The Following is a guideline to the Order of A Catholic Wedding Mass

 

• Introductory Rites
• Liturgy of The Word
• Rite of Marriage
• Liturgy of The Eucharist
• Communion Rite
• Concluding Rite

Depending on the lenght of readings etc, a Catholic Wedding Mass may take 45mins to 1 1/2 hours.

 

 

Introductory Rites

Entrance Rite:

The assembly stands. While the priest, ministers, and the wedding party process to the altar, the entrance hymn is sung. The priest greets the congregation and they respond.

Penetential Rite:

The priest invites the assembly to repent of their sins, and guides them in doing so.

Gloria:

At the end of the Penitential Rite, "Gloria" is sung, however during Advent and Lent, "Gloria" is not sung.

Opening Prayers:

The priest will invite the congregation to pray, and offers one of several prayers for the bride & groom. At the end of the prayer, the congregation will sit for the Liturgy of The Word.

 

Liturgy of The Word

First Reading:

The first reading is from The Old Testament

Responsorial Psalm:

The Choir will sing a psalm and the congregation will sing the response.

Second Reading:

The second reading is from The New Testament

Gospel Acclamation:

The congregation stands. The choir leads the congregation in singing the Gospel Acclamation, usually "Alleluia". During Lent another acclamation is used.

Gospel:

The priest proclaims the Gospel.

Homily:

The priest now offers a homily usually composed from the Scripture readings.

 

Rite of Marriage

Address & Statement of Intentions:

The Bride & Groom and the congregation will stand. The priest asks the bride & groom to state their intentions about their freedom of choice, faithfulness to each other, and the upbringing of children.

Consent and Exchange of Vows:

The priest asks for the couples consent to marriage, which they confirm by stating their marriage vows. There are many different options for vows.

Blessing and Exchanging of Rings:

The priest will bless the wedding rings. The groom places the bride's ring on her finger and the bride places the groom's ring on his. A short piece of music may be sung after exchanging rings.

General Intercessions:

More commonly know as Prayers of the Faithful. The priest or designated persons will read Prayers of the Faithful.

Profession of Faith:

If the Wedding occurs on a Sunday or a solemnity, the congreation will say "The Creed"

 

Liturgy of The Eucharist

Preparation of the Gifts:

The Offertory Song is sung while the altar is prepared and the gifts of bread and wine are brought up.

Eucharistic Prayer:

The priest prays the Eucharistic Prayer.

Sanctus:

"Holy, Holy" is sung.

Memorial Acclamation:

Great Amen:

 

Communion Rite

The Lord's Prayer:

The assembly prays or sings the "Our Father"

Nuptial Blessing:

The priest prays over the couple.

Sign of Peace:

The priest invites the congregation to offer one another the sign of peace. The bride & groom exchange the sign of peace by handshake or kiss.

Breaking of The Bread:

The priest breaks the Eucharistic Bread while the "Lamb of God" is sung.

Communion:

The priest and Eucharistic Ministers will distribute Communion to the congregation beginning with the bride & groom.

 

Concluding Rite

Blessing:

The priest prays a solemn blessing over the bride & groom, and the congregation participate by responding Amen. The priest will invite the newly married couple to exchange a kiss.

Dismissal:

The priest will now dismiss the congregation, who respond by saying "Thanks be to God"

Recessional:

Accompanied by the Recessional Hymn the Couple, Bridal Party, Ministers and Priest will process out of the Church.