Weddings
No Longer Two,
But One
Congratulations on your recent engagement!
We rejoice with you and pledge to you our prayers and support!
As Catholics, we believe that marriage is a sacred covenant of love in Christ between a man and a woman for the purpose of sustaining a community of life and love and to accept children lovingly from God. Marriage is a sacrament: a visible sign of Christ’s presence which empowers us through His grace.
In the living out of this sacrament, God’s love is made present in our world. Of all the many preparations which you will make over the months prior to your wedding day, none is more significant than your spiritual preparation.
Please make the time to pray together by coming to Mass each week, and, for those who are Catholic, to avail yourselves to the sacramental life of the Church. During our time together, we will discuss not only the details of the wedding, but, more importantly, we will assist you to prepare for your life together as husband and wife in the sacred bond of marriage.
How do I schedule a wedding?
Wedding should be arranged at least six months in advance of your desired date. Use the contact form below or call the parish office at 508-823-9833. Fr. Matt will then reach out to you to schedule a brief introductory meeting.
What paperwork is required?
✓ Each Catholic party is to bring a newly issued copy of their baptism and confirmation certificates dated no sooner than six months prior to the wedding. A baptized person of another Christian denomination is to bring a copy of his/her baptismal certificate.
✓ A marriage license, issued from a city or town in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, must be obtained approximately one month before the date of the wedding. Please contact the city/town for further information.
✓ If you are not a members of St. Ann's Parish, you will be asked to provide a letter from your local parish priest granting permission for your marriage to take place here.
✓ An inter-denominational or inter-faith marriage requires a few additional forms.
Who will perform the baptism?
Generally, baptisms at St. Ann’s are performed by either Fr. Matt or Deacon Joe. Fr. Matt and Deacon Joe generally alternate weekends, but if you would like to request one or the other we will do our best to accommodate.
Can I invite a visiting priest or deacon to do the baptism?
St. Ann’s welcomes visiting priests and deacons to perform baptisms. Generally, baptisms performed by a visiting clergy member are done on Sundays at 1:30PM. If this is a problem, please discuss this with Fr. Matt or Deacon Joe
Who can be a godparent?
- A child must have one practicing Roman Catholic godparent in good standing with the Church.
- Catholic godparents must be at least 16 years old.
- A godparent cannot be a parent of the child.
- A godparent must have received the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation.
- A godparent must be validly married in the Catholic Church.
- A godparent must be actively practicing the faith, at a minimum attending Sunday Mass on a weekly basis.
- A non-Catholic, baptized Christian may be chosen as a Christian Witness, as long as one godparent is a practicing Catholic.
What is a sponsor certificate?
All godparents must obtain a certificate/letter from their own parish stating that they are members in good standing and are eligible to act as a godparent for Baptism. These certificates should be submitted to the parish office as soon as possible.
What does the godparent do at a baptismal ceremony?
The godparents will stand with the parents and publicly acknowledge their commitment to support the child’s parents in raising him/her in the faith. With the parents, they will trace the sign of the cross on the child’s forehead. During the baptism itself, the godparents will place a hand on the shoulder of the parents symbolizing their support and commitment in their role as Christian godparents.
What if the godparent can't be present at the baptismal ceremony?
A family member or friend can stand in at the ceremony as a proxy for the absent godparent, but the godparent’s name will appear on the baptismal certificate.
