Religious Procedures for Wedding of
Catholic Couples Being Married in Negril.
1. Since a wedding is a religious event, the wedding of a Roman
Catholic takes place in the church building proper rather than in a
hotel or other location. A Catholic priest is not permitted to officiate
at a wedding outside the church building.
2. Marriage is a lifelong commitment, and therefore, the Catholic
Church in Jamaica requires a period of serious premarital preparation,
which involves both parties.
a. At least three months before the planned date, the couple
overseas must begin preparation with their own local priest.
b. The parish priest will send all the documents and paper work
to his own Chancery office. The local chancery then forward all
these documents with a testimonial letter at least one month before
the date of the wedding to:
MSGR. ETUALE LEALOFI
CATHEDRAL OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT
P.O. Box 197
Montego Bay, Jamaica
Tel: 1-876-952-2481
Fax: 1-876-952-6679
The same documents are required in Jamaica which would be required if
the couple were to marry in their own parish at home (certificates of
baptism, dispensations, statements of freedom to marry, etc).
c. A written statement regarding the extent and content of the
premarital preparation is to be included by the priest.
d. Permission granted by their own parish and diocese for the
couple to be married in Jamaica is also to be included.
3. In addition, the couple must take care to arrive in Jamaica in time to
apply for the necessary MINISTER'S LICENSE. It is the responsibility of the
hotel to arrange for obtaining this license.
4. The couple is to contact the Catholic priest in Negril to arrange for
the date and time of the wedding as well as to plan the wedding liturgy.
Ordinarily, this is done at the same time reservations are made with the
local hotel.
Fr. Felix De Souza OFM
Mary, Gate of Heaven Church
Norman Manley Blvd.
Email:
felix_ofm@yahoo.com
Tel: 1-876-957-4900
5. A stipend of $200 US is suggested for the use of the church which
helps defray the church's ministry to the poor.
6. Franciscan Brother Mark Gehret, OFM, is usually available to
play the guitar and sing at the wedding. A stipend of $60 US is suggested.
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