"Therefore what God has joined together, let no man separate.” - Mark 10:9
Engaged couples are asked to contact the St. Rose Parish Office to schedule a wedding date. Couples should be either registered parishioners of St. Rose or have family members who are registered parishioners. Weddings can be scheduled on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays if the date is available in the parish calendar. Ideally, the marriage should be scheduled at least six months prior to the date scheduled.
Either the bride or the groom must be a registered member of the parish. If not, a letter of permission for the marriage to take place at St. Rose must be provided by the pastor in which the bride or groom is registered.
The couple must attend a diocesan-sponsored Marriage Preparation Program, which includes a Pre-Cana workshop and a Pre-Matrimonial Investigation Form. This program is available at St. Rose once a year. Following the scheduling of your marriage, the information will be provided regarding the Marriage Preparation Program requirements. If the date of the St. Rose program is not convenient, the couple may attend an alternative program in the Diocese of Bridgeport or in the diocese in which they reside.
Following the attendance at the Marriage Preparation Program, the couple is asked to make an appointment with the clergy who will be officiating their ceremony. The couple will complete a Pre-Matrimonial Investigation to assure that they are eligible to be married in the Church. In preparation for this meeting, the following documents must be provided:
For Catholics:
- A Baptismal Certificate issued within six months of wedding date. An original does not satisfy this requirement.
- A copy of the First Communion and Confirmation certificates if these Sacraments were received.
For non-Catholic Christians:
1. A Baptismal Certificate or letter issued within six months must be provided showing the date and place of Baptism.
At this time, a wedding rehearsal date will be planned, and the officiant will help the couple plan their ceremony. The couple may choose to have a Mass or a ceremony only.
Information regarding the music, flowers, fees, etc. will be provided when the wedding is scheduled.
Your first step: Contact Wedding Intake person Kelly Gerbo in the Rectory Office at the above number or email.
For all information on requirements and guidelines, read: Wedding Guideline
Pre-Cana is part of the Marriage Preparation Program at St. Rose. It is a one day workshop that explores topics such as spirituality and faith, conflict resolution, careers, finances, children, parenting and commitment. Clergy, ministry leaders and married couples who are parishioners of St. Rose participate as the leaders in the day's journey of preparation for marriage.
The name of the workshop is derived from John 2:1-12, the wedding feast at Cana in Galilee, where Jesus performed the miracle of turning water into wine.
The Marriage Preparation Program Coordinator can be contacted after the wedding is scheduled and upon guidance from the Wedding Intake person listed above, Fran Bifulco.
