Wedding Music Policies
To provide an efficient, stress-free planning process, and to ensure that the Church’s requirements for Sacred Music are respected, St. Lawrence Church has established the regulations and guidelines as described below. These regulations are subject to change at any time at the discretion of the Pastor, Fr. James Smith, FSSP. This document confines itself to the discussion of music, so other topics such as church/priest’s stipend, altar servers, etc. should be discussed with the pastor separately.
Wedding Repertoire
Holy Mother Church provides her priests and musicians with specific legislation concerning the music to be played and sung at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. As such, the Music Director, Mr. Paul Thomas May, shall assign the repertoire to be used at the Nuptial Mass. This will include the Ordinary of the Mass (the Kyrie, Gloria, Sanctus, etc.), the Proper of the Mass (the Introit, Gradual, etc.), and any motets to be sung or instrumental works to be played at Offertory and Communion. Some of these are specifically assigned by the Church, and others will be selected based on the available singers, liturgical calendar, etc.
Organ literature for the Processions (Bridal Procession at the beginning of the ceremony, and the Recessional at the end of Mass) shall be selected from a list of recommendations provided by the Music Director.
If the couple has any particular hymns, motets, or organ works which they favor, they are invited to bring these suggestions to the attention of the Music Director. Such suggestions are left to the discretion of the Music Director, and may or may not be accepted. We desire to accommodate the preferences of the couple whenever possible.
However, a selection may be rejected for several reasons, including (but not limited to): unsuitability of style, acoustic considerations, copyright concerns, availability of singers/musicians, insufficient preparation time, etc.
In sum, the Music Director will apply his training and knowledge of Sacred Music legislation, available resources, and his musicians’/singers’ capabilities to select the most fitting and dignified music for a wedding in the context of the Traditional Latin Mass, accommodating wherever possible the preferences of the couple.
Choir Options and Stipends
The stipends may be delivered directly to the Music Director no later than the conclusion of the wedding rehearsal. If mailed, payments shall be mailed to the Music Director no later than 7 days prior to the wedding date. Payments may be mailed to:
St. Lawrence Church, Attn: Paul Thomas May
112 State Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101
Music Director Stipend
The Music Director covers planning, score preparation, rehearsals, conducting, and organ playing. Music Director Stipend for all weddings at Mater Dei: $350
SINGERS: First Option – Semi-Professional Choir
The Music Director will select one soprano, one alto, one tenor, one bass, and one additional chanter to form the choir/schola, which will be capable of singing hymns, chants, and polyphonic works. Stipend for each singer: $150
SINGERS: Second Option – Two Cantors
The Music Director will select two cantors who will sing the Ordinary and Proper chants of the Mass. Simple polyphony may be possible, but is not guaranteed. Stipend for each cantor: $150
SINGERS: Third Option – Organist Sings from Bench
The Music Director/Organist will chant all of the music for the Mass.
No additional stipend applies.