Thinking About Marriage?

The matrimonial covenant, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life, is by its nature ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring; this covenant between baptized persons has been raised by Christ the Lord to the dignity of a sacrament.

Marriage unites a man and a woman in a bond of love and gives couples the grace to love each other with the love of the Trinity shown through Christ's cross and resurrection.

When a couple is considering the call to the Sacrament of Marriage, there are usually questions about the process.  Here are some of the essentials about celebrating Marriage in the parish.  The best way to consider your particular situation in light of a church marriage is to contact the parish office to arrange an appointment to speak to the priest or deacon, who are always ready to answer any questions and help you with the process of preparing for Marriage.

Contact Information at the parish:

Renee DePietro, Administrative Assistant
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (508) 222-1206 Fax: (508) 226-6461
Mailing Address: One Saint John Place, Attleboro, Massachusetts, 02703

Some basic information:

• Selecting a date - Sometimes it is challenging to reserve a date for the wedding when considering guests from out of town, reception facility, etc., so couples should not reserve a date without consulting the parish since there are other celebrations that are scheduled in the church. Once you have decided to marry, you should contact the parish as soon as possible where you plan to marry.  Since there are other weddings and celebrations, a year prior to the date is recommended.
• Selecting a time - Customarily, weddings occur on Saturdays between the hours of 10:00am and 1:30pm.  On occasion, a wedding can be celebrated on Saturday after the 4:00pm parish Mass.  Weddings are permitted on Sundays if there is no conflict with the Sunday Mass and Baptism schedule.  Other times are available during the week, as well.
• Marriage Preparation - Couples are asked to participate in some type of Marriage Preparation session here in the Diocese of Fall River, or in any parish or diocese that offers sessions.  Soon we hope to offer the sessions in our parish, as well. Due to COVID restrictions, there are a number of online sessions to help couples fulfill this requirement.
• Sacramental Certificates - Couples will be asked to provide recent (within 6 months) certificates of Baptism and Confirmation.  These can be obtained by contacting the parish where the sacraments were celebrated and ask that the record be sent to you.
• Marriage Documentation - Couples can expect to meet with the priest or deacon a few times to compile the documentation and discuss their preparation for marriage.
• Marriage License - Couples are required to apply for a Marriage License from any City/Town Hall in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts no more than 60 days prior to the wedding.  This license must be given to the church prior to the wedding rehearsal.
• Officiant - We assume that the priest, or deacon, preparing the couple for the wedding will serve as the Officiant of the wedding.  If there is someone else that you would like to invite, please discuss it when you meet with the priest, or deacon, so that the required documentation can be obtained.
• Wedding Rehearsal - Once the wedding date is reserved, you will reserve a date for the wedding rehearsal.  All those who will participate in the ceremony should plan to attend the rehearsal.  
• Wedding Coordinator - The parish provides a Wedding Coordinator to help with the rehearsal and to be present on the day of the wedding.
• Readings and prayers - Couples are invited to select the readings and prayers for the wedding, as well as invite familiy and friends to participate in the ceremony.  During the process of marriage preparation, couples will receive the selection booklet.
• Flowers and Decorations - The Wedding Coordinator will help with recommendations for the placement of decorations.
• Photographers and Video - Couples are welcome to invite photographers and/or videographers to record the wedding while maintaining the dignity of the ceremony.  

There are other details that can be discussed and questions answered when meeting with the priest, or deacon.

Finally, Congratulations on your decision to celebrate the Sacrament of Marriage!  Our parish is here to help every step of the way!