The Marriage Preparation Process and your meeting with the Director of Liturgy must be completed before the music is planned. Music planning meetings are typically held two to three months before the date of the wedding. Couples are required to consult with the Director of Music before making any musical plans or arrangements. Questions regarding music sometimes arise before this appointment. Should any occur, please feel to contact the Director of Music.
Wedding music planning is planned jointly by the couple and Gesu's Director of Music. The planning meeting will cover all music for your wedding, from prelude through postlude. Liturgical music is based in scripture and draws the couple deeper into the celebration of their sacramental union in Christ. Singing hymns and responses by the assembly congregation invites all to offer praise and thanksgiving on this joyous occasion and together ask God’s blessing on the couple. It is appropriate for all present to sing certain parts of the Mass such as the Alleluia, the Holy, the Mystery of Faith and the Amen. Great care is taken that the choir/vocalist/instrumentalist, if selected by the couple, is integrated into the ceremony as a support to the dignity of the sacrament being celebrated.
Weddings in the Catholic Church are sacred celebrations of a love that reflects God’s infinite love for us poured out in Jesus Christ. All music used during the wedding ceremony should reflect the sacredness, sanctity and fidelity of the Sacrament of Matrimony in a manner that is respectful, dignified, and prayerful and within the guidelines of the Catholic Church. Music must be live; we do not use recorded. music. Selections must be classical or hymns. We do not play secular music. The reception is the appropriate venue for secular music.
Gesu's Director of Music is able to make arrangements with excellent and experienced instrumentalists if these are desired. Outside musicians are not permitted without prior approval from the Director of Music.
Music for all weddings at Gesu is similar in nature and function to that of our Sunday Liturgies. In keeping with the Gothic design of our Church, music at the parish originates in the choir gallery with the organ as central to the worship. The organ plays at every wedding, either alone, or in ensemble with other instruments and singers in the choir gallery.