Marriage Ministry

PLEASE NOTE: It is the policy at St. Michael that persons requesting sacraments for themselves or their children must have been registered and active members of the parish for at least three months prior to the reception of the sacrament.

As you are reading this Web Page you are probably newly engaged and are thinking about marriage and are planning a wedding. In general, it takes about six months for all arrangements for a wedding at St. Michael's to be finalized. You are strongly advised to contact the Parish Office at 403.249.0423 or via e-mail parish@sntmichael.com at least six months before your planned wedding date.

We will make a note of your planned wedding date and time and will set a time for your initial interview. This initial interview is to verify the couples' "freedom to marry". The process takes into account any previous marriages, age, Christian beliefs, and baptismal status. The interview will take about one hour and requires the attendance of both the bride and the groom.

All Catholics will be required to present a new Baptismal Certificate issued and dated within six months of the interview, whereas, non-Catholic Christians who have been Baptized will be asked for a copy of their original Baptismal Certificate. In addition, each individual will require a letter from his/her parents certifying that he/she was never married. Once it has been determined that a Christian Marriage is possible the Engaged Couple will be started on the Parish marriage preparation program.

At St. Michael's we use the "For Better and For Ever" Sponsor Couple Program. ( Please note that there is a cost of $100.00 per couple for the program ). Each Engaged Couple will be paired with a Sponsor Couple. This couple will host and guide the Engaged Couple through a program consisting of five evenings. Once this program is completed and all required information and paperwork is submitted, the Couple then meets with the Pastor to discuss and plan their actual Wedding Celebration. Note: The Engaged Couple will also require a Provincial Marriage License. (Available from any Registry Office).

For individuals who have been previously married - you will require a Declaration of Nullity.

Sponsor Couples. Couples wishing to become Sponsor Couples for our "For Better and For Ever" program should also contact the Parish Office.

Declarations of Nullity

What is Marriage?

The Catholic Faith Community describes marriage as a "mutual gift of two persons" to each other, which finds its clearest symbol in the covenant of the faithful and forgiving love initiated by God with his chosen people. Marriage is, therefore, seen as a covenant between a man and a woman whereby they establish between themselves a partnership for their whole life. This partnership of equals is for the well being of them both and for the procreation and upbringing of children. The nature of this covenant demands permanence and fidelity, and establishes an unbreakable oneness between them. The Church teaches that every valid marriage is permanent and that a valid marriage between baptized persons is a sacrament. For the good of all concerned every marriage, (whether between Catholics, Christians of other denominations, Jewish persons or non-Christians) is presumed to be valid and binding.

What is a Declaration of Nullity?

A Declaration of Nullity is a decision of the Church that a particular marital union was not a marriage as the Church defines marriage. Because the Faith Community sees marriage as a call to mutual self-giving for the good of the spouses and the nurturing of children, the question addresses whether the spouses were capable of, and open to, entering into this special commitment. If it can be shown that something essential was lacking at the time of the exchange of vows, then the Church declares the union to be null. The process can also be a way of helping people to come to peace within themselves, and in, and with the Faith Community of the Church, after a union has ended in a civil divorce.

Where to Begin?

Contact the Parish Office at 403.249.0423 or via e-mail: parish@sntmichael.com. We will gather all the necessary preliminary information and help you prepare a Petition for a Declaration of Nullity, which will then be sent to the Diocesan Tribunal. Before contacting the Parish you should gather the following documents and information:

1. For Catholics - a new Baptismal Certificate dated within six months of your interview.
2. A copy of your Registration of Marriage, or a Marriage Certificate Issued by a non-Catholic Minister.
3. A copy of your Divorce Decree "Absolute".
4. The names addresses, and telephone numbers of at least four witnesses who knew you, and your spouse during your courtship and your marriage.

How Much Does It Cost?

The work of the Tribunal is one of many services provided by the Church for members of the Calgary Faith Community. The right to present a Petition for Nullity of marriage, after separation, is available to anyone who has serious grounds, no matter if they cannot contribute financially to the work involved. Fees also help to defray the costs of professional personnel, office routine expenses, Appeal Tribunal and other items. The present contribution requested of a petitioner is $500.00. This amount covers less than 30% of what it actually costs to process a file.

How Long Will It Take?

There is no average length of time for a study to be completed. Each file proceeds at its own rate, depending on the work of the petitioner and the cooperation of others who are asked to help. It is not possible to determine or guarantee a completion date. Please remember that a date for remarriage in the Church cannot be set until a Declaration of Nullity has been granted and confirmed by the Appeal Tribunal.

What Will Happen?

After your Petition has been forwarded the following sequence of events can be expected:

1. A Tribunal staff member will formally interview the Petitioner.
2. The former spouse will be notified by the Tribunal and formally interviewed if she/he agrees to this,
3. Witnesses will be interviewed; documents gathered,
4. Psychological experts may be consulted by the Tribunal, if there appears to be a need,
5. The statements gathered will be reviewed by the Defender of the Bond, who will make a written observation,
6. Three judges will study the file and give a written decision based on law and fact,
7. Both parties will be notified of the judges' decision,
8. After a mandatory waiting period (nearly a month) the file and decision will be sent to the Canadian Appeal Tribunal for a second procedure,
9. Both parties will be notified as soon as the Appeal Tribunal gives its decision.

Do Non-Catholics require a Declaration of Nullity?

If a non-Catholic wishes to marry a Catholic in the Church, and the non-Catholic has a civil divorce, the non-Catholic will normally require a Declaration of Nullity. This is so because the Catholic Church recognizes the sacramental validity of marriages conducted according to the laws of other churches. This includes civil marriages of two non-Catholics.