White Robed Monks of St. Benedict
South Africa Presence

Renewal of Marriage Vows

What to renew your Marriage Vows to one another? We can readily solemnize your vow renewal. If you married originally in a civil ceremony and new wish to renew your vows within a spiritual context, not a problem. If you wish your children to participate, this also is not a problem.

We provide marriage services in a compassionate manner. Perhaps you have concerns about perceived barriers. We treat you with the same care Christ gave to all who came to him. Are these of concern to you?

Outdoor Weddings and Other Sites

The choice of location for your vow renewal is yours. Depending on weather and other factors ceremonies may be held out-of-doors. While we do not maintain any church buildings you may also be able to use interdenominational churches and chapels for more formal settings. Hotels, banquet halls, private homes, museums and other locales are other options.

Personalization of Mariage Vow Renewal Ceremonies

We will be pleased to assist you in personalizing your wedding ceremony. There are many ways in which this can be accomplished. Options for readings, both from the scriptures and other sources, which speak to marriage, are permissible. Vows can be written by you or chosen from more traditional options. Ceremonies which speak to various ethnic groups can also be accommodated. We have a Catholic/Orthodox ceremony that maintains the customs of both traditions. Discussing your wishes with your priest is the best way to assure that your day is special.

Marriage Anniversary Mass and Wedding Ceremonies

If you so choose, your vow renewal ceremony will be very similar to that celebrated in the Roman Catholic Church since we share very similar liturgical forms. Because we are ecumenical, all folks participating in the ceremony are invited to the altar for communion, regardless of religious affiliation. Vow Reneal ceremonies can also be celebrated outside of the Mass.

Legal Issues

There are none as you are already married.

Fees for Wedding Services

While we do not, on principle, have fees for religious services, we do rely on donations to sustain and further the ministry. Donations permit the WRBs and clergy to continue providing ministerial services to those so requesting and to advance WRBs' charitable activities. Donations help cover costs of:

• Funding the White Robed Monks' charitable activities;
• Administrative expenses: postage, documents, web site, phone calls, supplies, computer, archiving;
• Priest's expenses: car, petrol, vestments, liturgical supplies, duplicated materials, computer use, phone calls;
• Priest's time: 2 hr ceremony preparation, driving time to/from ceremony, 1.5 hr pre-ceremony and ceremony;
• Making-up the difference for those financially indisposed.

Please consider the above when making a donation. Thank you.

What must I do to have a priest officiate at our vow renewal ceremony?

The first step is to complete and submit via the web a Vow Renewal Petition as provided, or contact Fr Oliver in Johannesburg. This will allow us to find a priest closest to you and begin a dialog with you on your vow renewal ceremony. Ideally, we would like to personally meet at least once with a couple, although not necessary. When this is not practical email and telephone conversations may substitute. Your priest will work with you to discuss marriage and help you plan your wedding.

Thank you for your interest in our Contemporary Catholic Community and the possibility of us ministering to you at your Vow Renewal Celebration. Please contact Fr. Oliver if you need any further information.

Wishing you all God’s blessings of Peace and Joy as you prepare for this great step in you lives.

Fr. Oliver