Wedding Topics

Introductory Rites

Entrance Rite

The assembly stands. The assembly stands. The entrance song is sung while the priest, ministers (e.g., lectors, altar servers), and the wedding party take their places in the sanctuary (near the altar). The Order for Celebrating Matrimony offers two forms for this. In the First Form (#45-47) the priest and servers in vestiments proper to the liturgy greet the bridal party at the door of the Church then all enter in procession as is customary for a Mass (the ministers go first, followed by the priest, then the bride and bridegroom, possibly proceeded by their parents and the two witnesses). In the Second Form (#48-50) the priest and servers go to the place in the sanctuary prepared for the couple or to his chair, ready to greet the couple when they arrive at their place. In both forms, the priest leads the assembly in the sign of the cross after the entrance song is finished.

Greeting

The priest greets the assembly, and the people respond.

Gloria

The Gloria is sung, preferably by the whole assembly. (The Gloria is the hymn that begins, "Glory to God in the highest...") Note that the Penitential Act is omitted (see statement from the USCCB Committee on Divine Worship)

View the text of the four options for the Opening Prayer.

Opening Prayer

The priest invites the assembly to pray, then offers one of several possible prayers for the bride and groom. At the conclusion of the prayer, the assembly is seated for the Liturgy of the Word.

Liturgy of the Word

Sit

To view reading options, see "Options for the First Reading."

First Reading

The first reading (from the Old Testament) is proclaimed by the lector. At the conclusion of the reading, the lector says, "The Word of the Lord," and the assembly responds, "Thanks be to God."

To view reading options, see "Options for the Responsorial Psalm."

Responsorial Psalm

The cantor or choir sings a psalm, and the assembly sings the response.

To view reading options, see "Options for the Second Reading."

Second Reading

The second reading (from a book of the New Testament other than the Gospel) is proclaimed by the lector. At the conclusion of the reading, the lector says, "The Word of the Lord," and the assembly responds, "Thanks be to God."

Stand

To view options for the Gospel Acclamation, see "Alleluia Verse and Verse Before the Gospel."

Gospel Acclamation

The assembly stands. A cantor leads the assembly in singing the Gospel Acclamation, usually the Alleluia (except during Lent, when another acclamation is used).

To view reading options, see "Options for the Gospel Reading."

Gospel

The priest (or deacon) proclaims the Gospel. At the conclusion, he says, "The Gospel of the Lord," and the assembly responds, "Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ." The assembly sits.

Sit

Homily

The priest (or deacon) offers a homily drawn from the Scripture readings. According to The Order of Celebrating Matrimony, the presider "uses the sacred text to expound the mystery of Christian Marriage, the dignity of conjugal love, the grace of the Sacrament and the responsibilities of married people, keeping in mind, however, the circumstances of this particular marriage" (#91).

The Celebration of Matrimony

Follow this link for the complete text of The Order of the Celebration of Matrimony.

Stand

View the text of the address and statement of intent.

Address and Statement of Intentions

All stand, including the bride and groom and witnesses. The priest asks the couple questions to state their intentions about their freedom of choice, fidelity to each other, and the acceptance and upbringing of children (unless the couple are beyond the child-bearing years). The bride and groom respond to each question separately "I have" or "I am."

View the text of the consent and exchange of vows.

For more information on the vows, see "Catholic Wedding Vows" and "Can we write our own vows?"

Exchange of Consent

The presider invites the couple to declare their consent to be married, which they do by stating their marriage vows. The Order of Celebrating Matrimony offers several different options for the vows. The presider affirms the reception of the consent then leads the assembly in an acclamation which may be sung.

View the text of the blessing and giving of rings.

Blessing and Giving of Rings

The presider blesses the wedding rings through prayer and the sprinkling of holy water. The husband places his wife's ring on her finger, and the wife places her husband's ring on his finger. The Order of Celebrating Matrimony provides options for the blessing of the rings as well as the exchange of arras (coins) according to local custom. While not specifed in the ritual text, local custom may include the exchange of a kiss.

Profession of Faith

If the wedding occurs on a Sunday or a solemnity, the assembly recites the Creed ("I believe in one God. . .").

For more information, see "The Universal Prayer (general intercessions) at a Catholic wedding."

The Universal Prayer

The Universal Prayer, sometimes referred to as the Prayer of the Faithful or General Intercessions, is read by a lector, cantor, or another designated person. The reader usually offers each intercession ("For ..., we pray to the Lord.") and the assembly responds with an appropriate response, such as, "Lord, hear our prayer." The Creed may also be said, especially if celebrated within a Sunday liturgy

Liturgy of the Eucharist

Sit

View the text of the three options for the Prayer Over the Gifts.

stand

Presentation and Preparation of the Gifts

The assembly sits and sings the Offertory Song while the altar is prepared and the gifts of bread and wine are brought to the altar. According to The Order of Celebrating Matrimony the bride and groom may bring these gifts forward. When the priest says, "Pray, brethren (brothers and sisters), that my sacrifice and yours may be acceptable to God, the almighty Father," the assembly stands.

Eucharistic Prayer

The priest prays the Eucharistic prayer (parts of which he may sing). The Roman Missal provides four options for this prayer. During the Eucharistic prayer, the assembly offers three acclamations, which are usually sung:

Kneel

(after singing the Sanctus)

Sanctus ("Holy, Holy")

Memorial Acclamation

 Stand

Great Amen

Communion Rite

The Lord's Prayer

The assembly prays or sings together the Lord's Prayer (the Our Father).

View the text of options for the Nuptial Blessing.

Nuptial Blessing

The couple kneels at their place or approaches the altar where the preist faces them . the priest invites all present to join in silent prayer for the couple then extends his hands over the bride and groom and offers the blessing. The Order of Celebrating Matrimony provides options for the nuptial blessing, including beginning with the blessing and placing of the lazo (veil) if customary.

Sign of Peace

The presider invites the assembly to offer one another a sign of peace. The newly married couple and people in the assembly exchange a sign of peace (a handshake or kiss, usually accompanied by the words, "Peace be with you") with those immediately around them.

Kneel

(after singing the "Lamb of God")

Lamb of God

The priest breaks the host (Eucharistic bread) while the assembly sings the "Lamb of God." The assembly usually kneels when the song concludes.

For information about who may receive communion, see "Can someone who is not Catholic receive communion?"

Communion

The priest (often with the help of Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion) distributes the Body and Blood fo Christ to Catholics in the assembly, beginning with the newly married couple. An appropriate song is usually sung as the assembly proceeds to the altar for communion.

Concluding Rite

 Stand

View the text of the four options for the Blessing.

Blessing

The presider prays a solemn blessing over the married couple and the whole assembly. All participate in the blessing by repeatedly responding, "Amen." This blessing may be sung. The ritual text indicates the witnesses may sign the marriage license in front of the assembly, though never with the license on the altar.

Dismissal

As with any Mass, the presider dismisses the assembly with an exchange like "Go in peace to glorify the Lord with your life" to which all gathered respond "Thanks be to God."

Recessional

A recessional, or closing procession, is a natural way to conclude the eremony. Though it is not specified in The Order of Celebrating Matrimony, the couple, the bridal party, the ministers, and the presider process out of the church, usually accompanied by a festive song or instrumental music. Music suggetions for the wedding procession offer suitable options. Depending on local custom, the priest may invite the couple to exchange a kiss before leaving the sanctuary.