Reflection on McAuliffe-Giotis Nuptial Mass

My first sacrament at Immaculate Conception Church was my Baptism in 1987, and completing the sacrament of Matrimony there this July made our wedding day nothing short of magical. The planning process was seamless, and the ceremony was meaningful, intimate, celebratory, and entertaining.



From the start, the team at Mary, Queen of the Apostles Parish showed that they truly cared about planning and conducting a Nuptial Mass that reflected our vision, values, and unique personalities. For example, when I asked coordinator, Renee Oliveira, if there were any policies regarding wedding dress attire and she responded, “the only policy we have is you wear a dress that looks and feels beautiful on you,” I immediately felt comfortable, supported and at ease. When we met with the very talented music director, Jennifer Honen Emery, to discuss our music choices, she inquired about our personal tastes in music and suggested versions of songs that would make our wedding ceremony uniquely our own. During our Mass, Jennifer sang the ‘Irish Wedding Song’ and ‘Lady of Knock’ to honor our Irish heritage, and ‘Ave Maria’, a family favorite, in such a way it gave me chills and is etched in my memory forever. Jennifer was kind enough to offer a live concert at the church for couples and their families to hear the range of songs they could choose from for their ceremonies. I can’t imagine anyone else can play a showtunes rendition of Psalm 27!  Lastly, when my fiance and I met with Father Murray to discuss him marrying us, he took a genuine interest in our lives — our careers, upbringings, how we met, what drew us to each other, and how we intend to practice our faith.  The message Father Murray delivered during our Nuptial Mass was personal, spiritual, and relevant to us embarking on a life of faith together, yet inclusive for all guests who may practice a different religion or none at all. It was clear Father Murray took this role of Officiant very seriously - but not seriously enough to forego the opportunity to sneak in a Red Sox/Yankees joke for the New Yorkers in attendance!

My husband, family, and I were so proud of the ceremony we collectively curated with the amazing team at MQOA. We were thrilled for guests to walk through the doors into the bright and ornate Immaculate Conception church, to be moved by Jennifer’s angelic voice, to receive what we knew would be a powerful message from Father Murray, and to experience the warmth that emanates this wonderful community. We had many Catholics tell us it was the most memorable Nuptial Mass they've attended. 



The MQOA parish is truly a special place — a welcoming and hospitable community for parishioners to share their faith and experience God’s love. We are so proud to have been married there. We’re forever thankful to Father Murray and the entire staff at MQOA for making our wedding