Just as when we attend ball games, movies, theatres, or any other venue, there is a standard of behavior expected, so even more true is it for worship in a sacred place or gathering. Care and respect of the church as a sacred place for prayer and worship is to be given at all times.
A prayerful reverence should be reflected in speech and in actions before, during, and after the wedding rehearsal and the wedding liturgy. To ensure there are no misunderstandings, the couple must inform/educate their guests and the wedding party of the expected behavior in the church/and church property.
By signing a reservation form with the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart for a wedding liturgy, the couple gives written acknowledgment and consent to the following policies concerning appropriate church behavior, including those requests/actions that are not specifically listed but are nonetheless inapproprate for sacred space and worship:
- Children must be supervised and with an adult at all times.
- Modest church/professional attire is expected for the rehearsal, and wedding.
- Arriving and/or starting late for the wedding may result in the forfeiture of the deposit.
- Throwing of flower pedals, bird seed, rice, confetti, bubbles is not permitted. Releasing doves or other animals is also not permitted.
- Eating or drinking (except water) in the Church is not permitted.
- There is to be NO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES or ILLEGAL NARCOTICS anywhere on church property, including the parking lot. Anyone found with such substances will be asked to leave the property.
- Smoking is not permitted on church property. This includes Cathedral Centre.
- NO CONCEALED HANDGUNS or WEAPONS of any kind are permitted on church property, including the parking lot and other church-owned buildings.
- Cell phones, pagers, and other electronic devices are to be turned OFF or placed on mute when inside the church.
- No street parking is permitted immediately in front of the church. Any wedding limousine and/or wedding van is to be parked in the drive adjacent to Fannin Street. Exit and entrance from such vehicles is to occur from that drive; not the front of the church. The front of the church is not to be blocked.