Marriage

Marriage Policy at St. John’s Parish

At St. John’s, we are delighted to accompany couples preparing for the Sacrament of Marriage. Catholic weddings normally take place in the parish church of either the bride or the groom. We are happy to meet with couples when at least one party is a registered parishioner who attends Sunday Mass regularly.

To begin the process, couples must contact the parish office by phone or email, or speak directly with Fr. Joshua Roldan after the weekend Mass they attend, in order to book an initial meeting regarding their marriage.

Booking Wedding Dates

Couples must contact the parish at least one year in advance of their desired wedding date. This Archdiocesan policy ensures sufficient time for marriage preparation.

If either party has been previously married, no date can be set until freedom to marry has been formally established and documented.

Wedding Times

Weddings are typically celebrated on Saturdays before 3PM. 

Weekday weddings may be arranged depending on church availability.
Sunday weddings are not permitted.
No weddings may take place during Holy Week.

Marriage Preparation Course

The Archdiocese of Toronto requires all couples to complete a Marriage Preparation Course before their wedding.

Options include:

• Engaged Encounter Weekend
  Queen of Apostles Renewal Centre, Mississauga
  Phone: 905‑278‑5229
• Catholic Family Services
  Phone: 416‑921‑1163 for additional course locations

Engaged Encounter Weekends are very popular and should be booked well in advance.

Required Documents

a) Catholics must provide a current Baptismal Certificate, issued within six months of the wedding date (not the original certificate).
b) Baptized non‑Catholics should provide any available record of Baptism (a photocopy is acceptable).
c) All couples must obtain a marriage licence from City Hall and bring it to the parish office at the scheduled second prenuptial meeting.

Presider at the Wedding

The priest who begins marriage preparation with the couple is normally the presider at the wedding. However, circumstances may require another priest to preside. We appreciate your understanding should a change be necessary.

Interfaith Marriages

In keeping with Diocesan policy, marriages between a Catholic and a non‑Catholic (or an unbaptized person) may be celebrated in the Church. The non‑Catholic party is not required to become Catholic in order to marry in the Church.

Altar Servers

Altar servers can be provided by the parish upon request.

Rehearsals

Wedding rehearsals are scheduled directly with the presider.

Parking

Parking is available north of the church. Access is from Kingston Road via the driveway between the church and St. John School.

Parish Contact

Email: stjohnsto@archtoronto.org
Phone: 416-698-1105