Marriage at St Monica Parish
A sacrament of love, commitment, and grace
What is Marriage in the Catholic Church?
Marriage is a sacred covenant—a lifelong, faithful, and life-giving union between one man and one woman, rooted in love and open to the gift of children. In the Catholic Church, Marriage is not just a legal or emotional bond—it is a Sacrament, reflecting the unbreakable love between Christ and His Church.
Marriage is also a vocation—a sacred calling to serve God through the ordinary, joyful, and often challenging journey of life together. When a couple chooses to be married before God and His people, it’s a commitment not only to one another, but also to God’s mission of love, fidelity, and holiness in the world.
What the Church Teaches
- Marriage is a covenant of love between one man and one woman
- It is exclusive, permanent, and open to life
- It reflects Christ’s love for the Church
- It is a public sacrament, lived out within the Christian community
- It requires intentional preparation, prayer, and discernment
Planning Your Catholic Wedding
Who Can Be Married at St Monica Parish?
If you live within the parish boundaries or attend regularly, you are considered a member of St Monica Parish—unless you’re a registered member of another parish. Catholics always begin their marriage preparation through their own parish, even if the ceremony may take place elsewhere.
Steps to Begin
- Attend a Sunday Mass and speak with the priest afterward
- Set a meeting time for your first formal interview (this must be at least 6 months before your intended wedding date)
- No wedding date will be set until this first interview is complete
Please Note:
- No weddings are scheduled the weekend before or on Easter weekend
- Catholic weddings must take place in a church
- At least one person must be a baptized and confirmed Catholic
What if One of Us is Not Catholic?
That’s okay. If one of you is a non-Catholic Christian or unbaptized, we can still prepare for a Catholic wedding with proper permissions. Our priest will help guide you through this during your preparation.
What if One of Us Has Been Married Before?
If either of you has been previously married (civilly or religiously), no date can be set until your situation has been reviewed by the Diocesan Chancery Office. This is to determine whether a declaration of nullity (annulment) is needed. Some cases are simple; others take time and care.
For questions about previous marriages, please call the Archdiocese Chancery Office at 613-738-5025
Wedding Details at St Monica Parish
Wedding Dates & Times
Weddings are typically celebrated on:
- Friday afternoons/evenings
- Early Saturday afternoons
Once a date is set, we’ll provide:
- A detailed four-page planning guide
- A list of required documents
- Information about Marriage Preparation courses
- A Pre-Nuptial Interview
- Guidelines for ceremony and music planning
A final meeting is scheduled before the wedding day to review the details and, if desired, arrange a rehearsal.
Marriage Preparation
All couples are required to complete a Marriage Preparation Course approved by the Archdiocese. The priest will assist you in selecting the appropriate option based on your situation and schedule.
Fees and Documents
- Marriage License: Obtain through any Ontario City Hall
- Church Usage Fee: A modest fee to help support the parish
- Musicians: Fees arranged and paid directly to your hired musicians
- Reception Hall Rental: Separate from the wedding process (optional)
Marriage as a Witness to God’s Love
Marriage is more than a day—it’s a lifetime. As you prepare for your wedding, we invite you to deepen your faith, grow in love, and trust that God will continue to be at the center of your journey.
Ready to Begin?
Please introduce yourselves to our priest after any Sunday Mass.
Then call the parish office at 613-727-1067 to schedule your first meeting