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Edmundite Campus Ministry    Emblem of Society of St. Edmund

  at Saint Michael's College
  a ministry of the Society of Saint Edmund

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PLEASE READ BOTH THE SAINT MICHAEL'S WEDDING GUIDELINES AND CONSULT THE STATE OF VERMONT'S GUIDELINES, "GETTING MARRIED IN VERMONT"


SAINT MICHAEL'S WEDDING GUIDELINES


A Catholic marriage ceremony normally takes place in the home parish. Catholic weddings are permitted in the College Chapel. Those wishing to celebrate their marriage in the Chapel must meet the following requirements:

  1. The couple should have good pastoral reasons for being married in the College Chapel, rather than their home parish.
     
  2. There should be a formal relationship between the couple and the College. At least one party must be either a current student, recent alumnus or a member of the faculty or staff of the College. Children of faculty and staff and alumnus are eligible if Saint Michael's College Chapel is presently their ordinary place of worship.
     
  3. Those requesting to celebrate their marriage ceremony at the College Chapel should be practicing their faith.
  1. Marriages may be celebrated at any time except on a Sunday, the last weekend of August and the first two weekends of September. Weddings can be scheduled at either one of three times on a Saturday: 10am, 1pm, and 4pm.  Weekday weddings are permitted if the scheduling of a priest/deacon can accommodate.  It is also advisable to schedule a time for your rehearsal. Please note that we do not offer a room for the wedding party to dress before the wedding.
     
  2. Requests for permission to be married at the College Chapel shall be sent in writing to the Director of Edmundite Campus Ministry at least six months before the wedding. The request should indicate the pastoral reasons why the marriage ceremony should take place at the College Chapel and the relationship of both parties to the College Community. The letter must include a statement by the couple stating that they have read these wedding guidelines and agree to follow them.  A letter confirming the date and time of your wedding will be sent to you.
     
  3. The music for your marriage ceremony must be planned with the assistance of Jerome Monachino, the Director of Liturgical Music.  He can be contacted by phone at (802) 654-2254 or via email at jmonachino@smcvt.edu.  All music at wedding ceremonies should adhere to the Music Guidelines for Weddings issued by the Diocese of Burlington.  There are no exceptions to these music guidelines as we are accountable to the Bishop's Office.

    Guest musicians are allowed only on a limited basis and only with prior approval of the Director of Liturgical Music.  The use of the Chapel organ is limited to members of the music staff.  Guest organists are not allowed.
     
  4. Within six months of the wedding date, the couple should obtain copies of their baptismal records. These can be obtained from the parishes where the baptisms took place. The baptismal certificates must be recent ones and must be issued within six months of the wedding date. (Do not send original baptismal certificates).
     
  5. If the bride is a Catholic, she must also present a written note from her pastor granting permission to get married in the Chapel of Saint Michael the Archangel (Diocesan regulation). If the bride is a non-Catholic, then the groom must obtain the same type of written permission from his pastor.
     
  6. The couple is required to participate in a formal Diocesan or parish approved "Pre-marriage Program." Such a program not only acquaints the couple with the spiritual, social, financial, and sexual dimensions of marriage, it helps the couple to deepen their relationship with one another.
     
  7. There are three approved "Pre-marriage" programs: The Catholic Engaged Encounter, Pre-Cana and a Couple-to-Couple Program. Applications and information concerning the dates, times and places for programs in Vermont are available through the Diocese of Burlington, 351 North Avenue, Burlington, VT 05401 802-658-6110. The pre-marriage program can either be completed through the Diocese of Burlington or in any Catholic diocese.  The couple must also complete the FOCUS Survey with the priest witnessing the marriage. 
     
  8. Licenses are issued by Vermont Town Clerks.  If both the bride and groom are Vermont residents, you may go to the town clerk in either of your towns of residence.  If just one of you resides in a Vermont town, you must buy the license in that town.  If neither of you are Vermont residents, any Vermont town clerk's office can issue you a license.  Licenses cost $45 and are valid for 60 days from the date issued.
     
  9. A donation of $250.00 to the Campus Ministry Stewardship Fund is requested of all couples celebrating their marriage at Saint Michael's College and should be mailed with the initial letter of request.
     
  10. Visiting priests from outside the state of Vermont must obtain permission from the government to witness the marriage. Call 802-651-1518 to obtain the necessary application forms or write to: Chittenden County Probate Court, 175 Main Street, Burlington, VT 05401.

 

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Edmundite Campus Ministry
One Winooski Park
Box 271
Colchester, Vermont 05439
802-654-2333
Fax: 802-654-2780

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