1.         Why Marriage in the Catholic Church?

The Roman Catholic Church is interested in Marriage primarily as a Sacrament.  A Sacrament is a sign given to us by Jesus so that we may share in his life, grace and blessing.  A church wedding thus is an act of faith where we believe that marriage is a covenant, a spiritual bond formed by God by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of their whole life.

By its very nature, we believe that marriage is ordered to the well-being of the spouses and to the procreation and upbringing of children.  The essential properties of marriage are unity and indissolubility.

The Civil government views marriage as a business contract.  Other Christian denominations, other world religions, the news media and our popular culture have differing views about marriage.  This is why a faith understanding about the Sacrament of marriage is important to have before getting married in the Roman Catholic Church.

2.         Must we take Marriage Preparation?

Yes.  Preparation is essential in making a life long commitment.  There are many challenges effecting marriage today; they need to be addressed.  Some challenges are:    

            *  Poor communication skills          

            *  Addiction and abuse        

            *  Differing views on finances         

            *  No common prayer life and spirituality

            *  Parenting skills and issues          

            *  Lack of a common understanding of what marriage entails    

3.         Where do we take Marriage Preparation?

The Family Enrichment Centre offers Marriage Preparation weekends.  We will provide you with a list of dates and contact phone numbers.  There is a fee.

4.         What if we don’t live in Sudbury?

Any Baptized Catholic who resides in the parish boundaries and wishes to be served in English may be married here.  Those who live outside our area need an acceptable reason to be married here.  The pre-nuptial paperwork will need to be done at your home parish.

5.         What if one of the couple is not Catholic?

Marriage in the Catholic Church is permitted as long as the Non-Catholic agrees with the Catholic beliefs about marriage, is open to raising their children Catholic, and is comfortable with the Catholic spirituality of their partner.

Seeing that marriage is foremost a spiritual commitment, a common prayer life between the couple is encouraged.

During the wedding ceremony, Eucharist (or Mass) is not recommended.  Non-Catholic people cannot receive Communion and do not know the prayers of the Mass.  Mass would exclude them and might create an uncomfortable environment.  Mass is not necessary to be married in the Catholic Church.

6.         What if one or both of the couple were married before?

Any previous marriage, either in the Catholic Church, in another Church or any civil marriage ceremony, needs to be addressed before continuing with preparation for marriage in the Catholic Church.  We will assist you as much as possible and explain things further if this is your situation.  Proper processes and documents need to be in order before proceeding.

7.         What documents do we need?

·                     Recently issued Baptismal certificates.

·                     Marriage Preparation certificate.

·                     Civil Marriage License.

·                     Scripture Readings & General Intercessions for the ceremony.

Note:  Marriage Licenses are purchased at any City Hall in Ontario. 

            They can only be purchased up to 3 months before the wedding. 

            You need to bring 2 pieces of I.D. each, Birth Certificate and photo I.D.           There is a fee. 

            Please drop the Marriage License off at the parish office as soon as   possible for us to complete our sections on the form.

8.         When is the Rehearsal?

The rehearsal is normally the night before the wedding.  We are flexible on this time.  Most couples choose 5:00pm or 7:00pm.

9.         How much money does it cost?

For the church, a donation is suggested to offset our expenses for your ceremony.  For example:  heat, air-conditioning, lights, secretary’s time, custodian’s time and the priest’s time. 

A suggested donation is $ 150.00 payable to Our Lady of Hope Parish.  It is best to submit your donation to the parish office in advance.

Other people providing services for the wedding, like the photographer, musicians, etc. have their set fees.

10.       What do we need to know about the ceremony?

A.     You need to choose Scripture Readings, (First and Second) and General Intercessions for the ceremony.  A study booklet is provided.  Choose 3 different people to do these parts.

B.     You need to choose two witnesses (Best Man & Matron/Maid of Honor) who are comfortable with their roles.  Ushers and Bridesmaids are optional.  You can have as many or few as you like.

C.    You will have to make your own arrangements for music.  We can provide you with a list of musicians if you wish.  The musicians must choose music appropriate for a church.  Please, no music from the  “Top 40” hit list.  Four to Six selections of music are needed.             See check list sheet.

D.    Flowers, decorations and pew bows are at your discretion.  However, decorations must not be in the way or obstruct people’s view. Candelabras are discouraged as candles pose a fire hazard and drip wax on the carpet.  See Wedding Décor sheet for help in this area.

E.     Confetti, rice, rose peddles, birdseed, stones etc. are not allowed due to their pollution of the environment and trouble to pick up.  Bubbles may be blown outside.

F.     A unity candle is not a part of the Roman Catholic wedding liturgy but rather a commercial invention.  It may be incorporated in the ceremony if you wish; however, you have to purchase all candles and candle holders.  Please bring it to the rehearsal for practice.