HOLY TRINITY CATHOLIC CHURCH

Wedding Guidelines

OFFICE: 3826 GILBERT AVE.

CHURCH: 3811 OAK LAWN AVE. DALLAS, TEXAS 75219

(214) 526-8555

(December 2007)

Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, love is not pompous,

it is not inflated, it is not rude, it does not seek its own interests,

it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury,

it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth.

It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things,

endures all things. Love never fails.

1 Corinthians 13: 4-8

Congratulations on your engagement!

Your decision to enter into the relationship of married life is a serious one, and serves as a wonderful sign of hope and strength to our faith community. While your decision has been reached only after much discussion and prayerful thought, it is but the first step in the process of building a successful marriage. The love you have privately come to realize and share is now to be made public. Your family, friends and parish are here to support and encourage you in the celebration of the Sacrament of Matrimony. Engagement is a special time – a time of love and preparation. It should be a happy time, a time of enjoying each other and storing up precious memories. It is a time of richer dialogues, greater trust and fuller sharing of your deepest and more personal values. It is a time for reflection and prayer. For over 100 years, Holy Trinity Catholic Church has welcomed engaged couples who are registered members of our parish to celebrate the Sacrament of Matrimony in our parish church. The sons and daughters, grandsons, and granddaughters of current registered stewardship supporting parishioners enjoy first priority in the scheduling of weddings in our parish. Here at Holy Trinity you will find a wealth of assistance, encouragement and talent to help you prepare for your wedding. Toward this end, we present the following guidelines. All parish guidelines are intended to insure a reverent and joyful celebration of marriage within the context of the church’s prayer. These materials are intended to help you prepare both wedding and marriage, maintaining throughout this time a sense of perspective, so that both wedding day and married life will be holy and happy.

PREFACE The Catholic Church believes and teaches that the sacrament of matrimony is a moment in the history of the life of a man and a woman when they encounter God in a profound way through each other. Marriage is a special vocation in life, which has two major goals: 1. The loving good of the spouses; and 2. The birth and raising of children For these goals to be achieved, marriage must be a life-long commitment, which the couple enters into with as much freedom and understanding as possible so that they may live happily ever after. The pre-marriage programs are provided as an aid to achieve this. Your marriage is taking place within a Catholic Church. Everything in this booklet is written to help you have an encounter with God as you begin your married life together. Anything which is a distraction from this detracts from the religious celebration of your sacrament of matrimony. PEOPLE WHO CAN MARRY IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH • All Parishioners who live in our parish boundaries and/or

parishioners who register according to our guidelines are welcome to celebrate the Sacrament of Matrimony at Holy Trinity.

• Any Catholic man or woman who has been registered at Holy

Trinity Parish at least six months before the initial wedding interview with the Priest or Deacon. If the Catholic party (or one, if both are Catholic) does not live in the parish boundaries and has not been registered for one year as of the wedding date, they should contact the parish they live in for their wedding.

• Both the man and woman must be at least 18 years old. • The couple must have known each other for at least six months

prior to the date of marriage. • Both the man and the woman must not be previously married.

(Exceptions: former spouse is deceased or an annulment has been

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received through the Catholic Church. If you have been married and your former spouse is still living, see one of the priests or deacons to help you follow the necessary procedure.)

• If pregnancy or a recent civil marriage is involved, a Church

marriage is seldom permitted until a year after the delivery of the child or the contracting of the civil marriage, so that the pressure from either will not deprive the couple of the necessary freedom to enter into a Catholic marriage.

• The couple must participate in the marriage preparation program of

the Diocese of Dallas or their own diocese. • To receive the sacrament of matrimony, Catholics must be willing to

live their life within the context of the Church. • To responsibly enter into marriage, the couple needs to have

sufficient income to live on, and support themselves independently. CONVALIDATIONS or “Getting a Marriage Blessed in the Church” The marriage preparation program will depend on what will help the married couple for their life together in the Church. This could range from the programs above, to RCIA, to Diocesan programs for deepening married life, to simply working through with the priest/deacon what prevented your marriage in the Church in the first place. The priest/deacon will decide what will be suitable for his marriage preparation with you. MARRIAGE PREPARATION PROGRAMS Over the last couple of decades the Catholic Church has developed marriage preparation programs so that couples might have a HAPPY AND PERMANENT marriage. It is hoped that, as couples begin their marriage, they might find help through these programs to build patterns, which will contribute to the on-going life of their marriage. The Church is very much aware of the pain of those who are divorced and wishes to give you the benefit of her experience in working with successful and happily married couples.

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PLANNING The priest/deacon will provide you with the booklet, TOGETHER FOR LIFE, which will help you choose the Scripture readings and other options for prayers and blessings. The central symbols of our wedding ceremony of the exchange of vows and the wedding rings. Other symbols associated with your own cultural tradition may also be chosen. A good guideline to follow is the old adage: Keep It Simple. ENGAGED ENCOUNTER WEEKEND This weekend extends from Friday evening to Sunday afternoon. It is a time for the engaged couple to be totally away from any distractions and to experience in-depth sharing, guided by two experienced couples and a priest. It is a weekend to help you prepare for the sacrament of your life! CALLED TO NEW LIFE: - (in a second marriage). This is a specialized two evening supplemental marriage preparation program for a couple who will have to deal with a blended family and/or who must deal with the pain of death or divorce of a previous spouse. MARRIAGE PREPARATION WITH THE PRIEST/DEACON: The priest/deacon who will be the celebrant for your marriage ceremony is normally the one to meet with you to help you in the spiritual preparation for your wedding, to direct you in filling out and getting the necessary Church papers, and to help you plan the Liturgy. NECESSARY “PAPERS” 1. Both the man and the woman fill out the pre-marital information/

investigation form with the priest/deacon. 2. A copy of the baptismal certificate, obtained from the Church of

Baptism in the last six months, is required for the Catholic man and/or woman.

3. For both the man and woman, there is a required affidavit attesting to the fact that they have never been married or that they are presently free to marry in the Catholic Church.

4. If there has been a death of a previous spouse or a divorce, other papers will be required. The priest/deacon will guide you in obtaining these.

5. If an annulment is pending for either party, the annulment must be

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finalized before the date of the wedding can be set. There are no exceptions to this policy.

The marriage license from the County Courthouse must be obtained 30 days to 72 hours before the wedding and given to the priest/deacon at the rehearsal. Marriage License Requirements: $36 Cash and one of the Following identifications: Driver’s License, Certified Birth Certificate, Passport, or Military ID; or a Social Security Card Collin County: 900 E Park Blvd. #140 C, Plano 972-881-3025 Dallas County: Records Bldg., 500 Main Street, Room 301, 214-653-7559 Denton County: 1450 E McKinney, Room 103, Denton 940-565-8501 Tarrant County: 100 W Weatherford, Ft. Worth, 817-884-1195 LITURGY Your wedding will take place within the context of the Catholic liturgy. The form of this liturgy is quite similar to that of a regular parish Mass, but with the addition of wedding vows and the exchange or rings following the homily. When two Catholics marry, the marriage ordinarily occurs within a Eucharistic setting – a full Mass with communion. However, if one in the couple is non-Catholic, we recommend a wedding ceremony in a Liturgy of the Word – without Mass. This service is very comparable to a regular parish liturgy with the exception that the communion rite is omitted. There may be other reasons for a bride and groom, even if both are Catholic, to choose a wedding ceremony in a Liturgy of the Word rather than a full Mass, e.g. time constraints. The choice is yours – either service will be conducted with beauty and devotion. More detailed liturgical information and guidelines are contained in the section “MUSIC AT THE WEDDING” on page 12 in this booklet. Holy Trinity also offers to a couple the option of a simple celebration of the Sacrament of Matrimony in the Pastoral Center Chapel with the bride, groom, two official witnesses, their immediate family members and the deacon or priest present. There is a modest offering to the church and the presiding minister serves as the coordinator of the

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rehearsal. Since we are dealing with a sacrament of the Catholic Faith, the wedding normally takes place in a Catholic Church, which is our place of worship. This can be done in the large church or the small chapel in the Pastoral Center. The one exception is when the bride or groom is an active member of another religion. With special permission the other minister may then perform the wedding in the other church. The wedding would then be totally recognized by the Catholic Church as valid for the Catholic person. The Catholic person would still be obliged to promise to practice the Catholic faith and to share their Catholic faith with the children. Garden weddings or home weddings are not permitted in the Diocese of Dallas. GUEST PRIESTS OR MINISTERS Priests from other Catholic churches or ministers from other denominations are welcome to participate in the wedding ceremony. Visiting presiders are expected to be present at the wedding rehearsal. Please inform us at least two months in advance if other priests or ministers will take part in your wedding. IF A PRIEST/DEACON FROM OUTSIDE HOLY TRINITY PARISH WILL BE OFFICIATING AT YOUR WEDDING, he will need the explicit delegation from the Pastor of Holy Trinity. It is assumed that this priest will help prepare you and do the necessary paperwork. We will need a letter from him directed to the Pastor confirming that all this will be taken care of including any dispensations, permissions, etc. WEDDING COORDINATOR Our Holy Trinity Wedding Coordinator can be reached at 214-526-8555. She will be there to provide for the needs of the bride and groom, their attendants and families, to assure security and to assist the ministers in various ways. She will oversee photographers and florists in proper procedures and conformity with their respective guidelines. She is thoroughly familiar with Holy Trinity Church building, lights, sound system, etc. She meets with the couple before the wedding regarding flowers and other decorations and has samples of

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wedding programs. She organizes the seating of the family members and other honored guests as well as lighting of the unity candle. She assists with the set up for the Mass and/or ceremony and coordinates the beginning of the wedding with the organist and priest or deacon by assembling all the family members and wedding attendants. She attends the rehearsal and the wedding, and is able to conduct the rehearsal in the event the priest or deacon cannot be present. To summarize, she takes care of the many details and ensures a stress free environment. All couples must use our wedding coordinator. TIME SCHEDULE Weddings at Holy Trinity are celebrated on Saturdays. Saturday at 11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m., and 7:00 p.m. are usual times for weddings at Holy Trinity; never on Sunday. It is very important that the wedding begin promptly to allow sufficient time to celebrate the service which you have carefully planned. In addition, time will be allowed followed the wedding service for photographs at the altar. FACILITIES Holy Trinity is a vital parish providing for the spiritual and ministerial needs of its people and the surrounding community. Your wedding offering helps to cover not only the expenses incurred by the parish in helping you to celebrate this most joyous day, but goes toward the maintenance and upkeep of the beautiful building in which your ceremony will take place and to the continuation of the ministries and outreach programs for which Holy Trinity is known. Our church seats 700. To reserve the Church for a Catholic celebration of the Sacrament of Matrimony, a couple must have one Catholic person who has been a member of Holy Trinity for six months before the initial interview with the Priest/Deacon. The parishioner rate for reserving the church is $750. To receive the in-parish rate for the reservation of the Church, there must be identifiable support of the parish, which amounts to $500 within the past year. For non-parishioners and those six-month-registered members who do not have this identifiable support, the non-supportive Church reservation rate of $1400 applies. This includes the use of Trinity Hall (the basement of the church) for wedding preparations, but reservations must be made with the Wedding Coordinator. The fee for the use of the church must be paid at the time

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the date is set. If for some reason you must cancel your church reservation, you will receive a 50% refund of the rental fee up to 5 months prior to the original date of the wedding. If you must cancel less than 5 months before your date, there will be no refund. Parish facilities may not be used for receptions and private social events. Parish policy dictates that NO alcoholic beverages are to be brought onto or consumed on the church property. RUNNER DOWN CENTER AISLE Runners are not permitted. FLOWER PETALS Flower petals, either real or artificial, are not permitted to be dropped or thrown in the Church. You can have a flower girl in your procession and she can take her basket of flowers to the reception. PEW DECORATIONS Any pew decorations must not be put on with nails, tacks, glue or tape of any kind Clips, ribbon or rubber bands that go over the pew are allowed and can be purchased from your florist or arts & crafts store. Be sure to appoint someone to remove all decorations. There are 29 pews (on each side) along the main aisle. RICE, ETC. Rice or birdseed is not permitted inside or outside the Church. EXTRA CANDLES If you desire extra candles, please instruct the provider to place some kind of floor cover under the whole candle arrangement which must be placed on the terrazzo floor out of the way of the people involved in the wedding ceremony (couple, witnesses, celebrant, servers, and lay readers of scripture and prayer of faithful, music person). Remember dripless candles drip when the church air vents blow across the tip of them. CHILDREN Some couples have a ring bearer and/or a symbolic flower girl. It is

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recommended that only children six years old and older be used. It is best not to force a reluctant child to participate. BRIDE’S ROOM If the bride does not wish to arrive at Church dressed for the wedding, we have a large vestibule and restroom with a full-length mirror that may be used as a bride’s room. Extra care needs to be taken that this area is left clean and orderly. PLEASE APPOINT SOMEONE TO CLEAN UP AFTERWARDS. If you wish to use Trinity Hall (the lower level of the church), please remember to reserve it with our Parish Wedding Coordinator. LECTORS You will need lectors for the Scripture Readings, the Responsorial Psalm (if not sung). Be sure to give them their material ahead of time so that they can become familiar with it. Reading poorly or not being able to be heard is an embarrassment to all, so be sure that they have time to practice with the microphone in Church. It is recommended that lectors attend the wedding rehearsal. FLOWERS Our tradition here is that live flowers may be used for weddings and they must remain in the church after the ceremony. Our wedding coordinator will help you coordinate your flower arrangements with other parish weekend weddings. Flowers are to be placed on pedestals behind the altar. Flowers may be placed in front of the altar up to the level of the altar. NO ARCHES, PLEASE. Flower boxes and wrappings from flowers used during the wedding and for the bridal party need to be picked up after the wedding. CLEAN UP There is a clean up fee. This charge is for cleaning up and straightening up all that needs to be taken care of after the wedding. REHEARSAL The rehearsal is usually held the evening before the wedding, and is an important part of the preparation for the ceremony. Rehearsals are scheduled hourly with the latest start time being 5:00 p.m. It allows members of the immediate wedding party to become familiar with the environment of our church building and with the public roles they will assume as part of the liturgy. The person directing the rehearsal will

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give a brief overview of the liturgy to help all concerned understand the prayerful nature of the celebration. We ask that you make sure that all members of the wedding party be present for the rehearsal and that they arrive on time. The rehearsal will start promptly at your reserved time. The form on which you will have indicated your selections of readings, prayers, music, etc., should be completed and given to your priest or deacon no later than two weeks prior to the date of the wedding rehearsal. The rehearsal itself is not the time for discussion and decision making. Please be aware that it is not necessary for the musicians to be present for the wedding rehearsal. WEDDING REHEARSAL CHECK LIST Please bring the following items with you to the wedding rehearsal: ⇒ Marriage license ⇒ Programs ⇒ Unity Candles ⇒ Any Unpaid Honorariums and Fees ⇒ Guest book ⇒ Arras, Lasso, Bible & Rosary if applicable PHOTOGRAPHER AND VIDEOGRAPHER: The actual time of the Church Wedding ceremony is an act of prayer; anything that distracts from this is out of place. Just a reminder: even outside the time of the actual wedding, you and the wedding party are in a Catholic Church; any loud talking back and forth by the bridal party during the photo taking is definitely out of place. The photographer is expected to set the tone. It will be embarrassing if the priest/deacon has to re-establish the atmosphere of Church respect. Eating, drinking, and smoking are not permitted inside our Catholic Church by anyone. Both photographers and videographers are expected to be dressed up appropriately for a church wedding. The photographer and videographer must stay out of the sanctuary and behind all the people in the church from the start of the procession to the end of the recessional. NO EXTRA LIGHTING MAY BE USED. The place for video set-up is in the alcoves at the side of church. No photographers blocking the view of the congregation are allowed until after the wedding. No flash or extra lighting during the ceremony. The center aisle will be the best place for taking pictures of the exchange of vows and rings since the couple will be facing each other and slightly

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turned toward the congregation but the photographer MUST remain behind all the guests in the pews. At all times photographers are cautioned against marring furniture by standing or placing camera equipment on the pews or other church furnishings. They will be held responsible for any damage so caused. All photographers are to meet with the parish wedding coordinator just before the wedding to review procedures. Photographers & videographers are not permitted in the choir loft. On Saturday afternoon, the Church must be cleared by 3:15 p.m. so that there will be quiet for the confessions to begin. MUSIC AT THE WEDDING Music Director/Organist The Director of Music at Holy Trinity Church will serve as Organist and/or principal musician at all weddings. His role remains the same for weddings making use of instruments or ensembles in place of the organ or piano. As principal musician for the wedding, the Director of Music is entrusted with the task of judging the suitability of musical selections within the context of the Catholic wedding liturgy, and must approve all music and musician chosen for the ceremony. He also bears the essential responsibility of ensuring the proper performance and timing of the various musical portions of the wedding liturgy. Cantor/Vocalist Within the wedding liturgy there are many moments for sung prayer. This includes the Psalm Response and Alleluia, the responses during the Eucharistic Prayer, and several moments where vocal solos or choral motets are possible. Holy Trinity maintains an excellent staff of volunteer cantors who are available for your wedding. These individuals are musically talented and have been trained in congregational leadership. In addition, they are versed in the standard musical repertoire for Holy Trinity weddings, are comfortable with the particular acoustical properties of the church building, and are familiar with the liturgical norms of the parish. For these reasons, a cantor must be used when the wedding takes place with a Mass. It is our strong preference that you retain the services of one of our fine cantors. The Director of Music will recommend and secure one for you.

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Please note that if you are considering hiring your own singer (or having a family member or friend sing), the Director of Music must approve all guest singers and musicians two months in advance. Instrumentalist Instrumentalists (trumpet, flute, harp, trio, quartet, etc.) may be used upon approval of, and arrangement with, the Director of Music. If instrumentalists are desired, the Director of Music will secure their services. In general, you should budget about $175 per player for brass, string and woodwind instruments. Harpists receive a higher fee to cover cartage of their instrument. If you wish to hire your own instrumentalist, they must present a repertoire list and credentials to the Director of Music at least 2 months in advance. Those musicians who are not known professionally to the Director of Music must also schedule a rehearsal prior to the day of the wedding. Choral Ensemble Occasionally couples wish to engage the services of a choral ensemble for their wedding ceremony. When this is desired, the Director of Music will secure and rehearse the necessary personnel, and will conduct them during the ceremony. The Holy Trinity Choir is available for weddings for a donation of $500 to the Choir fund. Planning Music for the wedding should be planned jointly by the couple together with the Director of Music. The emphasis must be on liturgical music – music which derives its context from scriptural sources and, by its very nature, enhances the sacramental union of the couple in Christ. The singing of hymns and responses by the congregation is an excellent way of inviting those gathered to share in the thanksgiving and praise of the occasion, and to invoke God’s blessing on the bride and groom. Vocalists and/or choral ensembles have a genuine liturgical ministry, but they should never totally replace the active musical participation of the congregation. In fact, the vocalist’s first role will be to function as cantor in leading the congregation so that the assembly will feel comfortable and secure in this participation. Utilized to support congregational singing and also to render solo repertoire at selected moments in the service, the cantor and/or choral ensemble should be integrated into the wedding liturgy in such a way that any semblance of dominating the ceremony as a stage for musical

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performance is avoided. The Church has recognized the organ as the principal instrument of divine worship, and Holy Trinity houses a fine pipe organ in an excellent acoustical environment. Organ music can enhance the liturgy by evoking a spirit of joy proper to the celebration of Christian marriage. Whether used by itself or in conjunction with other instruments, the organ sets the festive tone of the ceremony, especially during the prelude, processional and recessional. During the offertory and during communion, organ repertoire (or other instrumental music) of a more mystical and meditative spirit could be utilized. Guidelines As the church wedding is a sacred rite invoking the blessing of God on the union of bride and groom, it follows that any music used in connection with the ceremony must mirror the dignity of the sanctuary and of the sacrament being celebrated. Wherever music is employed, and by whatever instruments or voices, it must reflect the festive yet reverent nature of the liturgy. The music and texts selected must express the praise of God, God’s steadfast love in Christ as the foundation and model for marriage, or the asking of God’s presence and blessing. For these reasons, music from the operatic stage or secular theatre is not permitted. The Director of Music will assist you in every way toward fulfilling these guidelines as you select the music for your wedding. What follows here is a description of the points at which music is used in the typical wedding ceremony: Prelude: Consists of about 15-20 minutes of instrumental music as guests arrive and are seated. Music during this time is usually selected at the discretion of the Director of Music, and encompasses a combination of pieces that mirror the festive nature of the occasion as well as the quiet dignity of prayerful reflection. The prelude is comprised entirely of solo organ repertoire, but the utilization of other instruments (brass strings, harp, etc.) is possible as well. If there is a vocalist or choir, a piece could be sung at this time. Seating of the Mothers: The wedding ceremony usually begins with the seating of the Mothers, Grandmothers and Grandfathers, and/or family

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members and is accompanied by a solo organ selection. Again, if there is a vocalist or choir, a piece of music could be sung. Procession of the Wedding Party: This procession includes the entire wedding party except the bride and her escort and is usually accompanied by the organ. Bridal Procession: Usually played by the organ alone or with the addition of a trumpet, if used. Following the processional, some couples wish to have a hymn sung by the congregation. If this is desired, the Director of Music can recommend several well-known ecumenical hymns that would be familiar to a majority of those assembled, both Catholic and non-Catholic. Liturgy of the Word: It is desirable for the responsorial psalm and Alleluia to be sung. The psalm follows the first reading, and there are many psalms from which to choose. These are printed in the book Together for Life by Joseph Champlin, which also contains readings, prayers, and blessing for the wedding liturgy. The Director of Music has musical settings for all the suggested psalms. If there will not be a cantor, the psalm response may be spoken. Before the gospel reading, an Alleluia is sung. This will be led by the cantor or if there is no cantor, by the Priest or Deacon, or it is omitted. Unity Candle (optional): A short meditation could be sung by the vocalist or choral ensemble during the lighting of the candle or a short organ or instrumental interlude may be played. This action usually takes very little time, so a short organ selection is usually most effective at this point. For those planning a wedding service rather than a Mass, the next musical moment would be the recessional that concludes the service. However, if you are planning a full Mass, the liturgy continues with music during the offertory. Offertory: If you are using a soloist or cantor, this is an opportunity to have a solo sung. It is also appropriate to have a congregational song here, too. If you prefer no singing at this point, then an organ or instrumental interlude can take place. Eucharistic Acclamations: During the Mass, the Eucharistic Prayer follows next. If there is a cantor, it is recommended that the

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congregational responses within the prayer be sung. Also called acclamations, these include the Holy, Holy, the Memorial Acclamation, and the Great Amen. The Lamb of God follows and is sung just before communion. If there is no cantor, it is permissible for these responses be spoken. Communion: In selecting music for communion, couples will want to keep in mind the nature of the Eucharistic rite as a sign of the community of those gathered. A congregational hymn would be very appropriate here, though a vocal solo, a choir anthem, or a meditative organ/instrumental selection would be acceptable. Meditation: If there is a visitation to Mary’s altar, it will take place after communion. At this point in the liturgy, a meditation could be sung by the vocalist or choir as a reflection of the personal, devotional prayer of the bride and groom and of the whole community following reception of the Eucharist. Music during this moment is usually Marian in theme, such as Ave Maria. If there is not going to be a devotion to Mary, then another solo or choral motet may be sung if desired. Recessional: This is usually the liturgy’s most festive and joyous of musical expressions. Most often played by the organ alone or with the addition of a trumpet, there are countless possibilities of musical selections. CONCLUSION The Church bears the responsibility of regulating what takes place in its house of worship. Accordingly, we encourage your openness to the guidance and advice of our priests and deacons and the parish Director of Music in planning the music for your wedding. Though your personal tastes or legitimate preferences will be studied seriously, please keep in mind that parish clergy and musicians have the difficult responsibility of subjecting your expressed wishes to the scrutiny of liturgical, musical, and pastoral principles long established not only by Holy Trinity by the Catholic Church universal. To some, our wedding policies may seem more disciplined than those found in some other parishes. Please be aware that this is because we take great care here in the celebration of the church’s liturgies; their proper and joyous celebration is of such importance to us that we quite willingly shoulder the responsibility of maintaining the dignity and depth of that long tradition. Our guidelines

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are presented not as impositions or regulations, but more as expectations and norms, intended to help all who gather – your families and friends – to celebrate well the liturgical dimension of your marriage. The pastoral staff and community of Holy Trinity Church wish for your wedding ceremony to be a truly beautiful experience, one which you will treasure for the rest of your lives. It is hoped that these guidelines will help toward achieving that goal. *All honorariums and fees listed in this booklet are subject to change without notice.

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Sample Program for a Wedding with Mass Prelude (Seating of the Mothers) Music title Composer Introductory Rite Processional Music title Composer Greeting Opening Prayer Liturgy of the Word First Reading Scripture reference Psalm Response Psalm number Text of psalm refrain Second Reading Scripture reference Gospel Acclamation (cantor first, then all) Composer Alleluia Gospel Scripture reference Homily Rite of Marriage Exchange of Vows Blessing and Exchange of Rings (Lighting of the Unity Candle) Music Title Composer Prayer of the Faithful Liturgy of the Eucharist Presentation of the Gifts Music Title Composer Eucharistic Prayer Lord’s Prayer Nuptial Blessing Sign of Peace Communion Music Title Composer Prayer after Communion Meditation Music Title Composer Concluding Rite Final Blessing and Dismissal Recessional Music Title Composer

Sample Program for a Wedding without Mass Prelude (Seating of the Mothers) Music title Composer Introductory Rite Processional Music title Composer Bridal Processional Greeting Opening Prayer Liturgy of the Word First Reading Scripture reference Psalm Response Psalm number Text of psalm refrain Second Reading Scripture reference Gospel Acclamation (cantor first, then all) Composer Alleluia Gospel Scripture reference Homily Rite of Marriage Exchange of Vows Blessing and Exchange of Rings (Lighting of the Unity Candle) Music Title Composer (Arras, Bible & Rosary, Lasso) Prayer of the Faithful Lord’s Prayer Nuptial Blessing Concluding Rite Lord’s Prayer Final Blessing Recessional Music Title Composer