SACRAMENT OF MARRIAGE

The banns of marriage must be published and pronounced on at least three Sundays preceding the marriage ceremony, which may be held on any day of the week, including Sunday, by arrangement with the priest. It is essential to ensure, well in advance, that the priest will in fact be available on the desired day.

It is customary, but not required, for the bride to be presented, frequently by her father. During the service, the bible readings are commonly done by members of the bride's and groom's families.

At the end of the marriage service, at the offertory, it is customary that the bread and wine be presented to the priest by the newly married persons. The marriage service is usually followed by Holy Communion.

There are certain expenses, notably for the organist, choir, soloist and sexton, and possibly the priest if the marriage is held on a day when the priest is not in residence. These expenses are not onerous. A donation to the church itself is also customary.

Divorced persons are allowed to be married in church; additional counseling is required as well as the approval of the bishop, which is normally granted. In the case of persons divorced more than once, each case is considered on an individual basis.