| DOCUMENTS: | A copy of the Baptismal Certificate of the Bride and Groom. This certificate must be issued within six months of the wedding. For Catholic parties, copies of First Communion and Confirmation certificates are also required. For non-Catholics, a Birth Certificate is required.
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| MARRIAGE PREPARATION PROGRAM (Pre-Cana): | Every couple married at the Newman Catholic Center is required by the Diocese to participate in a Marriage Enrichment Program. The couple is responsible for making all necessary arrangements. Click here for info about Pre-Cana programs offered at the Center.
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| SESSION WITH PRIEST OR DEACON: | You will meet with the priest or deacon several times over the year. These meetings will determine if both members of the couple are free to marry, discuss your own views of marriage and family life and plan your wedding liturgy.
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| WEDDING LITURGY: | The booklet "Together for Life" is given to each couple to assist you in planning your celebration of marriage.
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| DEACON OR PRIEST: | Either a deacon or a priest may officiate at your wedding. A wedding where a deacon presides consists of the Liturgy of the Word and Exchange of Consent. Weddings with a priest may also include the Liturgy of the Eucharist (Mass).
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MUSIC: | The music for your wedding is very important. All music arrangements are the responsibility of the couple. The Newman Catholic Center has a music director available to help you. Mark Callahan may be contacted at 413-549-0300, x36 during the academic year or by email mcallahan@external.umass.edu during the summer. He will assist you with the proper musicalselections for your wedding.
The fee for the organist/pianist and other singers or musicians should be given to the priest or deacon at the Rehearsal.
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CHURCH OFFERINGS: | These fees should be placed in individual envelopes and given to the priest or deacon at the Rehearsal. The suggested Offerings are: - Offering to the Center - $100.00
- Offering to the Priest or Deacon -- Personal
- Altar Servers (2, optional) - $20.00 each
- Organist, Pianist, Soloist -- See Above
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STATE REQUIREMENTS: | A Marriage License is required by state law. The license should be obtained within two months before the wedding. You can apply for your license at any town or city hall in Massachusetts.
PLEASE BRING THE MARRIAGE LICENSE TO THE REHEARSAL.
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CHURCH ATTENDANCE: | Couples being married at the Newman Catholic Center are encouraged to attend Mass each week. As you prepare to enter into the Sacrament of Matrimony, it is important that you are living your faith and deepening your prayer lives together.
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| "May the Lord Bless Your Marriage for Ever" |
