MARRIAGE
Because the Church is concerned that each couple has a lasting and happy marriage, a wedding date can be set only after the required preparation process is underway. For this reason couples who are registered members of this parish are and to contact Father Ballard as soon as possible after their engagement is announced. The minimum preparation period is 6 – 12 months. The parish is in no way responsible for couples who proceed to complete all kinds of arrangements for marriage without speaking to Father Ballard first. It is the responsibility of the priest to ensure the couple's freedom to marry, to assess the couple's readiness for marriage, to direct them in the process of marriage preparation (which is mandatory for all), to complete the requisite documentation relative to Marriage and to assist in the planning for the liturgy in the church. The Roman Catholic Church has specific liturgical guidelines with respect to music, dress etc. that will be explained at an individual meeting with the couple.
For those who have been previously married a declaration of nullity or death certificate is necessary. For information on the nullity of a marriage, please see the website of the Diocese of Pembroke.