[Cara_Bella]

My husband and I have been married civily for 7 years. We had been talking to our priest for awhile about getting married through the church so we could recieve communion again and just so we can be married through the eyes of god. Well, one day Father asked us if we were ready to do it yet. I said "Well, it's been hard financially", (we have 3 kids) and he said, "Dont worry about it, I will do it for free, dont even worry about that". The thing is he told us this at the end of May and he is leaving our church August 3rd so we planned this wedding on July 30th (pretty quick). It has turned out to be kind of big and we have had to scrape a lot of money in a couple of months. Now the question I have is it still ok not to pay the church even though we are having a big reception? I'm a little messed up about this but we have just spent everything we have and really cant pay the church. Is this tacky? Our Father will be at the reception so what should we do since we really dont have the money.

[startingover]

Congratulations on making plans to have your marriage blessed. You want to do what's right in the eyes of the Church and from your letter, this is very important to you. What is also clear is that having a big reception and yet not paying the Church is bothering you a great deal. It may be difficult at this late date, but it would probably be wise to find a way to pay the Church, so that you can start your sacramental marriage with a clear conscience. Please speak to your priest and give this matter plenty of prayer. God bless you.

[the_admin]

Perhaps you could save a little money by maybe returning some items you've already purchased or by selecting a different menu with your caterer? Look over your plans and see if there isn't somewhere you can cut some expense. Perhaps if you were planning on hiring a limousine you could get a town car instead? I'm sure you'll be able to find ways to cut some costs. The ceremony provided by the church is the heart of the wedding; not the reception. So, you'll want to make sure the church gets paid so they can continue providing these services.