St.
Martha Catholic Church
Pallottine Fathers (Society of Catholic Apostolate)
U.S.A. Circus Church
200 N. Orange Avenue, Sarasota, Florida 34236
(941)366-4210
Fax: (941)954-8434
|
|
|
|
Marriage Preparation RequirementsWe are very happy that you want Jesus to be part of your wedding ceremony. We have a few requirements that will help to promote a smooth marriage preparation process. Are you registered at St. Martha Catholic Church? If you are an active member and have not registered, then you need to contact the Church Office or ask an Usher at Mass to give you a registration form. Are you a registered member of another Catholic Church? If so, you must ask your pastor for a letter of permission to marry at St. Martha Church. You are also required to write a letter to our pastor stating why you would like to marry at St. Martha Church. The Marriage process should be started at least (6) months prior to the wedding date. You must complete a Preliminary Wedding Information Sheet and mail or fax it to the Parish Secretary. PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY so that we are able to contact you. If marriage preparations are being done at St. Martha Church, a cleric will be assigned to begin the marriage preparation process after the information sheet is received. If your marriage preparations are being done elsewhere, please make sure you include this information in the Preliminary Wedding Information Sheet. If either person has been married before, you will need to speak with a cleric before choosing a wedding date. Remember that a date cannot be guaranteed in this case. A cleric will determine what process needs to be followed (annulment, lack of form, a dispensation, etc.) before marriage preparation can begin. Our Wedding Regulations and Check Off List may be printed out to help with the marriage preparation process. An updated/current (within the last six months) Baptismal certificate needs to be acquired by the Catholic party, as well as a copy of the Confirmation certificate (if you have been Confirmed). Please have certificates sent to the Parish Secretary. Click here to print out a Baptism Certificate Request Form. An appointment to take a Pre-Marital Inventory will be scheduled after your first appointment. Couples must attend a Marriage Preparation Program. Prices for Marriage Preparation programs vary. For more information go to the Diocese of Venice web site (under Pastoral Ministries Department you will find Family Life Office, click on marriage preparation for schedules and information). You will be given a certificate after you have completed the program. Submit a copy of your certificate when you apply for your marriage license and you will be given a discount. Our Music Director will contact you. Any questions concerning a soloist, vocalist, etc. need to be discussed with her. You can email Virginia Bray with any questions you may have. The wedding fee is $400 for registered parishioners; $500 if you are not registered at St. Martha. Fees includes church, bride's room, presider, music director, altar servers & sacristan. Obtaining a Marriage license can be found at the Sarasota County Government web site under Clerk of the Circuit Court.
Special Notes The wedding rehearsal is usually the Friday evening before the wedding at 6:00 p.m., unless otherwise stipulated. Please park your car in the parking lot behind the church. Wedding coordinators are not allowed to give directions in the church. The Liturgy (from the procession to the recession) is directed by the presider NOT the coordinator. |