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Each person intending to marry in the Catholic Church is required to be interviewed by a priest or deacon, so that freedom to marry may be established. Each candidate is required to sign a document stating that he/she understands the Church’s teaching that marriage is a sacrament; that he/she intends the marriage to be for the rest of his/her life; and that he/she agrees to mutually exchange important declaration that must be secured before a wedding is celebrated.
Each candidate is to provide the parish with a recent (within the last 6 months) baptismal/confirmation record(s). Please contact the parish of your baptism and confirmation and request this documentation be mailed directly to Holy Name Parish to the attention of the priest or deacon who is assigned to your wedding. If you received either or both of the sacraments at Holy Name, we will verify your information.
Finally, The Commonwealth of Massachusetts requires that a marriage license be obtained from the state in order for a couple to marry. The license is necessary for your marriage to take place. A license may be obtained from any city or town hall in the state. When applying for your license, it is necessary for both parties to be present. N.B.: a marriage license is valid for sixty (60) days in Massachusetts. There is a 3-day waiting period to receive a license. Please plan accordingly. The marriage license must be presented to the priest or deacon prior to your wedding date. We suggest two weeks beforehand.