Family Life
Gold and Silver Wedding Jubilee Mass and Celebration
World Marriage Day, celebrated on the second Sunday in February each year, honors husband and wife as head of the family, the basic unit of society. It salutes the beauty of their faithfulness, sacrifice and joy in daily married life. The permanent theme adopted for the day is “Love One Another.” Loving one another is a daily decision, simple but challenging. The symbol for World Marriage Day consists of two candle-like figures joined by a heart. The hope is that couples will be reminded of their calling as married couples to enlighten the world by being life-giving to one another.
The Diocese of Savannah celebrates World Marriage Day annually with a special Gold and Silver Wedding Jubilee Mass at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Savannah for all couples married 25 or 50 years.
Couples must register for the celebration at their parish or online. An official invitation will then be sent by mail in January with detailed instructions for the day.
2019 Schedule of Events
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Gold and Silver Wedding Jubilee Celebration
Sunday, February 10, 2019
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Continental Breakfast for Family and Guests
9:30 AM – 10:45 AM
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Photos with Jubilee Couples and Bishop Hartmayer
begin at 10:00 AM
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Holy Sacrifice of the Mass
11:30 AM
- Map
Frequently Asked Questions
(click on the question to see the answer)
What time should we arrive and where do we go?
We are so glad you decided to celebrate your special wedding anniversary with us! On the morning of February 10th, 2019 please plan to arrive at Sister Jude Walsh Hall (immediately behind the Cathedral on Harris Street) between 9:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.
Where should we park?
There is on street parking all around the Cathedral however you may need to walk a few blocks. Please be aware that meters are FREE on Sundays in Savannah. Please DO NOT park in the alley behind Sr. Jude Walsh Hall off of Lincoln St. This alley is needed for staff and volunteers.
What do we do when we arrive?
When you first arrive you will be greeted at the registration table where you will receive your registration packet. From there you will proceed to the corsage table where the ladies will be pinned with a corsage. A Continental Breakfast for family and guests will be provided at Sister Jude Walsh Hall prior to Mass from 9:30 am to 10:45 am. At 10:00 am we will begin taking couples’ pictures with Bishop Hartmayer. Due to time constraints pictures will be limited to a single picture with the Bishop and the celebrating couple. There will be hostesses and diocesan personal available to assist you should you have any questions or need assistance.
Are the Cathedral and Sister Jude Hall handicapped accessible?
The Cathedral has an elevator entrance just a short distance from the entrance of Sr. Jude Walsh Hall. Sr. Jude Walsh Hall is on street level, the doors are wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs, and there are no stairs to navigate once you are inside. Savannah is a historic city and the streets around the Cathedral reflect this. The pavement can be uneven in places difficult to navigate. For this reason diocesan personal and volunteers will be available on the day of the event to aid anyone needing assistance walking from the hall to the Cathedral or to the parish center.
Where are the restrooms located?
There is a set of very small restrooms located just inside the entrance of Sr. Jude Walsh Hall. Additional restrooms are available in the Cathedral Parish Center located just across Harris Street. There will be signs directing you to the Parish Center and volunteers will also be available to direct you.
What is the typical style of dress for participants?
Typically the gentlemen wear anything from a suit to a nice dress shirt and slacks. The ladies typically wear semi-formal to Sunday church dresses.
Is there a fee for getting a copy of the picture taken with the Bishop?
Each couple will be gifted one copy of the picture taken with Bishop Hartmayer at the celebration. This picture will be mailed to the couples in the weeks after the celebration. Additionally the diocesan Communications office will make the pictures available online.
Will there be refreshments available?
A Continental Breakfast will be provided before mass from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. for all participants, and their family & guests.
We are traveling from a long distance and would like to spend the night in Savannah. What hotels are nearby?
Savannah is home to a wide variety of accommodations ranging from chain hotels to charming, historic bed and breakfasts. This list is but a small sampling of the accommodations available within short walking or driving distance to the Cathedral.
- Hampton Inn & Suites Savannah Historic District - 603 West Oglethorpe Avenue (.09 miles from the Cathedral)
- Courtyard Marriott Historic District - 415 W. Liberty Street (.05 miles from the Cathedral)
- The DeSoto - 15 E. Liberty Street (.02 miles from the Cathedral)
- Hamilton Turner Inn - 330 Abercorn Street (285 feet from the Cathedral)
- 17Hundred90 Inn - 307 E. President Street (.04 miles from the Cathedral)
Additional Questions?
Please contact Jayne Stefanic, Director of Family Life at 912-201-4068 or via the form below.
