A few thoughts...
First. Congratulations to the couple! brk's son and soon to be daughter in law are foutunate in deed to have such a caring family. Good luck!
What I have not seen in this thread is the mention that in the Catholic religion ( I am one) Marriage is a sacrament. The church doe's not perform "Church Weddings", the Church performs a Mass in which the Bride and Groom recieve the sacrament of marriage. If you want to go further, they recieve the grace of the holy spirit, etc. but that is another subject.
I am not sure why the marriage can't be done "outside" of the church building. It is true that there needs to be an alter, etc. for the Mass, but I am sure that Masses are being said by chaplains right now in fox holes in the gulf. Alters are portable.
As for the pre Cana. I was mad when I had to do it. I had to tavel two hours to Manchester, take the class and then travel two hours back for six weeks. After a complete catholic education I thought that it would be a wast of time. I was wrong.
The reason for the requirement, they said, was because the divorce rate among catholics in America was at 46%. An unheard of number only a few years before. What's more, the classes had very little to do with religion. It was about life. Knowing each other, money, chores, , children, in-laws, birth control ( I was suprised that they discussed ALL of the options) and many other useful tips. Was it worth it? 26 years later we're still runnen' up the stairs!
I do not know if it was asked but why not recieve the sacrament at St. Charles church and have the reception at chruch landing. St. Charles is right up the road and both places are drop beautiful.
Sorry, didn't mean to preach. My best to all and have a wonderrful life.
Misty Blue
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