GUIDELINES TO CATHOLIC MARRIAGE RITE/CEREMONY

De La Salle Santiago Zobel School-Christian Living Department

GUIDELINES TO CATHOLIC MARRIAGE RITE/CEREMONY

Handout Number3,Term 3

Parish Notification

Talk to your parish

At least 6-9 months before

Formal process of marriage preparation

Initial Interview

ž  Process of preparation begins when you sit down for an initial conversation with the priest or deacon

ž  Should be done face-to-face

ž  Opportunity to get to know each other, explain marriage preparation process, to determine that you are free to marry, and to identify

any special needs or requests you may have  regarding the wedding

 

   Faith Readiness

One of the most important aspects of the preparation process

Marriage is a sacred sacrament which requires the presence of faith in those who receive it

Marriage Readiness

ž  You’ll be asked to complete a premarital inventory such as the PMI Profile or FOCCUS

ž   an opportunity to reflect on your attitudes and your relationship

ž  An aid for you and your priest/deacon to use in highlighting important areas for discussion.

The Wedding Ceremony:
Where will the wedding take place?

ž  Catholic weddings should take place in Catholic Churches

ž  Permission will not be given for outdoor weddings or unusual locations

ž  Normally, the wedding takes place in the parish where the groom or the bride usually goes to

Your pastor may give permission for it to be celebrated in another Catholic Church or chapel

If you are marrying a non-Catholic Christian, or an non-baptized person, you may request for the wedding to take place elsewhere

Preparing the Liturgy

ž  The wedding liturgy is first of all, worship of God

ž  Celebration of the whole Church

ž  It is the only sacrament wherein the couple themselves are the ministers of the sacrament; the priest or deacon is a witness

Wedding liturgy should be planned to encourage the participation of the assembly

Through song and prayer

Expresses both your faith and commitment

Provide opportunity for the community to pray for you and promise you their support in your married life.

The Wedding Rehearsal

Conducted by the priest/deacon witnessing your marriage or by a parish wedding rehearsal coordinator

The Rite

3 different rites for marriage:

Sacramental rite during:

The Eucharist – when both parties are catholic

Outside the Eucharist – when one party is baptized but non Catholic

Non-sacramental rite between a Catholic and an unbaptized person

Entrance procession

Liturgy of the word – format as at any mass

Rite of Marriage – exchange of vows

Music

Cultural adaptations

As long as in keeping with the nature and spirit of the liturgy

Not to duplicate symbols that have the same meaning

Lasso and the unity candle = unity

Unity candle

Many parishes do not allow a unity candle

Duplication of the main liturgical symbols of the consent of the couple and exchange of rings

Better done at the reception before the festivity begins

Flowers to the Blessed Mother

Devotion to the blessed Mother by the couple and done after the prayer of communion or after the Lord’s prayer

Hispanic Wedding Rituals

Arras (coins) – symbolizes the exchange of vows before there was exchange of rings.

Lazo – sacramental union

Veil or mantilla

placed on the couples shoulders before the Lazo is given.

Symbol of Chastity

Book and Rosary

Symbolizes the role of prayer in the married family