Dear Editor,
Thanks to Paul Turner for such a concise article on photography during the liturgy (Bulletin Inserts, ML 23:6). I, too, am frustrated that the secular has taken over the sacred in regard to the sacrament of matrimony. I don't know if we can wrestle it back, but I sure am giving it a serious try.
I have written guidlines for photography in my parish, and wonder other parishes have developed guidelines. I am trying to get several photographers to agree to my guidelines. I would then recommend these photographers to our couples as the "parish photographers" from whom they may select one for their wedding.
My fights and struggles are always with the photographers, many of whom cannot be trusted to comply with our parish rules and lie between their teeth as they proceed to do what they want once the ceremony has begun.
I have also had to form a flower policy, as well, due to many arguments with florists who are more concerned with the contract they have for the wedding and reception than with the liturgy.
All in all, weddings have become a bad scene because the photographers, florists, and limousine owners direct it, pushing aside the parish pastoral team.
My marriage team, two couples, the parish council, and I have formed these policies for all the sacraments to try to regain the respect due for a sacred place, holy ground, the sacraments themselves, and for the sanctuary where our parish community worships.
I appreciate Turner's article because it will help in this effort.
Fr. Phil Rotunno
West New York, NJ
PRotunno@aol.com
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