LI Catholic Churches that take non-parishioners

little j Posted: Jan 07, 2009 12:00 PM

LI Catholic Churches that take non-parishioners

This is my first post to these boards...so HELLO ALL.

Now, I must ask for HELP... We are looking at having the reception at CLM in Lindenhurst, so we need a church close by. We found one we liked in Merrick (Cure of Ars) with a seemingly great pastor. However, he hasnt returned our calls.

We want to book the date soon, but I know the ceremony site really should be finalized first.

I have searched on the web for churches that are close, but none really specify whether or not they take non-parishioners.

Is anyone aware from past brides? Any suggestions?

Thanks! I will post this on one of the general boards too...but I was hoping to 2010 ladies could help me out. We are looking at a Saturday in April 2010.

sugarnspice Posted: Jan 07, 2009 12:06 PM

Re: LI Catholic Churches that take non-parishioners

Try our Lady of Grace in West Babylon. Huge, beautiful, and the deacon there is awesome

stinenandy2010 Posted: Jan 07, 2009 12:13 PM

Re: LI Catholic Churches that take non-parishioners

call the diocese of rockville centre and they should be able to give you a list of churches you can be married in.

little j Posted: Jan 07, 2009 12:18 PM

Re: LI Catholic Churches that take non-parishioners

calling the diocese is a great idea!! now i cant wait for my office mates to go to lunch so i can call :) i hope they can help!!!

JenBill61210 Posted: Jan 07, 2009 12:21 PM

Re: LI Catholic Churches that take non-parishioners

try St. William the Abbot in Seaford (i am getting married there)

lori7570 Posted: Jan 07, 2009 12:22 PM

Re: LI Catholic Churches that take non-parishioners

I'm a parishioner of Cure of Ars and am getting married there. I was told to contact Father Augustus. He coordinates the dates...are you contacting him or someone else?

rocketsummer17 Posted: Jan 07, 2009 12:28 PM

Re: LI Catholic Churches that take non-parishioners

Def try calling the diocese itself to see what churches will allow you to be married there.

little j Posted: Jan 07, 2009 12:34 PM

Re: LI Catholic Churches that take non-parishioners

Lori - we met Fr. Charles after attending a Mass there. He is great!! And he told us to call him to set up an appointment. Thanks for the tip though!

Ok...now these work people just need to take lunch........

Dazzlin217 Posted: Jan 07, 2009 12:39 PM

Re: LI Catholic Churches that take non-parishioners

there is OLPH in lindenhurst on Wellwood ave right up the block from CLM

lori7570 Posted: Jan 07, 2009 12:48 PM

Re: LI Catholic Churches that take non-parishioners

Posted by little j

Lori - we met Fr. Charles after attending a Mass there. He is great!! And he told us to call him to set up an appointment. Thanks for the tip though!

Ok...now these work people just need to take lunch........

Father Charles is great...but he is very busy. I would call the rectory and ask for Father Augustine, or just let them know you were trying to get in touch with Father Charles and when he is in.

little j Posted: Jan 07, 2009 01:03 PM

Re: LI Catholic Churches that take non-parishioners

Ok. well my office mates took a lunch break, so I got on the phone.

Unfortunately and surprisingly, the diocese was of little help. They recommended me to the website for the list of churches and told me to call each parish to see what they said. They had no additional information.

I did speak with the receptionist at Cure of Ars. Good news -- they have taken non-parishioners before and our intended date is available. However, since we left messages for Fr. Charles, the next step is just to wait for him to call back....

I will also check into the other suggestions mentioned. Thanks a lot ladies!

lori7570 Posted: Jan 07, 2009 02:24 PM

Re: LI Catholic Churches that take non-parishioners

Sounds great!!

bobchris1023 Posted: Jan 07, 2009 02:40 PM

Re: LI Catholic Churches that take non-parishioners

Did you try OLPH, we are getting married there. It is right down the road from the CLM.

little j Posted: Jan 07, 2009 02:46 PM

Re: LI Catholic Churches that take non-parishioners

I think I'll check them out tonight. We were planning on going to CLM anyway :)

mikendeanna Posted: Jan 07, 2009 04:21 PM

Re: LI Catholic Churches that take non-parishioners

to be honest with you all you have to do is go to the church stating you recently have moved into the area and would like to become a parishioner... After you register you legally can be married in that church !!

little j Posted: Jan 07, 2009 04:47 PM

Re: LI Catholic Churches that take non-parishioners

Unfortunately, we dont live in the area and we dont have plans to move to LI either. That was the first question the pastor at Cure of Ars asked. And I just feel bad lying to a church...especially about things like health, family, weddings, etc.

kimmaymb20 Posted: Jan 07, 2009 09:06 PM

Re: LI Catholic Churches that take non-parishioners

Try St. Rose of Lima in Masappequa. I just called them today and I explained that I am not a parishioner but I do attend church services there and I got a call back from the Father in 10 mins and he said he can not wait to help FH and I with wedding plans.

Good Luck!

GinaMike24 Posted: Jan 07, 2009 09:10 PM

Re: LI Catholic Churches that take non-parishioners

I used to go to St. Barnabas in Bellmore - very close to you church! Not sure if they will take you or not - haven't really been there in a few years Like since confirmation

Worth a shot to call!

mrsjpc3 Posted: Jan 07, 2009 11:23 PM

Re: LI Catholic Churches that take non-parishioners

st josephs in babylon village...

little j Posted: Jan 08, 2009 03:23 PM

Re: LI Catholic Churches that take non-parishioners

as an update, I contacted a bunch of churches to see whats up. so far i only heard back from one....but the pastor clearly (and, i guess, logically) explained that their services are really geared towards their parishioners. so, they cannot agree to help 'out of towners' (as he put it) until MUCH closer to the wedding date. For example, if four months from the wedding date, the church is still available and it is unlikely a parishioner will be getting married last-minute, then they will allow 'out of towners.'

He said I could try them as a fall-back if i can wait and recontact them 6-months before the wedding date.

OMG! Imagine?!?!?! What would the invites say? Reception @ xyz; ceremony TBD....aghhhh!

Anyway, he said he was not sure the policies of the other churches in the area but the 6-month thing is common.

I have seen a 6-month notice on ALL of the church websites I have been to...but not really explaining it. I hope this is not true for all churches.....and i hope some other churches call me back!!!!