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Feb
2008
Cultural Weddings - Catholic Wedding Ceremony
By camille | Register for our wedding planning newsletter
The Roman Catholic wedding rite takes place with the Sacrament of Matrimony. The ceremony consists of at least three bible readings, the exchange of vows, the exchange of rings, the Prayer of the Faithful, the nuptial blessing, prayers and appropriate music.
The Processional
First the groom and best man enter from the side of the church. Then the bridesmaids and groomsmen escort one another up the aisle, followed by the maid of honor, who enters alone. Finally, the bride and her father make their entrance up the aisle.
The Ceremony
After the processional, the priest greets the bride and groom and their guest and offers an opening prayer.
The liturgy of the word includes readings from the Old and New Testaments, a re-sponsorial psalm, the alleluia before the Gospel, and a Gospel reading. The selections may be read by the priest or by friends or family of the bride and groom.
The homily elaborates on the marriage theme. If the priest knows the couple well, he may include personal references in his homily.
You have at least three choices. You can memorize and recite the vows to one another, read the vows from the book, or have the priest read them and respond with “I do.” Some priests might allow you to write your own vows or add a couple lines to the traditional ones.
After you exchange vows, you’ll exchange rings and the priest will bless them as symbols of your love and fidelity. The best man, who usually has both rings, gives the bride’s ring to the priest, who blesses it and gives it to the groom, who places it on the bride’s finger. After the bride receives her ring, the blessing and presentation will be repeated for the groom’s ring.
The Prayer of the Faithful follows which may also include personal prayer by the couple. During a Mass, the Liturgy of the Eucharist is said at this time. Those who are chosen to bring gifts of wine and bread to the altar carry out their role at this point and the liturgy begins.
The priest then offers the Nuptial Blessing.
The conclusion of a wedding is the Lord’s Prayer and a Blessing. At a Mass, the service ends with a Blessing and Dismissal.
The Recessional
The recessional occurs in the reverse order of the processional, starting with the newly married bride and groom.
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Topics: Wedding Traditions |