Processional
Opening Words
Welcome! We are gathered here in the presence of God and of this company to join together Bride's Full Name and Groom's Full Name in holy matrimony, which is an honorable estate, instituted of God, and signifying unto us the mystical union which exists between Christ and His Church; which holy estate Christ adorned and beautified with His presence in Cana of Galilee. It is therefore not to be entered into unadvisedly, but reverently, discreetly, and in the respect of God. Into this holy estate these two persons come now to be joined.
Opening Prayer
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
Guests: And also with you.
Let us pray...
Almighty God, you have made the bond of marriage a holy mystery. Hear our prayers for Bride and Groom, who have come here today to be united in marriage. With faith in you and in each other, they pledge their love today. May their lives bear witness to the reality of that love. Amen.
Sign Of Peace
In the spirit of love and unity, Bride & Groom have asked that we pass the sign of peace. For those of you not familiar with this ritual, simply offer a handshake to your neighbor, with the words "Peace be with you." If you'd like, a hug or a kiss would also be appropriate! And now, in the spirit of love that brings us here today, let us offer each other some sign of peace...
Reading
This is a reading from the Gospel of John Chapter 32, Verses 1 through 11.
On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Now both Jesus and his disciples were invited to the wedding. And when they ran out of wine, the mother of Jesus said to him, "They have no wine." Jesus said to her, "Woman, what does your concern have to do with me? My hour has not yet come." His mother said to the servants, "Whatever he says to you, do it."
Now there were set there six waterpots of stone, according to the manner of purification of the Jews, containing twenty or thirty gallons apiece. Jesus said to them, "Fill the waterpots with water." And they filled them up to the brim. And he said to them, "Draw some out now, and take it to the master of the feast." And they took it.
When the master of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom. And he said to him, "Every man at the beginning sets out the good wine, and when the guests have well drunk, then the inferior. You have kept the good wine until now!" This beginning of signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested glory; and his disciples believed in Him.
The word of the Lord,
Guests: Thanks be to God.
Expression of Intent
{Now, Groom & Bride will make public their intention to marry.}
Groom, will you have this woman to be your wedded wife, to live together in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her in sickness and in health, and, forsaking all others, keep you only unto her, so long as you both shall live?
Groom: I will!
Bride, will you have this man to be your wedded husband, to live together in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him in sickness and in health, and, forsaking all others, keep you only unto him, so long as you both shall live?
Bride: I will!
Vows
{And now Groom and Bride will recite their wedding vows}
Groom, please repeat after me...
I Groom, have been blessed with you. Today I ask you, Bride, to be my wife and beloved partner in life, to grow with, love and cherish. I will be truthful, honor you, and stand by you in times of sorrow and joy. I promise you all this, in the presence of God, family, and friends, for all the days of my life, and if He wills it, through the walls of time, beyond the bounds of eternity.
Bride, please repeat after me...
I Bride, have been blessed with you. Today I ask you, Groom, to be my husband and beloved partner in life, to grow with, love and cherish. I will be truthful, honor you, and stand by you in times of sorrow and joy. I promise you all this, in the presence of God, family, and friends, for all the days of my life, and if He wills it, through the walls of time, beyond the bounds of eternity.
Blessing of the Rings
Let us pray... Bless, oh Lord, the giving of these rings, that they who wear them may abide in thy peace, and continue in thy favor; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Exchange Of The Rings
{And now, Groom & Bride will exchange their wedding rings}
Groom, please repeat after me...
In the name of God, take and wear this ring as a pledge of my fidelity.
Bride, please repeat after me...
In the name of God, take and wear this ring as a pledge of my fidelity.
The Lord's Prayer
{And now, Groom & Bride ask you to join us in The Lord's Prayer}
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
Bread & Wine Ritual
[Celebrant takes bread and wine and holds them aloft and says...]
Wine is the spirit and celebration of life; bread is the staff of life. Sharing wine and breaking bread together creates a community of caring and belonging. Bride and Groom now invite you to partake of this bread and wine in celebration of their union.
[Bread and wine are passed to the guests. They break pieces from the loaf, and dip them in the wine]
Pronouncement of Marriage
{At this time we come to the Pronouncement of Marriage. The Pronouncement is my public, and legal, proclamation that Bride and Groom are married. It is the exact moment of Marriage...}
Now that Groom & Bride have given themselves to each other by solemn vows, the joining of hands and the giving and receiving of rings, I pronounce that they are husband and wife in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Those whom God has joined together, let no one put asunder.
Permission to Kiss
Congratulations, you may kiss!
Benediction
God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit, bless, preserve and keep you; the Lord mercifully with his favor look upon you, and fill you with all spiritual benediction and grace, that you may faithfully live together in this life, and in the age to come have everlasting life. Amen.
Presentation of the New Couple
Ladies and gentlemen, It is my pleasure to present to you...
Mr. & Mrs. _________________________
Recessional
CATHOLIC ELEMENTS: FROM AROUND THE WEB
