“This is my commandment: love one
another as I have loved you”
John 15:12
Congratulations and God’s blessings upon your wedding and future life together. We are happy
you have chosen a church wedding, and we are here to assist you to determine if
1)
The most
important step in planning a wedding at St. Helena Catholic Church is that you
are able to secure a priest to perform the ceremony. Due to the high number of
weddings that take place at our church, you will need to locate an outside
priest or deacon to perform your ceremony.
2)
The normal day
and times for weddings at our church are Saturdays at 1:00 pm or 3:00 pm.
3)
The fee for use
of Church by non-parishioners is $600. There is a $300 deposit to reserve the
date. The remaining balance of $300 must be paid 45 days prior to the wedding.
If the wedding is canceled at any time prior to 60 days before the wedding
date, $100 is non-refundable and the balance will be returned to you. If the
wedding is canceled within 60 days of the wedding date, $300 is non-refundable
and any balance will be returned.
4)
We require that a
visiting priest or deacon be assisted by one of our Parish Wedding Ceremony
Coordinators. The Coordinator will be present at your rehearsal and on your
wedding day to help answer any questions you might have about the ceremony or
the church facilities. The fee for the wedding coordinator is $250. Our wedding
coordinators are Deborah Fradelizio (707-963-8613) or
Alda Nordstrom (707-963-2118). The wedding
coordinator’s fee of $250 is due 45 days before the wedding date.
5)
Your home parish
should take care of your pre-marriage paperwork and counseling. However it is
strongly recommended that you attend a review meeting of the marriage process
to help answer any questions and better prepare you for your church wedding.
These meetings review the paperwork needed as well as the time lines for
preparation. It is directed by Pastor of the church and it is also a good time
to field any questions you might have about the step you are about to take.
These meetings take place on the first Sunday of each month at 12:30 pm in our
Parish Residence. Please call us in advance at 707-963-1228 if you plan to
attend.
6) The local
Altar Society does not direct the Church for weddings, so we require that you
leave your Altar Flowers at the Church after your ceremony. Any other flowers
may be taken with you.
7)
Because there are
so many requests for the church it is necessary to reserve the times and dates
as soon as possible. If the date you request is not available you may wish to
contact St. Joan of Arc in Yountville (707-944-2461), Our Lady of Perpetual
Help in Calistoga (707-942-6894), or the Christian Brother’s Retreat and
8)
If you have any
questions please contact the Parish Secretary, Diana Carr or tehe Parish Coordinator, Deacon Bob Little,
at 707-963-1228.