St. Columba ParishA Catholic wedding is a sacrament: the couple themselves are its ministers, promising before God and the Church a love that is free, faithful, total and open to life. We would be honoured to celebrate yours. The parish celebrates about thirty weddings a year, on Saturdays at 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM and on Friday afternoons.
Call the office — a year ahead
Before booking a hall. Ann Marie will arrange a first meeting with one of the priests within two weeks, where the date is pencilled in.
First meeting with the priest
Getting to know you, confirming you are both free to marry, and going over the steps. Bring identification and, if either of you was married before (civilly or in any church), the relevant documents — please tell us at this stage.
Documents
New baptism certificates for each Catholic party (issued within six months of the wedding), confirmation details, and a Prenuptial Enquiry completed with the priest. Two witnesses who have known each of you for years complete freedom-to-marry affidavits. An Ontario marriage licence (City Hall, valid 90 days) is required before the rehearsal.
Marriage preparation course
Required in the Archdiocese of Toronto. The parish runs a weekend course in February and October ($150 per couple, including meals); archdiocesan and Catholic Family Services courses are also accepted. Couples also complete a FOCCUS or Prepare-Enrich inventory and discuss it with the priest.
Planning the ceremony
Two months out you choose the readings, music (with the Director of Music), whether the wedding is within Mass (for two Catholics) or a Liturgy of the Word, and the readers. The rehearsal is usually two days before.
Mixed and interfaith marriages
A Catholic may marry a baptized Christian of another tradition (a "mixed marriage") or a person of another faith or none. The wedding is normally celebrated outside Mass so that everyone can take part fully; the non-Catholic party's minister may be invited to offer a blessing or reading. The Catholic promises to continue practising the faith and to do all they can to raise children as Catholics; the other party is informed of that promise but makes no promise. The priest obtains the needed permission from the Archdiocese.
Already married civilly?
Couples who married at City Hall or elsewhere can have their marriage recognized by the Church in a simple ceremony called a convalidation, often with close family present. The preparation is shorter and the priest will explain it in one meeting. Many couples do this before a child's baptism or their own confirmation.
If either of you has been married before, a previous marriage must be examined by the Church before a new one can be celebrated. The priest will explain the annulment process of the Marriage Tribunal of the Archdiocese; it is confidential, costs nothing in Toronto, and usually takes twelve to eighteen months, so please begin early.
Offerings and practical matters
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Church offering | $500 | Includes organist/pianist and cantor; waived in need |
| Marriage preparation weekend | $150 per couple | Includes meals and materials |
| Additional musicians | $150 each | Arranged with the Director of Music |
| Flowers, programs, photography | Your choice | Flowers remain in the church; confetti and rice are not permitted |
Photographers and videographers are welcome and receive a one-page guide at the rehearsal; they may not enter the sanctuary during the ceremony. The church seats 420. Weddings are not celebrated on Sundays, during the Easter Triduum or on Christmas Eve or Day.
Questions
We live outside the parish.
If either of you grew up here or your family are parishioners, we are glad to celebrate your wedding. Otherwise your own parish is the normal place — but call us and we will help you find the right arrangement.
Can we write our own vows?
The vows are the words of the Church's rite, in one of two approved forms. You may add personal words in the program or at the reception.
Can we marry outdoors or at a venue?
Catholic weddings are celebrated in a church. A blessing at a reception venue afterwards can be arranged.
How long is the ceremony?
About an hour with Mass, forty minutes without.