Marriage + Matrimony
The Mother of God Family of Parishes is a beautiful place to begin your life together as husband and wife and we are delighted to be a part of your journey towards your wedding day and your lifelong marriage in Christ!
Couples need to begin their preparation six to twelve months before the desired wedding date. You will have an initial meeting with the Pastor after which your date will be set. Please do not reserve a reception hall, caterer, photographer, etc., until after this initial meeting.
In preparation for this meeting, click on the links below. Please fill out the Couple's Information Form and the Wedding Preparation Questions and email them to the Pastor, Father Tom Nevels at tnevels@stcharles-kettering.org. When he receives these forms he will contact you to set up a meeting date and time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wedding Times
Wedding Liturgies are usually on Saturdays between 10:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Other options may be discussed with the celebrant.
Who may perform the ceremony?
A priest or deacon usually presides at all weddings. However, with the Pastor’s approval, any Catholic priest or deacon licensed in Ohio and in good standing will be welcome. The visiting priest or deacon will be responsible for your marriage preparation and all necessary paperwork. This will require a letter from the visiting priest/deacon to the St. Charles Pastor confirming your completed preparations, including any dispensations, and the certificate of completion of a Pre-Cana conference or an Engaged Encounter weekend.
Mass
A Mass is the recommended setting for the celebration of marriage between two practicing Catholics. A Liturgy of the Word without Eucharist is the norm for interfaith marriages between a Catholic and a non-Catholic Christian. This enables the non-Catholic party’s full participation in the liturgy.
Music
The sacredness of your wedding will be enriched by your selection of music. The prayerful atmosphere created by the liturgical music will speak to the uniqueness of each part of the Liturgy. Our music director will expertly assist you in choosing selections to best coordinate your musical desires with the appropriate liturgical music. The Sacrament of Matrimony is patterned after our Sunday Eucharistic Liturgy.
Music Guidelines: In keeping with this sacred atmosphere surrounding our act of worshipping God, “pop” songs and music from movies or theater are considered inappropriate. Our Parishes offer an outstanding group of vocalists, instrumentalists, and soloists, who are very well trained, experienced and extremely familiar with the Church’s Liturgical Guidelines. We follow The Wedding Music Guidelines of the Worship Office of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. It offers a wide variety of selections and an extensive array of choices. We can provide you with a sample CD.
Guest Musicians: Guest musicians are welcome with prior approval of the respective Music Director. The list of songs must be submitted to the Music Director for approval six weeks prior to the wedding date.
Wedding Coordinator
Our parishes will provide you with a wedding coordinator who will assist you with the many details of planning your Wedding Liturgy. This service is required. If a visiting priest is presiding, the Wedding Coordinator will assist at the rehearsal. Once the wedding and rehearsal dates have been set, the Wedding Coordinator will discuss with you all the practical arrangements concerning the use of the Church. She will facilitate all church wedding activities and coordinate the ceremony with the musicians.
Use of the Church
The church is available one and a half hours before and one hour after the ceremony, but no later than 4:20pm. These times may be shortened based on other planned services for that day.
Marriage Encounter
For married couples interested in enriching their sacraments and faith, Worldwide Marriage Encounter offers a unique weekend experience for married couples and fellowship with other Catholic couples committed to their marriages.