Sacraments of Service

Sacrament of Matrimony – Catholics consider Matrimony to be a sacrament, a promise by the Risen Christ to be with the couple in their lives together. The Sacrament of Matrimony is distinct from the legal status of marriage, which is regulated by the State. The State recognizes marriages by authorized clergy as legal.

So, you are in the process of planning your wedding!

Congratulations and thanks for seeking out Our Lady of Hope Parish as part of your planning. We are happy to begin accompanying you in these next months. You may well have many practical questions, and we can help you with them. Please do remember that you are planning a life and not an event. It is good that you are also seeking to have your life blessed within the community of faith. We are here especially to help you experience and understand what that means and how the Church sees marriage as a sacrament, a special promise of God’s presence in your life.

The first step in this preparation process is for you to meet with one of the priests here at the parish. A call or email to the Parish Office will get that meeting set up. Following that meeting that priest will be with you throughout the preparation process and the celebration of your marriage. In the meantime, review the Wedding Guide and note any questions you may have. You will be able to discuss these with the priest accompanying you. The guidelines given here reflect the laws of the State of Maine as well as the policies of the Diocese of Maine and of this parish.

St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuits, often said that we “find God in all things” and that God is present to us in the events and relationships of our lives. We trust that it is that love of God which has brought you together now. We pray that you continue to grow in your knowledge of one another and of the God who loves you.

Peace and prayers,

Frs. Paul Sullivan, S.J,, Brian Conley, S.J., Jack d’Anjou, S.J.
Jane Driscoll, Parish Life Director
Linda McCormack, Administrative Assistant

Couples should contact the Parish Office – 207-797-7026 at least six months in advance of a planned wedding date, prior to making other arrangements. 

For Marriage Preparation: The Marriage Mentor program is one that we use. If this is your selection, we will connect you with a married couple to work together for about seven sessions of about an hour each. The online, self-paced option is https://catholicmarriageprepclass.com/

Holy Orders is the sacrament through which the mission entrusted by Christ to the apostles and Church continues to be exercised by those called by God and the Church. It includes three degrees: episcopate (bishops), presbyterate (priests), and diaconate. Those who are seeking to determine if they are being drawn by God to ordained ministry are invited to speak with one of the parish priests.