Marriage
Celebrating God’s love in one man and one woman
Booking Dates for Weddings
The couple should meet with Fr. Charlie Jordan at least one year in advance of the proposed date of marriage to ensure adequate time for marriage preparation. In the case of any previous marriage, no date may be set unless freedom to marry can be given.
Time for Weddings
Weddings may take place any day except Sunday. When you come to meet with the Pastor, you may consult with him about the availability of dates and times.
Marriage Preparation Courses
You will benefit from taking one of these two required marriage preparation courses: Catholic Engaged Encounter (Friday evening to Sunday afternoon) or Parish Marriage Preparation (Friday evening and Saturday morning and afternoon). Fr. Charlie can direct you to the registration of these programs at the first meeting.
Offerings/ Fees
Catholics earning a wage should contribute regularly to the parish, in an envelope or loose. On the occasion of the wedding, please be prepared to make a special contribution.
Please have these ready AT THE REHEARSAL, in separate envelopes.
- PARISH: Normally, the contribution to the parish is $150.
- ALTAR SERVERS: $20.00 per Altar Server.
- MUSIC: Speak with our music director, Linda Guralski soon (905-309-7674). If you wish, she will meet with you to go over the musical options. Her fee varies depending on what you would like her to play/sing/learn. Deal with her directly, please, and bring the fee envelope directly to her before the wedding. If you want additional musicians or singers, this needs to be worked out through Linda Guralski.
Documents Required
a. Baptismal Certificates
Every Catholic being married must present a certificate of Baptism issued within six months before the marriage. This certificate will probably include information concerning Confirmation. If not, a certificate of Confirmation is also requested.
A non-Catholic, if baptized, must also obtain a record of Baptism. . Photocopies of these are acceptable.
If one of the parties is from another parish or another diocese, discuss with the priest the need for testimonial letters that may have to be presented.
b. Ontario Marriage License or Banns
An application for an Ontario marriage license may be obtained at any Municipal Office in Ontario. It is valid for three months up to the time of the wedding.
c. Certificate of Marriage Preparation
You will be given a certificate once your marriage preparation course is completed.
d. Names and addresses of the signing witnesses
The parish office needs to know the names and addresses of the two signing witnesses. They must be at least 18 years old but need not be Catholics.
e. In case of a previous marriage
If a previous marriage existed and the former spouse is deceased, a certificate of death is required.
If there was a previous marriage and the former spouse is still living, a declaration of nullity from a Catholic Marriage Tribunal may be required. No date for marriage may be set until freedom of marriage has been established and documented by the Chancery of the Hamilton Diocese. More information about the Hamilton Diocese’s annulment process can be found here.