CATHOLIC WEDDINGS: A TYPICAL SERVICE

5. Communion Rite

Communion (the distribution of the consecrated bread and wine) will be taken at this point in the Ceremony to all those eligible and wanting to receive it - the Bride and Groom will be the first in line. Once Communion has concluded, the priest will recite the ‘Lord’s Prayer’. Next follows a Nuptial Blessing given by the priest to the Bride and Groom which is followed by the Rite of Peace. The Bride and Groom and all guests then show their love and wishes for peace to one another by shaking hands and saying ‘peace be with you’. ‘Agnus Dei’ (Lamb of God) and the ‘Communion Hymn’ are sung concluding the Communion Rite.

6. Concluding Rite

A final blessing is given by the priest and the Bride and Groom seal the union with a kiss. The Wedding Party will then move into the sacristy to make the civil declaration and sign the register, often accompanied by a hymn of thanksgiving sung throughout by the congregation. Once the formalities are complete, the priest will introduce the Bride and Groom as husband and wife and they will then proceed out of the Church, followed by the Wedding Party and remainder of the congregation accompanied by a recession hymn.

For those couples excluding Mass from the Ceremony, the typical running order would be as follows:

·         Entrance Rite

·         Liturgy of the Word

·         The Rite of Marriage

·         Nuptial Blessing

·         Concluding Rite

Hopefully all the information will have answered your questions, but for those of you who crave yet more knowledge about a Roman Catholic Wedding, check out the Catholic Wedding FAQ's article.