Sacred Heart Chapel

We are happy you are getting married.  Please go through these guidelines so that we can assist you to celebrate your great day.
STEP 1
Get the permission to use the Sacred Heart Chapel for your wedding on the date of your choice from the Administrator of Dominican Sisters of Sparkill.
STEP 2
St. John Parish, Piermont, is the territorial parish of Sacred Heart Chapel Sparkill. Meet with Fr. Tom Kunnel (845 359 0078) who will guide you with the paper work. Please bring a check for $100 made out to “St. John’s Piermont Stipend” to cover the processing of the paper work.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

1. A new copy of Baptismal Certificate, one issued within the last six months.  Baptized parties of other faiths are required to present their Baptismal Certificate.
2. For Catholics, a copy of their First Holy Communion and Confirmation certificates are required.  If all sacraments were obtained from the same church, notations of Sacraments and dates will be written on the back of the Baptismal Certificate.
3. A notarized letter from a parent, relative or friend of each party testifying to the fact that you have never been married before.
4. Letters must be presented from the couple’s home parishes indicating that permission is granted for the marriage at Sacred Heart Chapel and that they are free to marry.  This is called a “Letter of Freedom of State”.
5. If either party is under 21 years of age, a letter from the parents is required, giving their permission for the marriage.
6. When one party to the wedding is non-Catholic, a dispensation from the Bishop is required.  This is relatively easy to obtain.  The application must be completed and signed in the St. John’s Parish office in the presence of both parties.
7. Go online:  http://nyfamily.org/ and sign up for Catholic Couple Check up or Prepare / Enrich  (Fr. Tom is a licensed facilitator)
8. Pre-Cana Conferences are required for all couples prior to the wedding.  A listing of dates and locations is available from the parish priest.  Or you can go to http://nyfamilylife.org/ to check for classes and register online.  The certificate of attendance must be returned here with the other documents.
9. Pre-Marital Investigation (PMI) Documentation
10. Copy of civil license which with all signatures of priest, best man and maid of honor.
11. Copy of the permission to use the Sacred Heart Chapel

1. The Priest /Deacon must have delegation in writing from the Pastor of St. John’s Piermont.
2. If the Priest/Deacon who will witness the marriage is from outside the Archdiocese of New York, he must contact the Chancery Office of the Archdiocese of NY, 1011 First Avenue, NY 10022 (212)371-1000 for the permission to witness the marriage and/or to conduct Pre-Marital Investigation (PMI). Certificate of good standing from competent authority is required.
3.  If Fr. Tom Kunnel from St. John is performing the Pre-Marital Investigation (PMI) or/and witnessing the wedding, please check his availability.

If the visitor Priest/Deacon is conducting the PMI the above items 1 to 9 in Step 2 must be submitted immediately to St. John the Baptist Church following the ceremony. 
STEP 4
The Priest/Deacon who will witness the marriage is responsible for conducting the wedding rehearsal.  The bride calls to make arrangements for rehearsal with the Administrator of Dominican Convent, (845) 359-4188.
Please make a personal check to the Priest or Deacon (suggested offering is $150 or more). This is separate from the rental fee for the use of the Sacred Heart Chapel and the Organist fee.
The contact for the Minister of Music for the Sacred Heart Chapel Sparkill is Tabby Williams, 914-793-9186.
If you have any questions, please contact Fr. Tom Kunnel, C.O., Pastor of the Parish of St. John Henry Newman Parish 845-359-1230 or 845-359-0078  - [email protected]