1. Please contact the parish priest at least six months in advance to:

   a. fill out an initial data sheet
   b. reserve a date and hour for your wedding ceremony and schedule your rehearsal time - now if possible.
   c. arrange for a pre-marriage preparation program (Pre-Cana classes or Engaged Encounter weekend.)
   

2. A second meeting with the priest will be scheduled to complete the FOCCUS Survey (Facilitating Open Couple Communication, Understanding & Study).

3. Contact the priest who will marry you when you have completed the pre- marriage preparation program so that you may fill out the Marriage Preparation Questionnaire.

4. Contracting musicians and/or vocalists for your wedding is your responsibility. It is suggested that you do this as early as possible since, especially in the summer months, musicians are booked ahead. See the back of this sheet for suggested possibilities.

5. Recently-issued Certificates of Baptism are required and must be obtained from the church(es) of baptism. We can help you do this.

6. A State of Vermont marriage license is purchased in the town where one party resides and is valid for two months from the date of purchase. It must be one day old at the time of use (purchased on Friday, it can be used on Saturday). A blood test is no longer required. The license is given to the priest who will marry you. After the wedding, he signs it and returns it to the office of origin. A copy of the certificate may be obtained by requesting it from the office of origin. (Town Clerk's Office)

7. Specific guidelines for weddings at St. Pius X are:

   a. Weddings may be celebrated on any day except Sunday. Saturday weddings may not begin anytime after 1:00 PM

   b. We ask couples to purchase an arrangement of flowers to be placed on the floor in front of the altar. This arrangement should be left after your wedding for weekend Masses. No flowers may be placed on the altar itself. Since the church is carpeted, the use of a runner is unnecessary and discouraged because of the danger and confusion it presents. Bows on the pews may be attached with clips only. No tape may be used. If a "unity candle" is to be used, it is the responsibility of the couple to provide this for the altar.
   

8. The rehearsal is customarily held on the evening before the wedding. All members of the wedding party should be encouraged to be on time for your rehearsal since more than one rehearsal may be scheduled on a given evening. Only persons directly involved in the rehearsal should attend the rehearsal, which usually takes about 45 minutes.

9. The offering for weddings, as set by the Diocese of Burlington, is $75.00, payable to "St. Pius X Parish." This covers stipends for the church and the priest, and is totally separate from any fees given to musicians or vocalists, covered in item number four above.

10. Because of the danger and complications they present, the use of rice, bird seed, confetti or flower petals is strictly prohibited inside OR outside the church. This custom may be reserved for the reception area.

These regulations have been designed to meet the needs and protect the rights of all concerned parties. We hope that you will consider and follow them carefully. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.