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Marriages |
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MARRIAGE CEREMONY Entrance Rite Entrance Opening Prayer Liturgy of the Word Scripture Homily Rite of Marriage Giving of Consent (Vows) Blessing and Exchange of Rings General Intercessions Nuptial Blessing Conclusion Lord's Prayer Blessing |
NUPTIAL MASS Entrance Rite Entrance Opening Prayer Liturgy of the Word Scripture Homily Rite of Marriage Giving of Consent (Vows) Blessing and Exchange of Rings General Intercessions Liturgy of the Eucharist Preparation of the Gifts Eucharistic Prayer Lord's Prayer Nuptial Blessing Communion Prayer after communion Conclusion Blessing |
Once you have chosen the type of ceremony, you need to make the
following choices:
Step
1
Compile a Wedding Preparation Sheet
Step
2
Choose a suitable Introductory Prayer
Step
3
Choose the Scripture
Step
4
Choose your Vows
Step
5
Choose a Nuptial Blessing
Step
6
Choose or write the Prayers of the Faithful
Step
7
Choose Readers.
You will need to choose a reader for the Old and New Testament Readings as well
as the Prayers of the Faithful. Please note: The Priest always
reads the Gospel. A Reader from another Christian
congregation [not Catholic] is always welcome to do the readings.
Step
8
Organise Music
Step
9
Organise a meeting with the Wedding Coordinator to run through your choices
The Rites used in these pages are taken from: "Rite
of Marriage", 1984, prepared by the International Commission on English
in the Liturgy. The Bible readings used in these pages are taken from
:"The New Revised Standard Version Bible", 1989, Division of
Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in
Church
Surrounds
The Church and the surrounding grounds are owned by those
registered parishioners who pay to keep it in a manner which they feel is a source
of pride. We would appreciate it if you would keep the Church and the
surrounds tidy during the time of your wedding. Confetti, rice, rose
petals etc are not to be used at all.
The Church
The Church is sometimes decorated according to the Liturgical
Season. These times are usually Palm Sunday, Lent, Easter, Pentecost,
Advent, and Christmas. Liturgical furnishings are not to be tampered with
in connection with the wedding.
The Wedding Ceremony
Your marriage is a Sacrament of the Church. It is an
integral part of the Sacred Liturgy of the Church and as such the Ceremony
should reflect the dignity of this sacred event.
The selection of prayers, readings and songs are to be from the
Catholic Ritual for Marriage and as such should not be substituted for more
secular readings, prayers and songs. At an arranged time you will be
given a copy of the book of readings to help you choose your
ceremony. A written program in the form of a Booklet is an
appropriate way of including all the guests at the wedding in your
celebration. You will be able to prepare this from the draft copy.
Music
Liturgical and Sacred music and song are integral parts of your ceremony.
In the selection of music and song, you will want to remember the day for how
the music and the songs enhanced the sacred character of the ceremony.
They should not overwhelm the ceremony so that the Sacrament of God’s
presence is overshadowed.
In keeping with the Catholic Liturgy, a few guidelines are
offered.
Entrance: A Song can be sung which will reflect
the joy of the couple who are to be joined together before God and the
Community.
Alternatively music can be played by the Organ which reflects this
joyful time.
Psalm and Alleluia Verse: These should always be sung.
Signing the Register: These should reflect the religious
character of the Ceremony.
Songs of a Secular nature are best reserved for the
reception.
Recessional: Again
a joyous song should be sung which reflects the joy of your new life
together.
There are times when a solo is appropriate, such as before and
after the ceremony. Congregational singing is encouraged for the
celebration of the Sacrament of Marriage.
For those that choose to have a Nuptial Mass, further music
choices can be discussed.
Musicians and Singers
The Parish has a group of very dedicated and committed Musicians
and Singers. They are fully versed in the music that is most suitable
for a wedding. A singer and organist can be allocated to your wedding
and you will be invited to contact them to discuss the music which best suits
your ceremony. However, if you have a family member who you wish to provide
your music or singing, or another person or group, please advise the wedding
coordinator.
Rehearsals
Rehearsals are usually conducted with the couple a few days
before the wedding at a time arranged with the Priest who will celebrate your
wedding. You may also book the Church with the Parish Office for a time
before the wedding if you wish to practice with your Bridal Party.
Ushers
These have an important role at the wedding in seating guests,
handing out wedding booklets and after the wedding removing all surplus
wedding booklets and pew decorations.
Flowers
The supply of Altar flowers is included in your Booking
fee. If you wish to have more than the standard amount, then you may
place your extras in the Church 30 minutes prior to your Ceremony and remove
them immediately after your ceremony. You will have to supply your own
vases for any extra flowers.
Church Decorations
It should be remembered that weddings take place
within the cycle of the Church’s liturgical year and, therefore, the bride
and groom should be aware of the special Church decorations for the Sunday
Masses at particular times of the year (eg Lent, Easter, Advent,
Christmas). These decorations may be
in place in the Church at the time of your wedding.
Photographers and Video
Cameras
In our Catholic tradition, a wedding is a religious
event of great significance in the life of a couple. We therefore understand your need to
capture the ceremony on camera and/or video.
However, it is necessary to remind your photographers that they are
not permitted on the Altar during the ceremony itself. The Priest will pause at particular times
to allow photos to be taken by your official photographer. This should be discussed with the Priest
when you are planning your wedding liturgy.
