. Luke, which covers the donation to the church and the fee for the organist and singer. The offering is usually made the week before the wedding. -
Q. What about our wedding rehearsal?
A. All wedding rehearsals are scheduled with the priest or deacon who is presiding at your wedding. Please do not schedule any dinner reservations before scheduling the rehearsal date with the parish. -
Q. Are there guidelines for flowers and other decorations?
A. Floral arrangements should be simple and not a distraction to the liturgy. Any decorations by the pews should not block access for seating of the guests. Those decorating the church should not use tape or other materials that will cause damage to the pews or floors. -
Q. Can a runner be placed down the center aisle?
A. No. Runners are a tripping hazard, so for the safety of your guests and bridal party, a runner is NOT PERMITTED at St. Luke. Our church floors are beautiful and well-maintained, and a bride's gown will flow much more naturally as she walks down the aisle without a runner. -
Q. What can be thrown at our wedding?
A. For the safety of all those who will come to the church for your wedding, the throwing of flower petals, confetti and rice is NOT PERMITTED either inside or outside the church. Also, we have limited maintenance staff on the weekends, and so it is important to keep the church and its entryways clean and in order before and after weddings. -
Q. Is photography permitted inside the church?
A. Pictures are a wonderful way to preserve the memories of your wedding ceremony. Most photographers are aware of the protocols for taking pictures and videos during Catholic liturgies: since the church is a sacred place, photographers should be discreet and not interfere with the celebration. Photographers are asked to see the priest or deacon on the day of the wedding to work out any details and answer any questions they may have. -
Q. Can members of the family or friends participate in the ceremony?
A. Inviting family members and friends to participate is encouraged by the church, and they often are chosen to read from Scripture, lead the intercessions, or bring up the gifts of bread and wine for the celebration of Mass. Please be sure to choose family members who will be able to proclaim the readings with the proper reverence without being overly anxious or emotional. Those chosen to participate during Mass should be Catholic. -
Q. Are Wedding Planners permitted?
A. A decision to have a Wedding Planner is up to you. However, please be aware that all decisions regarding the liturgical celebration in the church are the responsibility of the priest or deacon.
SACRAMENT OF HOLY ORDERS
Permanent Deacons
Holy Orders is comprised of three different Orders: Deacons, Priests and Bishops. In the early Church, deacons were appointed to take care of the everyday needs of the community so the apostles could dedicate themselves to the ministry of the Word and the spreading of the Gospel.
Permanent Deacons are able to preach and officiate at baptisms and weddings, and they often serve in ministries to assist the sick and poor in a parish.
Any man who is considering a vocation to the permanent diaconate should speak with one of the priests.
SACRAMENT OF HOLY ORDERS
Priesthood
Young men might consider a vocation to the priesthood in high school and college. Older men might consider priesthood as a second vocation after working at a career for a while. In the Roman Catholic Church, priesthood is reserved for unmarried men who are willing to dedicate their lives in service to the church as priests.
Any men considering a vocation to the priesthood should speak with one of the parish priests. All Catholics should pray regularly for an increase in vocations to diaconate, priesthood and consecrated life, especially from among their own parish communities.
At St. Luke we have a statue of St. John Vianney, patron saint of parish priests, adjacent to the staircase that leads to the sacristy. Pray for your parish priests and for vocations as you pass this statue.