The Wedding Planning Ministry is, as you might guess from the name, those ministers from the parish who make sure “getting hitched” comes off without a hitch. As Laura Cirone, one of the ministry volunteers, says, “The St. Francis Wedding Coordinator ministry assists engaged couples as they prepare for the sacrament of matrimony. Our ministry assists couples and their families at wedding rehearsals to answer any questions they have about the ceremony.” It doesn’t stop there, though.
“On the day of the wedding,” Laura adds, “our volunteers help the couple and the priest to ensure the ceremony runs smoothly and with decorum and beauty.” She emphasizes what any married couple recalls: “Wedding planning can be stressful! Despite the challenges couples face while planning, we in the ministry encourage couples to put God at the center of their relationship, and the rest will fall into place.”
As you might imagine, given the size of our community and the beauty of our sanctuary, many couples wish to be married in our beautiful church and to join our rich Catholic community. “Our ministry provides a warm and welcoming support system for engaged Catholics,” says Laura, “who are seeking a faith community rooted in family and service. Do you love helping engaged couples prepare for a special day, and are interested in possibly helping with this ministry?
The good news is no experience is necessary! First-time volunteers will shadow an experienced coordinator to learn the ropes. Both men and women are invited to join the ministry, and you don’t have to be married to help make someone else’s wedding a treasured memory! To make someone’s special day even more special, contact Martina Dumberger at (919) 847-8206 ext. 273 to learn more.