Introduction
Welcome - Welcome to the St. Casimir's Marriage Preparation Program. Christian marriage is a sacrament in which a man and woman join together in a community of love with the possibility of becoming a family. In the love which binds two into one, the Christian Community finds an expression of the great love God has for us,
a love which binds us to God and to each other as well. The couple confer the Sacrament of Matrimony on each other. In doing so, the two become a source of grace, one for the other. The living out of their commitment to each other for the whole of their lives is a source of renewed grace each day for them and a reminder to all of us of God's presence and love.
The couple have the opportunity to take an active part in planning as well as in the celebration of the wedding liturgy. To assist you in the preparation of this important event, we have prepared these pages for you. We encourage you to read this together, to note any questions you may have so that when you meet with the priest who will officiate at the wedding.
Who May Be Married at St. Casimir's Church? - To schedule a wedding at St. Casimir's Church, the bride or groom must be a registered, active parishioner of Casimir's Church for a period of six months.
The Archdiocese of Toronto requires couples to contact the parish church at least 12 months prior to the marriage and take part in the following marriage preparation programs:
Engaged Encounter - A weekend to be shared by the couple together with others preparing for marriage. This weekend experience assists them in developing communication skills by giving each person the opportunity for honest, intensive sharing about their future lives together. The schedule for the Engaged Encounter please contact: Queen of Apostles Renewal Centre, tel (905) 278-5229
Parish Preparation Program - A series of six weekly sessions held in the parish.
Necessary Documents
The following documents are necessary prior to marriage: Baptismal Certificate - A baptismal certificate issued within the last six months may be obtained from the church in which each person to be married was baptized. Those baptized in another Christian Church or denomination are also asked to present a certificate of baptism.
Marriage License - The couple must have a Ontario Marriage License. This is presented to the priest at least a month before the wedding.
Canonical Form - Sometimes it is necessary to obtain a special permission or dispensation before a marriage may take place. If so, the priest preparing the couple will explain this and assist in obtaining whatever is necessary.
After the celebration of the marriage liturgy, a notification that it has taken place will be sent to the church of baptism of the Catholic parties
Planning the Ceremony
Reserving St. Casimir's Church - Please contact Father at 416-532-2822 to arrange your wedding date.
Dates & Times - Wedding ceremonies may be scheduled for Saturdays at 1:00 PM, 2:30 or 4:00 PM.
Rehearsals - Rehearsals may be held on weekdays between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM. The dates are arranged with the Father. Saint Casimir's Church is reserved for a period of one half an hour for your rehearsal. Punctuality is imperative. Rehearsal will not be extended beyond the scheduled time. There are various events scheduled daily, so adherence to the agreed time is imperative.
Special Note Regarding Promptness - In order for the Wedding liturgy to begin promptly, the couple should arrive in plenty of time before the ceremony: 30 minutes for the groom and ushers: 15 minutes for the bride and her attendants. The weddings at St. Casimir's Church must remain within certain time limits. Thus, couples should realize that a late start of the liturgy may require shortening or even elimination of certain parts of the ceremony. The priest will make this determination.
Flowers, Decorations and Other Information
Flowers - As sacred art reflects the joy of the Paschal Mystery celebrated in all Catholic liturgies, so flowers add an important element of festivity to a wedding. Generally decorations should reflect simplicity and not interfere with the liturgy. Flowers are not placed on the altar itself. Given the interior design of the church, no other decorations are needed. To preserve the church furniture, no staples, wire or tape may be attached to the pews. It is the responsibility of the wedding party to see that any items placed in the aisles are removed after the ceremony.
Rice, etc. - Rice, birdseed, confetti, rose petals, soap bubbles, etc. create a safety hazard. We ask you to inform your guests that none of these may be thrown in or around the church. The building will be used by many people after the bridal party and wedding guests have departed.
Music
Guidelines Contact the Organist, Robert Majkut, tel: 905-477-7241 at least two months in advance of the Wedding Date to work out all aspects of the music for your wedding.
The Saint Casimir's Church Organist is the designated organist for all weddings at St. Casimir's Church.
Only music of a liturgical or sacred nature is allowed within the liturgy at Saint Casimir's Church.
Music
Great care must be taken to insure that nothing interferes with this sacred event. Please review with the photographer(s)/videographer(s) the information given below.
Instructions for Photographers/ Videographers
The event you are about to record is a sacred one. We seek your cooperation to ensure such an atmosphere during the ceremony. So that you may be well informed about the wedding policy of this parish, we have listed below the general regulations for all weddings at St. Casimir's Church. We ask that these regulations be respected.
Video equipment inside the sanctuary must be stationary, including all video cameras in either the right or left aisle of the church. No equipment is allowed in the center aisle.
No additional equipment to enhance either the lighting of the sanctuary or the recording of sound is permitted.
The photography/video session following the wedding must finish 15 minutes after the scheduled beginning of the wedding. No exceptions can or will be made.
During the post-wedding photography session, we ask that the party remain silent and that the photographer be as quiet and respectfully reverent as possible.

Circle Of Gold
A circle of gold, joining two hearts together,
the symbol of a love shining forever.
A product of the earth,
worth more than you understand.
For it is more precious,
in heart than in hand.
Two lives now to be lived as one,
vows to be taken and never undone.
As years go by the circle of gold,
will not shine so bright.
But the love in your hearts,
will shine it's eternal light.

O. Janusz Błażejak OMI