Setting the Date

CONGRATULATIONS!  After announcing your engagement, you must call the Parish Secretary at 884-2105 at least one year before your wedding to reserve the church.  The parish secretary will inform you if the church is available for your requested date and time.  You must be a registered parishioner to reserve a wedding date. 
NOTE:  Your Wedding Date is NOT OFFICIALLY SET until you have spoken with the priest! 
After speaking with the priest, you may then secure the date by a non-refundable deposit of $50.00. 

The church is available for weddings on Saturdays, which may begin as early as 11:00am, but no later than 2:30pm.  Weddings may be scheduled on other days according to availability.


REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Certain documents must be obtained for both the bride and groom.  At your first interview, the priest or deacon will discuss the following documents as well as other requirements depending on individual circumstances:

  • You must acquire a recent copy of your BAPTISMAL CERTIFICATE (i.e. produced within the last six months) from the church at which you were baptized.  On the reverse side there are usually the recorded dates of your FIRST COMMUNION AND CONFIRMATION (even if they happened at another church).  As mentioned, this is usually the custom; unfortunately it is not always the case.  If your church of baptism does not have this information, then you will have to get your
    First Communion and Confirmation Certificates from the Church(s) at which you received those sacraments.
     

  • IF EITHER THE BRIDE OR GROOM HAS BEEN MARRIED BEFORE in the Catholic Church (or any church or civil ceremony) and does not have an annulment, you must meet with the priest BEFORE setting your wedding date.  Paperwork must be filed with the Diocese and an Annulment must be granted so that you can get married in the Catholic Church.  The Annulment process can take up to one year or more. 
     

  • A formal MARRIAGE PREPARATION PROGRAM is required of each engaged couple.  Engaged Encounter Weekends, Evenings for the Engaged, or Basic Marriage Preparation Programs are held throughout the state at various locations.  Engaged couples must register for these programs through the Diocese of Providence via an online booklet in PDF format.    Click here to view the 2009 Marriage Preparation Brochure, Registration Information, & Class Schedule in a PDF file.  Upon completion, you will receive a certificate which must be given to the priest or deacon as proof that you have completed this requirement.  St. Francis de Sales sponsors a weekend program right here in the parish center.

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  • A MARRIAGE LICENSE from your Town or City is required and should be HAND-DELIVERED to the Rectory Office before your Wedding Rehearsal.  If you must mail the license to us, please be sure to keep a copy for your own protection if it should get lost.  Please visit:  State of RI Marriage Requirements