Father
Bernard, ordained for over 20 years, offers you an
abundance of pastoral and spiritual guidance which
will make your wedding ceremony memorable and truly
enjoyable. Contemporary Catholics are
often searching for a non-judgmental, sacramental experience
different from that offered by the institutional church. You
may want to have a Catholic wedding ceremony but may not
be permitted, for various reasons, by the institutional
church. We at Weddings by Father Bernard offer you an
alternative.
Those entering into
second marriages, those experiencing religious differences
with the church and others will find openness and acceptance
with Father Bernard. As Catholics, we believe in the sanctity of
marriage; we also realize that we are only too human. When a
marriage ends through divorce, it is often all too evident
that the essential element of marriage did not exist to
maintain the bond. While we do not have an annulment or
dispensation process, remarriage is allowed in order to avoid
further human tragedy. From this perspective Father
Bernard solemnizes remarriages with the joy and the peace
of Christ. He will also co-officiate at interfaith
ceremonies.
Weddings by
Father Bernard provides spiritual, meaningful and devout
weddings at the location of your choice. Depending on weather and
other factors ceremonies may be held
out-of-doors. You may also be able to use
interdenominational churches and chapels for more formal
settings. Hotels, banquet halls, private homes, museums and
other locales are other options. A wedding consultant or the
yellow pages can yield additional
suggestions.
We will be pleased to assist you in
personalizing your wedding ceremony. There are many ways in
which this can be accomplished. Options for readings, both
from the scriptures and other sources, which speak to marriage
are available. Vows can be written by you or chosen from more
traditional options to further personalize your wedding
ceremony. Ceremonies which speak to various ethnic groups
such as the coin, rope and veil, hand fasting or
jumping-the-broom can also be accommodated. Unity candles,
roses to parents and other more traditional activities can be
easily included in your special wedding
ceremony. Discussing your wishes with Father Bernard is
the best way to assure that your day is
memorable.
To be legally married, you
will need to have a license from the county clerk or the state
department of registration for the place in which the ceremony
will occur. Often, there is a short waiting period, a definite
expiration date and sometimes other requirements. After the
wedding ceremony , Father Bernard will make sure that
your license is signed and sent to the appropriate
agency. You will need to have this document issued by
the county clerk to change driver’s licenses, bank accounts,
insurance plans and other legal documents after the
wedding.
