St. Paul Chong Hasang is a place of beauty, quiet and reflection. Because it is a house of God, we expect that a sense of reverence be honored in the Church at all times. We want couples to feel comfortable and enjoy the celebration, and we will extend a gracious hospitality to guests of all faiths.

The following information will assist you in planning your special day. Following these guidelines will ensure that the ceremony is all you want it to be, and that Church facilities will be properly maintained. For more information please contact the Wedding Coordinator, Sylvia Schnapp at 254-698-2990.

SCHEDULING YOUR WEDDING

1.    ELIGIBILITY: Either the bride or groom must be a registered practicing parishioner, and both must be free to marry in the Catholic Church. (According to Church law, a baptized Catholic is to marry in his or her parish of residence.)

2.    INITIAL MEETING: The couple must meet with Father Richard at least six (6) months prior to the day of the ceremony. Please contact the Pastoral Associate at (254-698-4338) to make an appointment.

3.    DIOCESAN MARRIAGE PREPARATION RETREAT: The couple needs to attend the 'Together in God's Image' retreat. Please make arrangements at least six (6) months prior to the day of the ceremony as it fills up fast. To register call 512-873-7771 or email lynda-degroot@austindiocese.org.

4.    INVENTORY FOR MARRIAGE PREPARATION: The couple needs to take the FOCCUS assessment. Please contact the Pastoral Associate at 254-698-4338 or the Wedding Coordinator at 254-698-2990 to schedule the meetings.

5.    ALLOWABLE DATES & TIMES: No weddings on Sundays, Holy Days, Good Friday or Holy Saturday. Saturday weddings cannot be later than 3 P.M. Clean up and clearance must be completed by 4:30 P.M.

6.    WEDDING RECEPTION: The Parish Hall and facilities are available for your convenience. Please contact Randy Sumerall at 254-554-8355 for information and booking.

7.    DOCUMENTS YOU WILL NEED:

            A. A Newly Issued Copy of Baptismal Certificate (with notation of Confirmation). This certificate must be dated no more than six (6) months before the time it is turned in. It is required for the Catholic party. Call the church where you were baptized and ask them for a NEWLY ISSUED BAPTISMAL CERTIFICATE.

            B. Persons of other faiths also need proof of their Baptism.

            C. Annulments:  Please see Fr. Richard.

            D. Civil Marriage License: This is obtained from the County Clerk. There is a waiting period of 72 hours before the license may be used, and it expires in thirty (30) days. A wedding ceremony cannot be conducted until you present a valid marriage license. For any acceptations and more information please call the Bell County Clerk at 254-933-5168.

8.    SERVERS: If the bride and groom would like altar servers at their wedding ceremony, ask the wedding coordinator for suggestions. Altar servers need to attend the wedding rehearsal.

CHURCH DECORATIONS

1.     FLOWERS: A maximum of three (3) displays are permitted. One in front of each rostrum and one on the rear wall pedestal, left of the altar. (Flowers with Amor/254-680-2667 or Christell's/254-526-6616 are recommended.) If you like, you may leave all flowers in the church after your wedding.

2.    PEWS: Only pew bows may be used, but they must be attached without tape, staples, tacks, or nails. No ribbons blocking pew entrances. (This mounting restriction applies to ALL decorations.)

3.    AISLE RUNNERS: A runner may be rented from the Parish for $50. No other coverings may be used due to safety considerations. Contact the Wedding Coordinator at 254-698-2990 for information.

4.    UNITY CANDLE: A unity candle may be used and needs to be provided by the bride and groom. The church has a holder to use or you may provide your own.

5.    ARCH & CANDELABRA: These are not permitted.

6.    RICE, ROSE PETALS, CONFETTI, BUBBLES OR OTHER MATERIALS to be thrown or otherwise used in or out of Church is not permitted. (This activity should be reserved for the reception following the ceremony.)

PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY

1.    'Flash' pictures may be taken as the wedding party enters and leaves the Church, during group pictures and at the altar following the ceremony. Once the bride and groom reach the altar and during the ceremony, NO FLASH PICTURES ARE ALLOWED.

2.    If a video is made, the videographer may be with the camera at the altar during the precession, but then the camera must be left unattended on a tripod. No photographer or camera person is allowed in the altar area during the ceremony.

3.    Photographers and videographers are to remain behind the congregation during the wedding ceremony.

4.    Any equipment needed by photographers or videographers, such as extension cords, must be supplied by them.

MUSIC

1.    Only music of a sacred or classical nature is appropriate.

2.    The Church has its own sound-system. Please contact Chuck Lauer at 254-544-6167 if you wish to bring in any additional equipment.

3.    The piano and organ are not to be moved under any circumstances.

4.    The parish will recommend names of musicians if needed.

CARE OF CHURCH FACILITIES

1.    SPECIAL WEDDING ROOMS: The Bride's Room and the designated Groom's Room are off the foyer.

2.    CLEARING THE CHURCH: The Church proper, Bride's Room, Groom's Room, foyer and restrooms need to be left in the same condition as found. Please remove all floral paper, boxes and all materials brought into the Church for the ceremony.

WEDDING PARTY RESPONSIBILITIES

1.    READINGS: The bride and groom will need to consult with Fr. Richard when selecting the Scripture readings and music.

2.    PREPARING THE WEDDING PROGRAM: Church staff will provide advice and samples; however, typing and printing of the program are the responsibility of the wedding party.

3.    CEREMONY AND REHEARSAL TIMES: All wedding times are booked for a three (3) hour time slot. Wedding rehearsals are scheduled for a one (1) hour time slot and are usually held one or two days before the ceremony. Please be on time. If your ceremony or rehearsal begins late, due to wedding party delay, you still must be out of the Church by the agreed upon time.

EXPECTATIONS

    We expect everyone to be respectful of our Church and its furnishings. There is no smoking, drinking, food, chewing gum or alcoholic beverages allowed in the Church at the time of the rehearsal, nor on the day of the wedding. Any indication that members of the wedding party have been drinking may result in cancellation of your wedding, or the offending parties may not be allowed to participate.

STIPENDS / FEES

1.     A financial offering to the priest is traditional and appreciated.

2.    There is a fee to cover the use of the Church. Please make checks payable to St. Paul Chong Hasang.
(Parishioners - $250)
(Non-parishioners - $500)

3.    A financial stipend is expected for the following (if applicable):
        -  Organ/Piano player (if supplied by St. Paul's)
        -   Parish Hall
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PLEASE NOTE:

Retreats for 2008 are scheduled at Cedarbrake Catholic Retreat Center in Belton on the following weekends:
May 16 - 18
June 20 - 22
Aug. 1 - 3
Nov. 21 - 23.

The program will also be represented in a class format Feb. 5, 12, 19 and 26 at St. Thomas More Parish in Austin, &
April 1, 8, 15 and 22 at the H.L. Grant Catholic Student Center in San Marcos.

Engaged couples must provide proof they have taken either the FOCCUS or PREPARE assessment before attending the "Together in God's Image" classes or retreat. For additional details and registration forms, visit www.austindiocese.org and click on "Ministries," then "Family Counseling and Family Life." (Catholic Spirit, February 2008, pg. 4.)