The Ultimate Guide To Crafting A Catholic Wedding Program

A Catholic wedding is a sacred sacrament that unites a man and a woman in matrimony before God, their community, and their loved ones. It involves long-standing rituals, traditions, prayers, and songs. A Catholic wedding program is a useful tool to help guests navigate the ceremony, especially if they are not Catholic. It is a way to help guests participate in the liturgy and understand the rituals and their significance. The program can be designed using a simple word document or a more advanced platform like Canva. It should include the names of the couple, the date and place of the wedding, and the order of the mass.

Include the names of the couple, date, and place of the wedding

The names of the couple, the date, and the place of the wedding should be the most prominent details on the wedding program. This information should be on the cover page, with the names of the soon-to-be newlyweds taking centre stage. The date and name of the church can follow, with some couples also choosing to include a photograph of themselves.

There are many ways to word the cover page. For example:

> The Wedding Liturgy Uniting [Name] and [Name] in the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony [Wedding Date]

Alternatively, you could go for:

> A Celebration of Marriage / The Wedding Of / The Wedding Liturgy Uniting / Celebrating the Nuptial of [Names] [Wedding Date]

If you would like to include the name of the church, you could try:

> [Church name] Celebrates the Wedding of [Name] and [Name] [Wedding Date]

The wedding liturgy can be a tricky part of the ceremony for guests to navigate, so it's important to provide them with a detailed program. It's a good idea to include instructions for guests, such as when to stand, sit, or kneel. You can also include the songs and readings that will be used, as well as the names of important people in the ceremony.

List the order of the mass

The order of the mass is a crucial part of a Catholic wedding program, helping guests to follow the ceremony and know what to expect. Here is a detailed outline of the order of the mass for a Catholic wedding:

Introductory Rites

The wedding liturgy begins with the entrance of the priest, ministers, and wedding party into the sanctuary, followed by the assembly standing and singing an entrance song. The priest then greets the assembly, and the people respond. The Gloria, beginning with "Glory to God in the Highest", is sung by the whole assembly.

Liturgy of the Word

The Liturgy of the Word includes scripture readings from the Old Testament and the New Testament, as well as a Responsorial Psalm. The priest or deacon then proclaims the Gospel, and the assembly responds with "Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ". After the Gospel reading, the priest or deacon delivers a homily based on the Scripture readings and the Church's teachings on marriage.

The Celebration of Matrimony

This part of the liturgy includes the Address and Statement of Intentions, where the priest asks the couple questions about their intentions and approaches to marriage. The couple then exchanges their consent and vows, declaring their commitment to each other. The presider affirms the reception of consent and may lead the assembly in an acclamation.

Blessing and Giving of Rings

The priest blesses the wedding rings through prayer and the sprinkling of holy water. The couple then exchanges rings, with the husband placing the ring on his wife's finger and vice versa.

The Universal Prayer

Also known as the Prayer of the Faithful or General Intercessions, this part of the liturgy is read by a designated person, such as a lector or cantor. The assembly responds to each intercession with "Lord, hear our prayer" or a similar affirmation.

Liturgy of the Eucharist

The Liturgy of the Eucharist includes the Presentation and Preparation of the Gifts, where the altar is prepared and the gifts of bread and wine are brought forward. The priest then leads the Eucharistic Prayer, and the assembly offers acclamations such as the "Sanctus" ("Holy, Holy"). The assembly also recites the Lord's Prayer together.

Nuptial Blessing

The priest invites the assembly to join in silent prayer for the couple and then offers the Nuptial Blessing. The couple may kneel at their place or approach the altar for this blessing.

Sign of Peace

The presider invites the assembly to offer a sign of peace to one another, such as a handshake or embrace, accompanied by the words "Peace be with you".

Communion

Communion is distributed to Catholics in the assembly, beginning with the newly married couple. Non-Catholics may remain seated during this part of the liturgy.

The presider concludes the liturgy with a solemn blessing over the married couple and the assembly. The assembly responds with "Amen". The ceremony ends with a recessional, where the couple, wedding party, ministers, and presider process out of the church, often accompanied by festive music.

Explain what happens at communion

Catholic weddings can be celebrated with or without a mass, which typically involves communion rites and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. If you are expecting non-Catholic guests at your wedding, it is a good idea to consult your priest about any announcements regarding communion. It is also helpful to include a short note in your program explaining what happens at communion so that there isn't any confusion.

Communion is a sacred ritual that involves blessing. Catholics believe that the bread and wine presented during communion have been transformed into the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. This belief is a statement of Catholic faith—a statement that people who do not share that faith probably do not want to make. Therefore, only Catholics should receive the Eucharist (with a few exceptions). Non-Catholics are usually invited to come forward with their arms crossed over their chests for a blessing or to remain seated during this time.

> "We as Catholics believe that the bread and wine presented has been transformed into the Body and Blood of our Lord, Jesus Christ. We invite all Catholics who are in good standing with the Church to come forward and receive at this time. If you are not Catholic or do not wish to receive, you may come forward with your arms crossed over your chest for a blessing, or you may simply remain in your seat."

Add reception details

The last page or section of your wedding program is the perfect place to share logistical details for the reception. This is so that people have a reminder of where your reception will be held. It is helpful to include the time and address of the venue for guests who may have left their wedding invite at home. You can also include other details such as whether there will be a receiving line.

You may also choose to add a short note of gratitude to your guests. For example, "We are so blessed to celebrate our union in the presence of our closest family and friends. Thank you for being here with us today and every day. With love, [Names]".

Include a note of gratitude

A Catholic wedding is a sacred ceremony, steeped in tradition and ritual, and often a community affair. A wedding program is a great way to help your guests follow the proceedings, especially if they are not Catholic. It is also a chance to share your faith with your guests and encourage their participation in the liturgy.

Including a note of gratitude is a wonderful way to acknowledge your guests' presence and their role in your special day. Here are some ideas on how to craft this message:

A Heartfelt Thank You

Begin by expressing your gratitude for your guests' presence and their role in your lives and your wedding day. You can use phrases such as: "We are so blessed to celebrate our union in the presence of our closest family and friends. Thank you for being here with us today and every day." This sets a warm and appreciative tone for your message.

A Spiritual Dimension

As your wedding is a sacred occasion, you may want to include a spiritual dimension to your message. You could write something like: "We are deeply grateful for your presence as we celebrate our union before God. Your support and love mean so much to us, and we are blessed to have you in our lives." This conveys the importance of your guests' participation in this sacred ritual.

A Personal Touch

Consider adding a personal touch to your message. You could include a prayer or Scripture passage that is special to you as a couple. Alternatively, you might want to share a story about the significance of the church, such as if one of you was baptised there or if it holds a particular meaning for your family. This adds a unique and intimate element to your note of gratitude.

Practical Expressions of Thanks

In addition to your message, you can also use this section to provide practical reminders or requests to your guests. For example, you may want to ask them to put their phones on silent mode or to refrain from using flash photography during the ceremony. You could also include directions to the reception venue or any other relevant logistical details.

A Warm Closing

Finally, close your message with a warm and affectionate sign-off. Something simple and heartfelt, such as "With love, [Names]," is a beautiful way to conclude your note of gratitude.

Remember, this section is optional, but it is a lovely way to acknowledge your guests and make them feel valued and appreciated as they share this important day with you.

Frequently asked questions