Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! I'm sure you have many questions about planning the wedding liturgy. This page is intended to provide you with the necessary information that you will need to begin to plan for this important day. I would ask that you contact me at least three months in advance of your wedding to schedule the day and begin to arrange the music for your wedding. I am looking forward to meeting with you to begin this process.
God Bless!
James Skalos, Director of Music and Liturgical Ministries
The wedding liturgy is first and foremost a Sacramental celebration. As the bride and groom, you are permitted to choose between a wedding Mass (celebration with Communion) or a wedding ceremony (no Communion). This is done in consultation with the Pastor. All of the music before and during the celebration must be sacred/ liturgical in nature. Music that is secular or chosen for sentimental reasons has no place in the celebration and will not be permitted. This music should be played at the reception.
Couples who are getting married at Sts. Martha & Mary Parish should contact Jim Skalos at least three months in advance of your wedding day. We will set up a consultation appointment to begin the process of choosing the music for your wedding. No arrangements should be made without first consulting the music minister. You can contact Jim at 412-486-6001 EXT. 832 or email at [email protected].
Outside organists are not permitted to play at any weddings here at the parish.
We highly encourage you to use one of our parish cantors for your wedding. The cantor is the vocal soloist and leads the assembly in song. they are also able to sing musical selections before the wedding as your guests are being seated. If you desire to bring in your own vocalist, a parish cantor will also be present at the wedding to lead the assembly in the proper parts of the Mass..
Additional instrumentalists are often desired as part of the wedding music. Sts. Martha & Mary Parish maintains a list of professional musicians who are available to play at your wedding. Jim will be happy to assist you in choosing an instrument that is suitable for the music that you have chosen. Here is a list of instruments that can be used:
The Choir or Handbell Choir can also be employed at your wedding depending on their availability.
The use of pre-recorded music is not permitted in liturgy.
Below is the list of stipends for each of the musicians who will be ministering at your wedding. These stipends should be brought to the rehearsal.
These worksheets are provided to assist you when planning the music for your wedding Mass/service.
- Music Planning Sheet for a Wedding Mass
- Music Planning Sheet for a Wedding Ceremony