Liturgy Office | Resources for Matrimony

Order of Celebrating Matrimony: Structure

Contents

The Order of Celebrating Matrimony has four forms of the Marriage liturgy:

  1. The Order of Celebrating Matrimony within Mass
  2. The Order of Celebrating Matrimony without Mass
  3. The Order of Celebrating Matrimony in the Presence of an Assisting Layperson
  4. The Order of Celebrating Matrimony between a Catholic and a Catechumen or a Non-Christian

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1. The Order of Celebrating Matrimony within Mass

The Introductory Rites

  • Entrance
  • Sign of the Cross & Greeting
  • Introduction
  • [Penitential Act omitted]
  • Gloria
  • Collect

The Liturgy of the Word

The Celebration of Marriage

  • Introduction
  • The Questions before the Consent
  • The Civil Declaration of Freedom
  • The Consent
  • The Reception of the Consent
    • Acclamation by All
  • The Blessing and Giving of Rings
  • Universal Prayer

Liturgy of the Eucharist

  • Preparation of Gifts
Eucharistic Prayer
  • Including Commemoration for husband & wife
Communion Rite
  • Our Father
  • Nuptial Blessing
  • Sign of Peace
  • Communion

The Conclusion of the Celebration

  • Blessing
  • Signing of Register

2. The Order of Celebrating Matrimony without Mass

The Introductory Rites

  • Entrance
  • Sign of the Cross & Greeting
  • Introduction
  • [Penitential Act & Gloria omitted]
  • Collect

The Liturgy of the Word

The Celebration of Marriage

  • Introduction
  • The Questions before the Consent
  • The Civil Declaration of Freedom
  • The Consent
  • The Reception of the Consent
    • Acclamation by All
  • The Blessing and Giving of Rings
If Holy Communion is not distributed
  • Universal Prayer
  • Our Father
  • Nuptial Blessing
If Holy Communion Is Distributed
  • Universal Prayer
  • Nuptial Blessing
  • Our Father
  • Sign of Peace
  • Holy Communion
  • Prayer

The Conclusion of the Celebration

  • Blessing
  • Signing of Register

3. The Order of Celebrating Matrimony
in the Presence of an Assisting Layperson

It is not expected that this Order will be used in England and Wales.

The Introductory Rites

  • Greeting
  • Introduction

The Liturgy of the Word

  • Gospel
  • Exhortation

The Celebration of Marriage

  • Introduction
  • The Questions before the Consent
  • The Civil Declaration of Freedom
  • The Consent
  • The
  • The Reception of the Consent
    • Acclamation by All
  • The Blessing and Giving of Rings
If Holy Communion is not distributed
  • Universal Prayer
  • Our Father
  • Nuptial Blessing
If Holy Communion is Distributed
  • Universal Prayer
  • Nuptial Blessing
  • Our Father
  • Sign of Peace
  • Holy Communion
  • Prayer

The Conclusion of the Celebration

  • Blessing
  • Signing of Register

4. The Order of Celebrating Matrimony
between a Catholic and a Catechumen or a Non-Christian

The Rite of Reception

  • Reception of Couple
  • Procession
  • Introduction
    • Rite of Reception may be omitted

Liturgy of the Word

The Celebration of Marriage

  • Introduction
  • The Questions before the Consent
  • The Civil Declaration of Freedom
  • The Consent
  • The Reception of the Consent
    • Acclamation by All
  • The Blessing and Giving of Rings
  • Universal Prayer
  • Our Father
  • Nuptial Blessing
    • Nuptial Blessing may be omitted

The Conclusion of the Celebration

  • Blessing
  • Signing of Register