HOLY SACRAMENTS

Reconciliation or Penance takes place every Saturday, 3:15 p.m.-3:45 p.m. or by appointment by contacting the Rectory.

Baptisms take place on Sundays at noon. Baptism Instructions are held on Fridays at 7:00 p.m. Please call the Rectory to make arrangements.

First Communion classes meet every

Confirmation classes meet every

Holy Matrimony ceremonies are scheduled through the Rectory. All marriage arrangements are the responsibility of the bride and groom. Contact the parish at least six months prior to the proposed date of the wedding to arrange an initial appointment with a priest to discuss your marriage plans. It is advisable to do so even earlier to ensure a better chance of securing the date you desire.

Prospective brides and grooms are required to complete a Marriage Preparation Program. It provides engaged couples an opportunity to gather together with married couples and consider important issues concerning married life for reflection and discussion. Information about the various programs offered in and around the Boston metropolitan area will be provided by the priest working with you. You should enroll in a program as soon as possible because these programs are booked well in advance.

If Saint Francis de Sales Church is not your parish, a record of Baptism and a record of Confirmation must be submitted. These may be obtained by contacting the parish where the Sacrament took place and requesting that the records be mailed to the attention of the priest who is assisting you with your marriage plans. A civil license is necessary for marriage. It may be obtained from any city or town clerk in Massachusetts. Both parties must be present to apply. Blood tests are required to obtain a license. These results are valid for 30 days. Once the license has been issued, it is valid for 60 days. Please give the license to the priest arranging your marriage at the time of rehearsal. After the wedding, your license will be completed and sent it to the city/town hall where it was obtained.

Catholic brides and grooms should receive the Sacrament of Penance and Holy Communion shortly before their wedding so that they can more fruitfully receive the Sacrament of Marriage. This spiritual preparation also gives great peace and strength at the start of your married life. Encourage your attendants to go to Confession and Communion also so that they may share fully with you the graces of this special occasion in your lives.

The offering to the church for marriage is $xxx.00 and should be provided prior to the ceremony. Please make your check payable to St. Francis de Sales Parish.

If you should decide to postpone or cancel your wedding, it is necessary that you inform the priest who assisted you with the arrangements in writing as soon as possible.