A Wedding At St. Mark's

1. 
   
   St. Mark's eagerly awaits the celebration of marriage between Tish Carter and Tim Wilt this Saturday at the parish Church.  A wedding is an occasion of great joy both for the families involved and for the parish  in which the couple chooses to live out their marital covenant.  It is also a time when individuals and the community undertake a grave obligation to love, support, and nurture a new family, especially since it is in the nuclear household that faith is first given and received.  It is here that we learn of God, His love, and the wonderful works that the Lord accomplishes in our midst. 
   
   
   Tish and Tim's wedding gives an opportunity to reflect briefly on the practice of the Episcopal Church for marriage. 
   
   
   Marriage is one of the seven sacramental rites performed in the Episcopal Church.  Therefore, it is crucial that a couple that wants to be married in the Episcopal Church recognizes the significance of the sacrament and the level of commitment to God and to the Church that its presumes.  
   
   
   We have long established that within human society, individuals have a right to marry.  For the baptized, we also acknowledge that Christians have a right to be married in the Church.  However, as with all rights, there come obligations!  Because the Church understands marriage represents the union of Christ with the Church, baptism and Church affiliation become an important consideration.  So that the couple's mutual faith can be nourished through the love and support of a faith community, the Episcopal Church encourages those who wish to marry to participate actively in a local congregation. 
2. 
   
   Similarly, couples intending to marry in the Episcopal Church must be prepared to undertake premarital counseling sessions with the parish priest. More than likely, there will be two or three private, one hour sessions. If the parish priest believes it is necessary he or she may refer you to other professional counseling services. And if there are a number of couples undertaking this responsibility within a close period, group session can be extremely helpful.
3. 
   
   The wedding ceremony is the last thing to consider with the parish priest and the parish music director. Using the liturgical resources of the Church, there are a number of scripture readings, prayers, and vow formats to choose from. Depending on circumstances, the priest will also discuss with you whether or not to  to incorporate the sacrament of the Eucharist into the marriage ceremony.