Music for your Wedding

Congratulations on your up-coming event!

As Organist at St. Eugene's, I would like to assist you in every way possible to make
your special day more memorable and less stressful. If you have any questions, please ask.
The following are parts of the Mass in which music is sung or played. I have suggested
some songs that are popular, but please remember, it's your wedding, and the music should
reflect your thoughts and wishes. Keep in mind also, the Sanctity of the Catholic wedding
service and choose your music accordingly. As a general rule, secular (non-religious) music
should only be preformed before the Mass.

I am available after any weekend Mass, or by appointment to discuss your music and wishes.
I have sheet music for most of the more frequently used songs, but feel free to bring sheet music,
tapes or CD's with you

Should you desire a soloist(s) for your wedding, please bring them with you if possible, or I can
meet with them seperately if needed. If you need a soloist, I can suggest some vocalists who
will enhance your wedding day. Rehearsal with a soloist is at our mutual convenience. Again, the
selection of music is yours, however most soloist will suggest songs they favor, perform well
and are well suited for their voice. I will try to accommodate your requests. If your selections are
unusual, I may ask you to provide written music or tapes in advance. Most wedding music is
performed on the pipe organ, however some songs are better suited to the piano. Please let me
know if you have a preference. If either the Bride or Groom's family is of a non-Catholic
denonanation, please let me know, so that I can include Hymns that are familier to them and
will make them feel at home during your service.

Please note! It is Father's wish that there be no music rehearsed the night of your
wedding rehearsal, and I will not be present at that time.

Prelude:
This is when Music of your choice is to be played before the mass. Beginning about one half Hour
before the service, or when guests start to arrive. If you desire vocal music for the prelude, three to
five songs are suggested, performed just before the beginning of Mass.

Mothers Candle lighting :
A song played during the traditional part of service when the Bride and Groom's Mothers are escorted
down the aisle to light the Unity Candle. Songs such as "Sunrise, Sunset" can be performed at this time.
Or quiet instrumental music can be played.

Processional:
This is the music with which your wedding party begins the Mass. Your Selection should reflect the joyful,
yet solemn occaison. Works by Handel, Bach, Purcell and Clark are usually performed. I will be happy to
meet with you and play some of these instrumentals from which you may choose.

Unity Candle:
A short music selection may be played or sung while the Unity Candle is lighted.
A Popular choice is: "One hand, one heart "

Alleluia:
Following the Second reading, the Alleluia is sung, both refrain and verse.
"Shepherd me O God" is a favorite choice.

Holy, Holy:
Sung

Memorial acclamation:
Sung

Great Amen:
Recited

Our Father:
Generally recited, but may be sung by a soloist

Sign of peace:
A song of your choosing is sung or played. An example is "Let there be peace on earth"

Lamb of God:
Recited.

Communion:
Any church Hymn (not a secular song) may be played or sung.

.
Ave Maria:
Just before the end of Mass the Ave Maria may be sung or played. Most popular is either Shubert's
or Bach's work. However, any Marian song such as "On this day, O beautiful Mother" is appropriate.

Recessional:
This is the final song. Again, as in the processional, any joyus work is appropriate, the choice is yours!

Postlude:
Quiet classical or secular music while your greet your friends as They leave the church.

Fees:

The Organist's fee is $150.00 for a standard wedding with one rehearsal. If additional rehearsals are
needed, there is an additional charge of $25.00 per. Soloist fees are additional, and at their discretion.
Any additional expenses which I incur, (sheet music etc ) should be re-embursed. I also request that to
spare confusion on the day of the wedding, that you make payment in advance. Checks are fine, and may
be dropped off in person, at the rectory, or mailed to me at: 1633 Greenlawn Ave. Akron, Ohio 44301
Please feel free to reach me at any time at 330-328-1114

Thanks,

Jim Shaffer, Organist
St. Eugene's Church Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio
330-923-5244 - 330-328-1114