Sacrament of Marriage and Wedding Information

Charlestown Catholic Collaborative
comprising the parishes of
Saint Francis de Sales and Saint Mary – Saint Catherine of Siena Parish
Wedding Checklist

Important steps and tips in the weeks and months ahead!

How do my fiancée and I communicate with the Parish? The Sacrament of Marriage is between a bride and groom and prepared with the guidance of a celebrant—usually the Pastor of the Church where the sacrament is scheduled. To ensure that no details are lost in translation, we request that only the bride and groom communicate with the Pastor or a designated member of his staff. Pastoral staff includes the Administrative Assistant (responsible for receipt of records and scheduling of rehearsals) and Music Director (responsible for planning and performing music for the service, as well as working of sound system and instrumental setup).

 Reverend John Sheridan, Pastor: jsheridan@charlestowncatholic.org
 Dianne Ludy, Administrative Assistant: dludy@stmarystcatherine.org
 John Anthony Volpe, Music Director: javolpay@gmail.com

When emailing us, please include your last names and the date of your wedding in the subject of every message.

 Pre-Cana Program. A list of Pre-Cana Program classes in the Archdiocese of Boston can be found at bostoncatholic.org/Marriage Ministries. When your program is complete, please send your certificate to the Parish Office.
 Photo of the couple. Our Parish Bulletin includes photos of engaged couples three weeks before a service. After your first meeting with the Pastor, please send a JPEG of you and your fiancée to Dianne Ludy, administrative assistant, at dludy@stmarystcatherine.org.
 Sacramental records. Baptism and Confirmation sacramental records can be sent to the attention of Dianne Ludy at the Parish Office.
 Contact the Music Director. Three months before your wedding, please email Matthew Arnold, our Interim music director, at marnold@stmarystcatherine.org. She will contact you to schedule a meeting and assist you.
 Determine if you would like the Mass and Marriage Ceremony live streamed for friends and family who cannot be in attendance. If you would like live streaming please inform Dianne at the office.
 Notes for your florist. Arrangements can be brought to Church one hour before the ceremony. Please be advised that runners are not permitted due to the nature of our floors and for the safety of our guests.
 Scheduling a rehearsal. You can schedule a rehearsal by calling Dianne at (617) 242-4664. Rehearsal days are also good opportunities to bring (1) your marriage license, (2) any remaining donations, (3) decorations, and (4) programs.
 Plan to go to Confession. In preparing the Sacrament of Marriage, it is recommended that Catholics find a time and place to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession). This can be scheduled with Fr. Ronan or any priest. Most parishes have schedules for confession (Saturdays at 3:45 p.m. in St. Mary-St. Catherine’s Church) and all respect the request of an individual to go to confession. Scheduling a rehearsal. You can schedule a rehearsal by calling Dianne at (617) 242-4664. Rehearsal days are also good opportunities to bring (1) your marriage license, (2) any remaining donations, (3) decorations, and (4) programs.