Saint Mary of the Hills

St. Mary of the Hills congratulates you on your engagement and your desire to be married in the Catholic Church.  Marriage is a most sacred event in the Christian tradition.  Christian marriage is the wise construct of a Creator-God who accomplishes in humankind his plan of love.  The essential marks of Christian marriage, conjugal love and unity, permanence and fidelity, procreation and nurturing companionship, allow God’s initiative to be realized.  Meanwhile, the dignity of a man and woman is enhanced, their personal growth is stimulated and society is enriched in its basic structure – the family.

Getting Started

We are privileged to assist you in planning your special day and advise and prepare you for your lifetime commitment.  Please call the rectory at least 6 months in advance of your wedding.  The engaged couple will make an appointment to meet with the priest.  Fr. will advise you on the required church and civil forms for marriage.  You will be asked to complete a FOCCUS questionnaire (Facilitating Open Couple Communication, Understanding and Study).  You may found out more about this on their website.

If you have a visiting priest officiating at your wedding who is from outside the state, he will need written permission from the Secretary of State of Massachusetts.


Couples preparing for marriage are required to attend some form of marriage preparation and instruction beyond the meetings with the priest. St. Agatha Parish holds an Engaged Couples program twice a year for all of the Milton parishes.  You must register for the workshop at least 2 weeks in advance. Space is limited. Contact St. Agatha Rectory (617-698-2439) or visit their website for schedule and application.

Or, visit the Archdiocese of Boston's website for more information about marriage preparation, including a listing of Marriage Preparation programs available in the Archdiocese.

Wedding Rehearsal

Rehearsals are usually held on the Thursday or Friday before the wedding. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it conducts these rehearsals. She will contact you about whom and what you need to bring to the rehearsal. Minimally, in addition to all of the people involved (best man, maid/maiden of honor, groomsmen, bridesmaids, readers, ushers, etc.), you will need to bring the license, the Together For Life information sheet, the check for the church, and copies of the readings.  Cyndi will also advise you about music and basic guidelines for your marriage.

Offering

The church offering is $600. This covers the church fee as well as the fee for the organist and the cantor. It is customary to give a small amount (usually $20) to each of the altar servers.