Church problems x2 - Is the church closed July 4th 2004?

Hi all,
I need some advice. Little backround...I'm originally from LI, living in upstate Rochester, NY now. July 4th weekend past (2002) came down to LI for a visit. Booked our hall (woo hoo!) and visited my hometown church to book. My date is July 4th 2004, Sunday.
More backround...my church? my grandmother taught school there, my father and his brothers went to school there, so did my sister and I. Lots of history!
Well, met with the Pastor and he told my FI and I that since July 4th in 2004 falls on a Sunday, no priests would be available to marry us! He said, 'Priests are citizens, too!' and they would have off, just like everyone else. I was beside myself! The next day I stopped in to see him again, and he told me we could have the church, (that the church would be open) but would have to take care of everything ourselves.
Planning this 400 miles away, I'm nervous. My church is my dream, and I don't know what to do. People have suggested giving the church more$...but how do you do that! Any suggestions/comments will be most helpful...

Re: Church problems x2 - Is the church closed July 4th 2004?

Would someone be there to marry you or do you have to find someone to marry you as well? Other then being inside with a priest there, you probably will take care of everything else yourself anyway. There are brides on this board who are getting married or have been married on July 4th, so you should be able to find someone. I worried about this, too, because I am getting married on 7/5/03 and was worried that I wouldn't be able to have a rehearsal on the 4th, but it isn't a problem. Worse comes to worse, you can get married at a different church. I don't think throwing more money at them will do the trick. I also don't know if it is appropriate. It seems like slipping someone a twenty for a better table at a restaurant

I hope itsn't still as hot in Rochester as it was when I was there on July 4th! Whew, it was sweltering in the city.

Re: Church problems x2 - Is the church closed July 4th 2004?

Well..I dont know what sort of churches are closed on Sundays no matter what but that is besides the point...

Consider this a blessing in disguise! I would have loved to be able to choose my own priest instead of being forced to use the one that came with the church.

Book the church and find a priest that you can really connect with.

Re: Church problems x2 - Is the church closed July 4th 2004?

The Pastor told us the church would be 'open', but no one there to assist us. i.e. - priest, alterboys, etc. And they wouldn't book the date, it was too far in advance, but again, said the church would be 'open'.
I know I could go to another church, but that is the one thing I really have my heart set on. That church/school means so much to me and my family :(
And yes! I totally agree about 'greasing the Pastor's hand'! Is the Church/marriage a sacrament or a business??!!
Weather here has been great so far! (But I absolutely MISS my ocean!) Coming down for Labor Day...woo-hoo!

Re: Church problems x2 - Is the church closed July 4th 2004?

my sentiments exactly, sonic! Church closed on Sunday? Aren't the priests there already for morning masses??
As long as I can get them to commit to the date, then it's time for me to start shopping for a priest!!
I did a search for names, and have a list already. (But will be kinda hard choosing one possibly over the phone.) You think I could get a priest to commit to July 4th 2 years in advance?

Re: Church problems x2 - Is the church closed July 4th 2004?

You definitely can do that. My deacon booked our date in January of this year and that was 18 mos before the wedding. And there were already people booked around that time. You shouldn't have a problem.

Re: Church problems x2 - Is the church closed July 4th 2004?

Our problem wasen't with the church, our priest said he would come in for our rehersal on the 4th (which we had to postpone) you just have to be nice to your priest and remember he has a life too and work with him.

The only problem with thr 4th is nail and hair places.. are closed!

Re: Church problems x2 - Is the church closed July 4th 2004?

I am getting married July 4, 2003 (Friday) and the church is open and priests are available.

Re: Church problems x2 - Is the church closed July 4th 2004?

Karen,
They they give you any rassle that it's July 4th, a National Holiday?
By the way, THANK YOU TO ALL WHO RESPONDED!!!! Hopefully, all will work out :)

Re: Church problems x2 - Is the church closed July 4th 2004?

Jeez, I can't SPELL today!! Did they...hassle...
THANKS!

Re: Church problems x2 - Is the church closed July 4th 2004?

No hassle at all. Our church was very nice about it.