Q: Thank you so much for all of your great help.
The post about weddings prompted a question about which there is not full agreement here.
For a wedding early on a Saturday afternoon in Lent, what should be our parish policy regarding flowers? GIRM 305 says “During Lent it is forbidden for the altar to be decorated with flowers. Exceptions, however, are Laetare Sunday (Fourth Sunday of Lent), Solemnities, and Feasts.”
However, past policy seems to be that flowers would be permitted in the sanctuary during weddings in Lent provided that they are done in moderation and removed before the Vigil Mass. The wedding will not be on a date that meets one of the GIRM 305 exceptions. Which idea should we follow going forward?
Thanks again for all of your help.
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A: Thanks for your remarks about my blog.
I realize that weddings are not feasts, but they do call for the Gloria when celebrated on a day such as a Saturday early afternoon in Lent.
I think a parish policy that permits moderate usage of flowers for a wedding in Lent is respectful of the season and courteous to the couple.