Category Archives: Rite of Marriage

After the homily, the new Order of Celebrating Matrimony devotes eleven numbered sections of “black and red” to the “core” of the Wedding Mass. The first is here: 58. If two or more Marriages happen to be celebrated at the … Continue reading →

Between the readings and vows, we have the matter of the homily to discuss. There are four points to cover. Here is what the Church says about what the preacher is to preach: 57. After the reading of the Gospel, … Continue reading →

What does the Church say about the readings at a wedding? Here’s the red print: 55. The Liturgy of the Word is celebrated in the usual manner. There may be three readings, of which the first reading should be from … Continue reading →

This question is covered in OCM 34, which we discussed here a little while ago. It’s repeated as a rubric and lifted closely worded from that prior paragraph in the introduction: 54. On those days when Ritual Masses are permitted, … Continue reading →

Three sections get the wedding Mass from the end of the procession to the collect or opening prayer. OCM 51 instructs the priest that after the Sign of the Cross has been made, one of the three Roman Missal formulas … Continue reading →

Following up on one way to begin a wedding Mass, form 1, there is a second option, a simpler one: 48. At the appointed time, the Priest, wearing an alb and a stole and chasuble of the color of the … Continue reading →

Paragraphs 45 through 78 detail the rubrics and ritual texts for Celebrating  Matrimony Within Mass. Let’s look at the “red” for the introductory rites. Here is form 1: 45. At the appointed time, the Priest, wearing an alb and a … Continue reading →

The praenotanda (introduction) to the new marriage rites concludes with some general observations on non-Christian traditions for weddings. Let’s read a thought on celebrating in mission territory: 43. In the usages and ways of celebrating Marriage prevailing among peoples now receiving … Continue reading →

42. In addition, in accordance with the norm of the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy (art. 63b), each Conference of Bishops has the faculty to draw up its own Marriage rite appropriate to the customs of the place and the … Continue reading →

Rome offers some possibilities for adapting the wedding liturgy: 41. In preparing adaptations, the following points should be kept in mind: 1. The formulas of the Roman Ritual may be adapted and, if necessary, even supplemented (even the questions before … Continue reading →

The fourth section of the introduction to the Marriage Rite is titled Adaptations to Be Prepared by the Conferences of Bishops. As with other rites, national conferences of bishops determine if and how the wedding liturgy can be adapted. The proposals … Continue reading →

Let’s wrap up our discussion on The Rite to Be Used. A few practical things: 38. If Marriage is celebrated within Mass, in addition to those things required for the celebration of Mass, The Order of Celebrating Matrimony and rings … Continue reading →

37. Although pastors are ministers of Christ’s Gospel for all, they should, nonetheless, direct special attention to those, whether Catholics or non‑Catholics, who never or rarely take part in the celebration of Marriage or the Eucharist. This pastoral norm applies … Continue reading →

This paragraphs outlines the discernment for the minister of the rite. Note that Mass is not the first option for a wedding between a Catholic and a non-Catholic Christian: 36. If a Marriage takes place between a Catholic and a … Continue reading →

The introduction cites Vatican documents on the laity and the Church to help outline what are seen as the four main aspects of a Marriage liturgy. First, the Scriptures: 35. The main elements of the celebration of Marriage are to … Continue reading →