How do I Schedule a Wedding Rehearsal?
Each couple is assigned to one of our trained parish wedding coordinators. Either the coordinator or the rectory office will contact you to schedule and confirm a rehearsal. Your wedding rehearsal may be scheduled when you meet with the priest or by calling the parish secretary at the rectory. If for any reason your wedding plans change after a date has been scheduled, please notify Fr. Sean. The coordinator spends adequate time with each couple to assure that the sacramental format of the liturgy is explained, rehearsed and comfortable for you and your guests. The coordinator will contact you approximately one month prior to your wedding date and rehearsal. Please bring the following to the wedding rehearsal: The completed selection sheet for your ceremony, your Massachusetts marriage license and your parish donation and fees.
Flowers and Carpet
Florists are typically accustomed to the set-up and delivery of flowers for your wedding. We are open to appropriate displays. When the Sacrament of Matrimony is celebrated during Advent and Lent please bear in mind the more simple character and simplicity of these seasons. During Christmas and Easter the church is decorated seasonally. Even so you may add particular appropriate additions with permission. Kindly ask your florist to make arrangements with the rectory for floral deliveries; please remind your florist that there is a 4:00PM Mass on Saturdays. Some couples are accustomed to leaving their flowers in the church following the wedding ceremony for the weekend Masses. (Your florist may contact the rectory for more detailed assistance.)
The florists or your own wedding assistants can assist you in making arrangements for a carpet or runner. If you plan to have a runner, please note that the center aisle is 99 feet long. Please be mindful that the Church building is a sacred space. We ask you to make sure that your guests do not throw anything - including flowers, rice, birdseed, bubbles or confetti, either inside or outside of the church or grounds.
Photographer and Videographer
Please have your photographer and videographer check with the celebrant, the priest or deacon, prior to the start of the Mass or ceremony. Additional lighting is not needed and should be discouraged for your comfort, as well as that of your guests.
Candlelight Wedding
We are pleased to have available ten pew-candelabras that may be attached to the pews along the center aisle of the church. They are available for rent if you desire a candlelit wedding. Ask your wedding coordinator for more information.
Altar Servers
Saint Ann Parish has a dedicated team of altar servers. We normally assign two servers for your Mass or ceremony. If you have trained family members or friends they are welcome to serve with the approval of the officiating minister. Albs are available for visiting servers.
Music
Music is an important part of our sacramental life. It is therefore, an important part of your wedding celebration. Saint Ann Parish is blessed to have a diverse staff of musicians, support persons and assistants. All music and sacramental music must be approved by the Pastor and Music Director. All music played at Mass must be appropriate church music. Although other personal music may have special meaning to you, these would be more appropriately used at the reception or other gathering times and places. Our Music Director will assist you in choosing your music and supporting and performing during the celebration. Under normal circumstances, the music director and parish cantors sing at all weddings. Sometimes couples have family members and friends who wish to share their talents. All guest musicians and/or cantors must be approved by the Pastor and Music Director. For questions or clarification, please contact the rectory. Mrs. McCourt can be reached through her email at - amccourt64@comcast.net or by telephone direct at 617-875-3247
Music for your wedding: Planning a Catholic Wedding by J. Michael McMahon
Fees and Donations
The sacraments are a free gift given to us by our Lord and His Church, as such there is no fee for a sacrament. It is customary, however, when celebrating a sacrament to make a free will offering to the Church and parish according to your means. This offering supports our pastoral work, including your pre-marital appointments and support. The parishes in this part of Boston ask that parishioners offer $250.00 and non-parishioners offer $500.00. If this amount is financially difficult, please feel free to speak with Fr. Sean. This donation is in addition to the fees that you reimburse us for, as described below.
You are requested to make payment for the professional fees of our professional staff persons who are contracted and/or who direct the wedding. It is requested that each couple cover the expenses for our staff, rather to pay each person individually.
The fee for our professional service is $615.00. This covers the following parish expenses and contracted services: $225.00 music director-organist; $150.00 cantor/soloist; $100.00 wedding coordinator; $100.00 janitorial preparation and clean-up; $20.00 each for the two altar servers. This fee is required even if you provide your own and approved professionals.
Optional rental of the pew-candelabras is an additional $100.00; this includes the cost of the candles and set-up.
Revised September, 2011