Marriage Liturgy

Marriage is the only Sacrament in which the persons receiving the Sacrament are also the ministers and sign of the Sacrament.  The priest or deacon witnesses your exchange of wedding vows.  This Sacrament doesn't just happen on the day of your wedding.  Rather, you give the grace of the Sacrament to each other as you live through the various life cycles and changes in your marriage.  We encourage you therefore to conduct yourselves during the marriage liturgy with a mature manner, respectful of your dignity as ministers and signs of the Sacrament.

 

Planning

You, as a couple, will be involved in the planning of your marriage ceremony.  The celebrant will aid you in the selection of readings and in choosing various prayers and blessings.  It is important to remember that your marriage is a Sacrament of God's people, the Church.  In your marriage you are very much in the center of life in the Christian community.  Your wedding ceremony is thus a prayer for and by the entire assembled community and should be regarded as a time of public prayer together.  The planning of your marriage ceremony should thus reflect your faith.

 

Music

The parish music director is responsible for all music at weddings at Saint Columban Church.  She/he will assist you in the selection of music for your marriage celebration that will be pleasant as well as appropriate for a Christian liturgical celebration.  You need to consult the music director as soon as possible even if you plan to use someone else for music and/or song.  (See Wedding Music Guidelines.)

 

Readings

You, as a couple, will select the readings for your wedding ceremony.  Usually there will be an Old Testament reading followed by a sung Responsorial Psalm, then a New Testament reading and a Gospel.  During the seasons of Advent, Christmas, and Easter, if you are having a marriage celebration within a Mass liturgy, the second reading (New Testament) must be from the readings for the Sunday liturgy.

 

You may wish to have friends or members of your families proclaim the Old and New Testament readings.  Because this is an important ministry, we encourage you to choose those persons who are capable of proclaiming the Word of God well. The vocalist or the musician usually cantors the Responsorial Psalm and Gospel Acclamation.  The Gospel that you select will be proclaimed by the celebrant.

 

Prayer Selection

You will be provided with a book of selections for prayers, for the exchange of your vows, and for the blessings used at your wedding ceremony.  You will be encouraged to make selections from the ones that seem most meaningful for you.