Things to Know About Weddings at Christ the King:

As a Roman Catholic Parish we are very interested in marriage primarily as a sacrament. A sacrament is a sign given to us by Christ in order for us to share His Life with us while we are here on earth.

The sign of the sacrament of marriage is athe pronouncement of vows by a baptized man and a baptized woman before the Church's pastor or deacon. Therefore, the couple give this sacrament to each other and the Church's pastor or deacon is merely the official witness.

As a parish community we have a grave responsibility to the couple, the Church and society, to see that all the requirements and preparations are completed as easily and completely as possible. Couples requesting a marriage ceremony here at Christ the King are asked to be as cooperative as possible for the good of all concerned.

How to Start Preparations:

Call the Parish Office at 674-6447 (Monday to Friday 8:30am - 3:30pm) for an appointment - six months to one year prior to the date - with the pastor. A Pre-Marriage Course will be requested. All church and government forms must be filled out well in advance of the wedding.

What Do You Need?

a) If both parties are Catholic:

1) two recent complete Baptismal Certificates, i.e. with Confirmation date (dated within six months of wedding);

2) permission from your pastor of your own parish if you are not registered at Christ the King or from outside of the Diocese of Sault Ste. Marie. (You may be asked to have all the Church documents prepared in the parish and diocese where you are residing);

3) proof that the couple have taken a Pre-Marriage Course or Engaged Encounter Weekend will be asked of them well in advance of the wedding date.

4) Marriage License or Banns:

- Banns will be published if both Catholic parties are registered and practicing their faith at Christ the King or one other parish in this or another diocese.

- Licenses are required by the parties if:

i)they are of different faith traditions;

ii) they are not regular registered parishioners;

iii) one or both have been married before.

A marriage license is obtained at City Hall up to 3 months before the wedding. Please bring the license to the Church as soon as possible.

b) If only one party is Catholic:

1) a recent Baptismal Certificate (dated within 6 months of wedding) along with information i.e. Confirmation must be submitted by the Catholic party;

2) a Baptismal Certificate of the non-catholic party if available;

3) written permission of proper Pastor, if not from the parish of wedding;

4) Marriage Course or Engaged Encounter Weekend well in advance is requested (c.f.3.3);

5) a Marriage License (c.f.3.4)

c) If one or both parties have been married before:

1) Death Certificate of spouse(s);

2) Annulment papers - if necessary;

3) All other papers as required above plus decree of Annulment and Divorce Absolute.

What does it cost?

a) There is no charge if you absolutely cannot afford it.

b) Use of Church: $150 (cheque payable to Church of Christ the King)

c) Organist: Please notify the parish organist of who you request to play and sing and the selections they have chosen. The musicians and singer are paid by the couple.

d) Floral and church decorations are to be taken care of by the couple.

Wedding Rehearsal

The wedding rehearsal is usually held on the night before the wedding, as early as possilble. Always determine this well in advance.

Photography

1) Still photographers allowed at:

a) entry down the aisle

b) just before the exchange of vows

c) signing of the register

d) exit down the aisle

2) Video:

a) one video camera

b) one pre-determined position

Witnesses

Only the maid of honour and the best man are necessary, and should (if possible) be practicing Catholics. Please limit the other attendants to a reasonable number.

For all other information, please contact the parish office.

Information about the Wedding Ceremony

The wedding ceremony can be celebrated either within the context of a Mass or ouside of Mass. Usually the choice is left to the couple, however for pastoral reasons it is usually recommended that where one of the fiancé(e)s is not Catholic, the wedding ceremony should take place ouside of Mass.

• Order of Service for the wedding ceremony