Silver & Gold Anniversary Mass
Marriage establishes a holy covenant among three: one man, one woman, and God himself. The annual Silver & Gold Anniversary Mass is a testimony to the goodness of Christian marriage and the blessings it can bring. It is an opportunity to thank God for graces given and to ask for the continuing gift of grace to persevere in the commitments that have been made.
Download the 2022 Commemorative Program
How can I learn more about the image on the prayer card from the 2022 Mass?
The image "The Wedding at Cana" was painted by Father Marko Ivan Rupnik for the 10th World Meeting of Families June 2022. It was created for meditation on the gift of family as an expression of the Sacrament of Matrimony. Download Fr. Rupnik's explanation of the image and use it to reflect on the gift and graces of the Eucharist and Matrimony.
What is the Silver & Gold Mass?
Catholics marking milestone wedding anniversaries are invited to participate in the annual Silver & Gold Anniversary Mass celebrated by the Bishop Robert Deeley. This will be an in-person event. At the end of the Universal Prayer (the intercessions), Bishop Deeley will offer a special blessing in which all married couples in the church will share. A light reception will follow the celebration.
When is the next Mass?
Saturday, June 24, 2023, at 4 p.m. at Holy Family Church, 429 Main Street, Old Town.
Who should register to attend?
Couples who are celebrating the milestone anniversaries of 10 years, 25 years, 40 years, and 50 or more years of sacramental marriage may register to attend the Mass in person and/or to be included in the downloadable commemorative program. Couples marking these milestone anniversaries may also submit a picture of themselves from their wedding day or present day for inclusion in a special slideshow that will be available through diocesan website and social media.
Any couple that participates in the Mass in person may receive the graces of a special blessing.
Registration for inclusion in the online slideshow or commemorative program will begin in February 2023.
Other FAQs
What if our anniversary this year marks something other than 10, 25, 40, or 50+ years?
While all are invited to participate in the Mass which celebrates the gift of Christian marriage, only those celebrating milestone anniversaries of 10 years, 25 years, 40 years, and 50 or more years will receive special recognition in the commemorative program and slideshow.
Can I invite family and friends to join us?
Yes. You may include family and friends in your reservation so we can prepare to include them in the light reception that will follow the celebration.
Do we have to register to get access to the special Mass or to receive the blessing?
No. Any couple that participates in the Mass in person may receive the graces of the special blessing.
Will the celebration be livestreamed?
No. We are returning to a fully in-person celebration.
How do we submit a photo for slideshow?
Photos for the slideshow must be received in the Chancery by 5 p.m. on June 12 to be included in the slideshow of honored couples. Note: print photos will not be returned.
May I submit a registration for my parents or close friends?
Yes. If they are Catholic, live in Maine, and you have their permission to publish their names and anniversary to the public.
How do I get the commemorative program?
The final program and slideshow will be posted on this website by 10 a.m. on June 24.
Will I get a reminder of what to do when we arrive at the church on June 24?
Yes. If you provided an email address in your registration, you will receive a reminder email from lori.dahlhoff@portlanddiocese.org on June 21 with directions on what to do once you arrive at the church.
How can I learn more about the image on the prayer card distributed at the June 25, 2022, Mass?
The image "The Wedding at Cana" was painted by Father Marko Ivan Rupnik for the 10th World Meeting of Families June 2022. It was created for meditation on the gift of family as an expression of the Sacrament of Matrimony. Click to download Fr. Rupnik's explanation of the image and use it to reflect on the gift and graces of the Eucharist and Matrimony.
