Notre Dame de Lourdes Church 101 Smith Street, Lowell MA, 01851 (978) 459-2339, Fax: (978) 446-0838 Marriage Preparation Information

Congratulations and best wishes! You have decided to confer on each other the Sacrament of Matrimony. We at Notre Dame de Lourdes Parish are happy to be a part of this major event in your lives. We know that there are many individual parts that go into making your upcoming wedding a memorable sacramental and social event. We would like to answer some of the more frequently asked questions about being married here at our Church.

How do I reserve the Church?

The process of marriage preparation begins with a meeting of the couple and the parish priest. It is the policy of the Archdiocese of Boston that this meeting take place at least six months before the date of the wedding. At this initial meeting, a date is set for the wedding, and the church is reserved for your special event.

While we are happy to give information over the telephone about the availability of the church, Archdiocesan policy does not allow that the church be reserved until the couple has met with the parish priest.

What is involved in preparing for our wedding?

Strictly speaking, we are not preparing for just your wedding. We are preparing for your reception of the Sacrament of Marriage. This involves several elements: Paperwork: With the parish priest, you will fill out a preliminary questionnaire. Baptized Christians will need to obtain several documents: 1) Your Baptism certificate. (Long form) 2) Your Confirmation certificate 3) Any record of a previous marriage and annulment. Marriage Preparation Program: This is also known as the Pre-Cana program. In this program you and other engaged couples will hear married couples talk about their experience of marriage. You will also have a chance to talk about your experience and the way you approach issues in married life. Interviews: The parish priest will want to meet with you to talk about yourselves and your relationship. He will ask you about such things as the story of how you met, your relationship, your family background, and your future plans together. This gives him a chance to get to know you. It also allows the three of you to talk about the issues and experiences of your relationship and your experience of God’s presence in that relationship. Ceremony: Later in the process, the parish priest will work with you to plan your wedding ceremony. He will supply you with materials to assist in this process.

How much will this cost?

For members of the parish, the cost for a wedding at Notre Dame de Lourdes is $185.00. This all-inclusive fee provides the use of the church for your rehearsal and wedding, and the services of the priest, musician, and sacristan. Those who are not members of Notre Dame de Lourdes pay an additional church use fee of $100.

What about music for our wedding?

While non-religious music can be used before the ceremony while the people are being seated, the music used during the wedding ceremony should be of a religious nature. There is a variety of religious music that is appropriate for weddings. Our parish musicians can help you in your selections. Can we use a musician other than the parish musicians? Couples are welcome to use outside musicians for their wedding. You can combine your musicians with the parish musicians if you wish. We are happy to allow the use of our parish organ for musicians who are trained organists and who are knowledgeable about the Catholic liturgical norms. Any additional fee that these outside musicians require would be in addition to the fee quoted above.

Can a priest or deacon from outside the parish celebrate our wedding?

A priest or deacon who is a friend or member of the family is welcome to celebrate the wedding after obtaining the permission of the pastor of Notre Dame de Lourdes. If he is from out of state, he needs to contact the Secretary of State’s office for a license to perform a wedding.

Does the church provide the unity candle, flowers, aisle runner etc.?

No. These items are provided by the couple. Although not an official part of the Catholic wedding ceremony, the unity candle is included by some couples. The candle can be purchased at most religious goods stores. The wedding carpet (125 ft.), flowers, and other decorations are also provided by the couple. A local florist can assist you in choosing something appropriate.

How are Wedding and rehearsals scheduled?

Wedding and rehearsals are scheduled in consultation with the priest of the parish. No weddings are scheduled over the telephone. A personal interview is held first.

Rehearsals are scheduled the night before the wedding normally. Please be on time. Yours may not be the only rehearsal scheduled that night.

What if we change our minds?

If you change your mind about the date or time of your wedding, please let the parish priest know. The same is true if you should decide not to get married at all.

Will the priest or deacon who marries us attend the reception?

Please do not assume that the priest or deacon who marries you will attend the reception. If you desire their presence, an invitation would be the appropriate way to clarify any question of his attending.

Am I (are we) expected to go to Church while we are preparing for our wedding?

Yes you are. It is the expectation of any Catholic that regular church attendance is already a part of your life in the Catholic community. You are asking to be married in the Church. With that request comes the same responsibilities that you as a Baptized Christian in the Catholic Church have. You are expected to participate in the life of the Church community that you want to witness your marriage vows.

If I have questions other than the ones listed here, what do I do?

Please call the parish priest and he will be glad to help you. Our number is 978 459-2339.