Order of Celebrating Matrimony - Liturgy Planning Guide

As an aid to all those entrusted with preparing wedding liturgies, that is, clergy, the couple and others involved with the liturgy, the Episcopal Commission for Liturgy and the Sacraments has produced this useful tool.

Topics covered include:

• Theological foundations of Matrimony
• Liturgical Principles
• Specifics for each of the options for celebrating Matrimony, namely:
• The Order of Celebrating Matrimony within Mass
• The Order of Celebrating Matrimony without Mass
• The Order of Celebrating Matrimony in the Presence of an Assisting Layperson
• The Order of Celebrating Matrimony between a Catholic and a Catechumen or Non-Christian
• Scripture readings (from the Lectionary: Ritual Masses, Masses for Various Needs and Occasions, Votive Masses, Masses for the Dead)
• Texts for the Consent and the Blessing and Giving of Rings
• Samples of the Universal Prayer (Prayer of the Faithful)
• Nuptial Blessings
• Texts for the Conclusion of the Celebration
• Detachable pages to be completed by the couple (in consultation with the Priest, Deacon or Assisting layperson) which includes:
• General information including the choice for the Entrance
• Music selections
• Text selections