The Wedding Celebration
Since the celebration of marriage is an event for the whole church, and especially for the parish community, the liturgical celebration will express the faith of the Catholic Church and the local customs of the parish.

The choice of prayers, readings, exchange of consent, blessing of rings, nuptial blessing and the homily all express this same faith. Any music chosen for the wedding should express the faith of the church in the mystery that is being celebrated. It should be appropriate for a liturgical celebration.

Music In order to make sure that your wedding is a beautiful celebration of faith, the parish music director and a leader of song will be present. If you wish to bring in additional musicians or vocalists you should consult with the parish music director, Kathy D'Agostino (617) 527-7560 ext. 227. But even with other musicians, our music director and a cantor need to be present.

Photographs You are welcome to have photos taken during your wedding. We ask that the photographer speak with the coordinator prior to the ceremony.

Flowers & Decorations You are free to purchase flowers for the church if you so desire. However, in light of the restoration, many people find no need for any flowers. At certain times of the year, the church is specially decorated and no more flowers would be needed, i.e. Christmas and Easter. If you do decide to purchase flowers, you are asked to take the flowers with you when you leave church. Please let the florist know everything needs to be picked up right after the ceremony. Also, please make sure all decorations such as pew bows, etc. are removed immediately after the wedding. We ask that no flowers be strewn in the aisle as it is difficult to clean up later. Because weekends in the church are so very busy, we are asking everyone to leave the church just as they found it so that the space can be ready for the next baptism, wedding, or parish mass. Thank you so much for your cooperation.

Offerings As mentioned, the staff at Our Lady’s makes a concerted effort to reach out to couples who celebrate their sacrament of marriage at this vibrant parish.

In order to provide these services, to maintain our beautiful church, and to help defray the costs of heating, lighting, and air conditioning, the following payments are required:

Some couples make a personal gift to the priest who presides at their wedding celebration. This is entirely up to your discretion.

The donation for Our Lady’s and the three checks for the musicians' and wedding coordinator’s services is collected by Sr. Marian the evening of your wedding rehearsal. In addition, please turn in your marriage license to Sr. Marian at this time, and she will ensure that it is signed and turned in to the necessary city/town clerk by the priest celebrating your marriage.

Details
The full address of the church is:
Our Lady Help of Christians
573 Washington Street
Newton, MA 02458

License: Each couple married in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts must obtain a license. You should contact the clerk in any city or town hall in the state about six weeks before your wedding regarding the proper procedure. This license must be brought to the rehearsal.

Our Lady’s is equipped with a bathroom and elevator for the handicapped as well as special parking for the handicapped. (See Helpful Hints for more detail.)