Weddings at St. Martin of Tours

Congratulations!! We are happy that you are planning to marry in the church. We are well aware of the many details for planning a wedding and realize many brides and grooms have encountered the same preparations.

Here are some "ground rules" that are required of you, as a couple, to marry at St. Martin of Tours:

The first thing to do is to call the Rectory Office at 516-931-0818 and we will work with you to book the wedding date and time.

One of the parties to the marriage must be a Catholic residing in or having a family member residing in our boundaries. Special circumstances require a discussion between a priest or deacon and the couple. A marriage preparation program such as Pre-Cana and Foccus is required for marriage. St. Martin's has an In-Home Pre-Cana Program, and the Diocese of Rockville Centre also offers a preparation program. Please contact the Rectory Office for details, or see below for more information on our Pre-Cana Program.

Only a priest or deacon can approve a wedding date for entry into the wedding schedule. Certain church holy days have restrictions for either a mass or ceremony.

A wedding 'intake' or interview with a priest or deacon is mandated at least 6 months prior to the wedding. Please download our Norms for the Celebration of Marriage booklet, or you may obtain a hard copy in the Parish Rectory.

Once a wedding date is set, you may contact our Director of Music, Elena Scollo, at ladymusicsmt@aol.com to plan your wedding music.

St. Martin of Tours In-Home Pre-Cana Program
The ministry of Pre-Cana supports the engaged couples in our parish to prepare for the Sacrament of Marriage. The program is relaxed and informal. The couples participate in various activities, interact and share with the other married and engaged couples in their group, and privately reflect on each night's topics.

The Opening is a Sunday night, followed by a four-week series of discussions on various topics. The goal is to empower the engaged couples to seriously think about the Sacrament they will be receiving and the love commitment they will share for the rest of their lives. The closing is on a Sunday at the 11:30 am mass, followed by a continental breakfast.

From the first writings of scripture, we find the Father creating man and woman in his image and likeness. Destined to fulfill God's command to love one another, marriage reflects the love of Christ for his church in His selfless love. Our program underlines the gift of married love.

Married couples who are interested in receiving information about becoming a facilitating couple and joining the ministry, or engaged couples who would like to enroll in the program, should call the Rectory Office at 516-931-0818.