MArriage preparation

MARRIAGE THE SACRAMENT: The Church states about Marriage: "The intimate community of life and love which constitutes the married state has been established by the Creator and endowed by him with its own proper laws. . . . God himself is the author of marriage ... Marriage is not a purely human institution despite the many variations it may have undergone through the centuries in different cultures, social structures, and spiritual attitudes."  In the marital union, the couple act as ministers before God and join themselves in a sacramental union by the power of God.  They become a sign and symbol of the love and fidelity of God for his people, a love which is faithful, is based on true love, and does not abandon the other.

MARRIAGE PREPARATION: The preparation process involves a few meetings with the priest or deacon who will be witnessing your marriage. He will help the couple to understand the sacrament more deeply, deepen their understanding of one another, and ensure that they are ready for such a commitment.  In addition to these meetings, attendance at a retreat or other marriage preparation activity is ordinarily required.  We aim to make the process as easy and fruitful as possible.  Please contact the parish office at 978-632-0253 to make an appointment to meet with one of our priests.

If you chose to get married by a JP you may want to consider the following...
Sometimes young couples do not realize that marriages involving baptized catholics which take place out side of the church without the church's permission are not considered valid or sacramental.
The good news is that it is never too late to put things right and ask for God's grace in your relationship. Couples who are interested in being married in the church should contact one of our priests who will be happy to guide you through the steps needed to help you enter into a sacramental marriage. 
To learn more about the "convalidation" process please check out this link: https://www.foryourmarriage.org/convalidation-bringing-your-marriage-into-the-church/