FAQs - Updated June 3, 2020

Question

Update: as of June 3, 2020

Answer

Update: In light of COVID-19 pandemic, we wanted to let you know our wedding is going forward but at a new time of 11:30 am. See the Events tab for details. Your health and safety are a top priority for us and we completely understand if you can no longer attend the wedding. Please update your online RSVP as soon as possible. Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, the reception is very small and is limited to immediate family members and a few friends. We are deeply sorry that we cannot accommodate more of you at the reception. It is our hope to connect with all those unable to attend the reception later this year. A face mask will be required inside the church. A limited number of face masks will be available. Thank you for understanding!

Question

I'm not familiar with a Catholic Mass. What will it be like?

Answer

We know that a Catholic Mass can seem mysterious for anyone unfamiliar with it! If you would like to learn more about the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, please see Bishop Barron's video: https://youtu.be/pIGXtDR2GCk. The most important thing to remember is that a Wedding Mass is a celebration - but it is a reverent one, because it takes place in the context of our Sacred Liturgy. We ask that you maintain a respectful demeanor, knowing that the reception following the Mass will be the opportunity for more light-hearted talking and mingling. You will be given a program that will assist you at Mass, with instructions regarding when to sit, stand, kneel, etc. In general, the Mass will include an opening procession; readings from Scripture; a few words from the priest; the exchange of vows; the reception of Holy Communion for Catholics or a blessing for non-Catholics; and a closing final procession. We are glad you are coming and hope that you will find the Mass to be a pleasant experience!

Question

Where should I park?

Answer

The church has parking on the west, south and east sides of the building, and you are free to park in any of those lots. Because the Reception will be held at the Parish Hall, parking on the west or south lot is more convenient - but those lots are smaller than the one on the east side.

Question

Where should I sit in the church? Will seating be divided by "bride" or "groom" side?

Answer

Please get a program as you come in and allow the ushers to direct you to the the center sections of the church. We will not be seating guests according to "bride" or "groom" - the wedding day makes our families one!

Question

Where/when is the reception being held?

Answer

The Reception will begin immediately following the Mass, and will be in the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish Hall. The building is across the parking lot just south of the church, but the door is on the west side of the building.

Question

Am I able to receive Communion during the Mass if I am not Catholic?

Answer

Holy Communion is reserved for Catholics, because receiving the Sacrament expresses agreement or "communion" with the teachings of the Catholic Church. As a matter of fact, even some Catholics should refrain from receiving Communion, if they are not in a state of grace. Non-Catholics are encouraged to come forward to receive a blessing at Communion time; simply fold your arms over your chest when you when you approach the priest or other minister of Communion. By the way, if you are interested in becoming Catholic, both Maureen and Timothy would be honored to discuss that possibility with you and to help make that happen!

Question

Is it true that Catholics worship Mary? Why do you pray in front of statutes?

Answer

NO! Catholics worship God alone. Mary was a human being, a creature created by God, and was not divine. Nevertheless, Catholics do give Mary special honor, due to the honor that God himself has given her by choosing her to be the Mother of Jesus. We call her "blessed" just as Mary prophesied in the Bible, and we recognize her unique qualities and special relationship with the Holy Trinity: She is the daughter of God the Father; Mother of the Son; and spouse of the Holy Spirit! Because we believe that the faithful who die are still alive, we believe that Mary is not dead, but is alive, so we pray to her (and other saints), asking her to intercede for us, just as we ask our friends on earth to do the same. Although Catholics have a pious tradition of praying before statues, we do so as a visual reminder, to focus our attention. We don't believe that a statue of Mary is actually Mary any more than we believe a statue of any historical figure is that person.