Weddings

Weddings

The Sacrament of Matrimony, or marriage, is a unique sacrament because it is the man and the woman who mutually administer the sacrament upon each other in the presence of a priest or deacon and other witnesses.

In order for a marriage to be valid, the couple must enter into this covenant out of their own free will, without fear or coercion. They are also asked to honour and be true to each other for the rest of their lives, as well as to accept children lovingly from God and bring them up according to the law of Christ and His Church.

Couples getting married should contact the parish priest at least six months before the intended wedding date in order that necessary preparations can be made. Such preparations include a Marriage Preparation Course either offered by the Diocese or an on-line Marriage Preparation Course as well as a variety of paperwork and liturgy planning.

Normally, we only celebrate weddings for those living within our parish boundaries or who are registered and have regularly been attending Mass at St. Francis Xavier.

Exceptions to this rule are made for children of our parishioners, who have moved away. In these cases, they will require a letter of permission from their own pastor, whose responsibility it will be to prepare them for marriage according to the policies of the place where they reside.

It is our hope and prayer that your marriage will bring you happiness and blessings throughout your lives.