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Introductory Rites
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stand
For more about the entrance procession, see "The
wedding procession."
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Entrance Rite
The assembly stands. The entrance hymn is sung while the priest,
ministers (e.g., lectors, altar servers), and the wedding party process
to the altar. The
Rite of Marriage says this about the procession: "If there is a
procession to the altar, the ministers go first, followed by the priest,
and then the bride and bridegroom. According to local custom, they may
be escorted by at least their parents and the two witnesses. Meanwhile,
the entrance song is sung" (#20). When the entrance hymn is
finished, the priest leads the assembly in the sign of the cross.
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Greeting
The priest greets the assembly, and the people respond.
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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)
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View the text of the four options for the
Opening Prayer.
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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.
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Liturgy of the Word
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sit
To view reading options, see
"Options for the First Reading."
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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."
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To view reading options, see
"Options for the Responsorial
Psalm."
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Responsorial Psalm
The cantor or choir sings a psalm, and the assembly sings the
response.
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To view reading options, see
"Options for the Second Reading."
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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."
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stand
To view options for the Gospel Acclamation,
see "Alleluia Verse and Verse
Before the Gospel."
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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).
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To view reading options, see
"Options for the Gospel Reading."
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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.
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sit
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Homily
The priest (or deacon) offers a homily drawn from the Scripture
readings. According to the Rite of Marriage, "He speaks about
the mystery of Christian marriage, the dignity of wedded love, the grace
of the sacrament and the responsibilities of married people, keeping in
mind the circumstances of this particular marriage."
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Rite of Marriage
Follow this link for the
complete text of the Rite of Marriage.
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stand
View the
text of the address and
statement of intent.
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Address and Statement of Intentions
All stand, including the bride and groom. The priest asks the couple
to state their intentions about their freedom of choice, faithfulness to
each other, and the acceptance and upbringing of children (unless the
couple are beyond the child-bearing years).
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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?"
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Consent and Exchange of Vows
The priest invites the couple to declare their consent to be
married, which they do by stating their marriage vows. The Rite of
Marriage offers several different options for the vows.
Although it is not called for by the Rite of Marriage, a
brief musical acclamation may be sung after the exchange of vows.
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View the text of the
blessing and
exchange of rings.
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Blessing and Exchange of Rings
The priest blesses the wedding rings. The groom
places his wife's ring on her finger, and the bride places her husband's
ring on his finger. The Rite of Marriage provides three options for
the blessing of the rings.
Although it is not called for by the Rite of Marriage, a
brief musical acclamation may be sung after the exchange of vows.
Although it is not called for by the Rite of Marriage, in
some places it is customary for the newly married couple to exchange a
simple kiss after the exchange of rings, perhaps prompted by the
presider stating, "You may now exchange a kiss."
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Profession of Faith
If the wedding occurs on a Sunday or a solemnity, the assembly recites the Creed
("I believe in one God. . .").
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For more information, see "Prayer
of the faithful (general intercessions) at a Catholic wedding."
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Prayer of the Faithful
The Prayer of the Faithful, or General Intercessions, are read by a
lector, cantor, or another designated person. The reader usually offers
the prayer ("For . . ., we pray to the Lord.") and the assembly responds
to each prayer with an appropriate response, such as, "Lord, hear our
prayer."
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Liturgy of the Eucharist
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sit
View the text of the three options for the
Prayer Over the Gifts.
stand
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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 Rite of Marriage, "other gifts for the needs of the Church or the poor" may also be brought to the altar at this time. The bride and groom, or others from the assembly, 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.
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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:
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kneel
(after singing the Sanctus)
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Sanctus ("Holy, Holy")
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Memorial Acclamation
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stand
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Great Amen
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Communion Rite
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The Lord's Prayer
The assembly prays or sings together the Lord's Prayer (the Our
Father).
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View the text of the
three options for the
Nuptial Blessing.
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Nuptial Blessing
The presider faces the couple and prays over them. The Rite of
Marriage provides three different options for the Nuptial Blessing.
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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.
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kneel
(after singing the "Lamb of God")
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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.
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For information about who may receive
communion, see "Can
someone who is not Catholic receive communion?"
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Communion
The priest (often with the help of Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion)
distributes the Eucharistic bread and wine to the assembly, beginning
with the newly married couple. An appropriate song is usually sung as
the assembly proceeds to the altar for communion.
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Concluding Rite |
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stand
View the text of the four options for the
Blessing.
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Blessing
The priest prays a solemn blessing over the married couple; the
whole assembly participates in the blessing by repeatedly responding,
"Amen." Optionally, the blessing may be sung. In some places, the couple
is invited to exchange a kiss after the blessing.
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Dismissal
The priest dismisses the assembly, which responds, "Thanks be to
God."
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Recessional
The couple, the bridal party, the ministers, and the priest process
out of the church, usually accompanied by a song or instrumental music.
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