The Sacrament of Marriage (Matrimony)

A sacrament is a visible sign of an invisible reality that gives grace. In marriage, the visible sign is the love that a husband and wife have for each other. The invisible reality to which they point is the love that Jesus has for his bride, the Church. In the Sacrament of Marriage, God gives grace, that is to say, supernatural power, to make His own love, mercy, generosity, kindness, and compassion tangible.

“Married Christians, in virtue of the sacrament of Matrimony, signify and share in the mystery of that unity and fruitful love which exists between Christ and his Church; they help each other to attain holiness in their married life and in the rearing and education of their children; and they have their own special gift among the people of God.”
-(Introduction to the Rite of Marriage, #1)

We welcome you to Saint Joan of Arc Parish for your wedding, and we congratulate you on your decision to marry! When lived with respect and fidelity and with faith in Christ’s sustaining presence, marriage can be an extraordinary blessing throughout all of life’s moments.

Before making any additional plans, couples should get in touch with the pastor as soon as they decide to get married. The diocesan regulation stipulates that there must be at least a year of planning. Call the parish office at 508-852-3232 for further details.

The Sacrament of Holy Orders

Holy Orders is the sacrament through which the mission entrusted by Christ to his apostles continues to be exercised in the Church until the end of time: thus it is the sacrament of apostolic ministry. It includes three degrees: episcopate, presbyterate, and diaconate. —Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 1536)

“Christ is knocking very hard at many hearts, looking for young people like you to send into the vineyard where an abundant harvest is ready.”—St. John Paul II