Guidelines for members of our parish
St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish serves
Our lady of sorrows church, essex
St. joseph's church, chester
INITIAL CONTACT
Please get in touch with the Parish office at least 6 months before your intended wedding date.
Essex Office: (860) 767-1284; Chester Office: (860) 526- 5495
Email: office@stocpct.org
You will also need to complete a MARRIAGE INFORMATION FORM and schedule an appointment with the pastor, either at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, Essex, or St. Joseph's Church, Chester.
MARRIAGE PREPARATION
Completion of a Marriage Preparation Program is mandatory.
Options include:
A weekend retreat organized by the Diocese of Norwich or
An online Pre-Cana program offered through the Diocese of Norwich
You will receive a certificate upon completion; please submit it to our office.
Visit the Diocese of Norwich Marriage Preparation Page for more information.
SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH PASTOR
Please contact our parish office to schedule an appointment with the pastor.
When you meet with him, please bring the following sacramental documents:
Sacramental Certificates: Bring your Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation certificates.
Validity Requirement: These documents must be issued within 6 months of your wedding date.
You can request updated copies directly from the specific parishes where you received each sacrament.
Affidavit of Freedom to Marry: You must also provide a completed Affidavit of Freedom to Marry,
which must be signed by someone who knows you well (such as a close family member or long-time friend).
To download and print this form, please click here.
MUSIC ARRANGEMENTS
Please make music arrangements at least three (3) months before your wedding date.
Choir Director for Our Lady of Sorrows Church: Irene Listorti – (860) 388-9884 | musicessex@stocpct.org
Choir Director for St. Joseph’s Church: Wendy Hummel – (860) 559-9807 | musicchester@stcopct.org
Note: Fees for the organist and any additional musicians are determined and paid directly to them.
If you choose alternative music or musicians, a $50 fee is still required for the parish organist.
MARRIAGE LICENCE
Marriage licenses should be obtained from the Town Hall of the town where the wedding will take place. Licenses may be secured up to 3 months before the wedding date.
WEDDING DAY SCHEDULING
Due to regular parish Mass schedules:
Sunday weddings are NOT permitted
Saturday weddings must begin no later than 2:00 PM
Weekday weddings are available upon request; please contact the office.
SCHEDULE OF FEES
Total Donation for the Church: $1000.00
Deposit at Registration: $300.00
Balance Due at Rehearsal: $700.00
Make online payment here to St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish