Nuptial Mass Info & FAQ

Question

What is a Nuptial Mass?

Answer

A Nuptial Mass is a Catholic Mass that celebrates the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony. "The celebration of marriage between two Catholic faithful normally takes place during Holy Mass, because of the connection of all the sacraments with the Pascal mystery of Christ [cf. SC 61]...It is therefore fitting that the spouses should seal their consent to give themselves to each other through the offering of their own lives by uniting it to the offering of Christ for his Church made present in the Eucharistic sacrifice" CCC 1621. Overall, you can expect prayers, hymns, Scripture readings, standing, sitting and kneeling. Below we have included a timeline of how the ceremony will take place.

Question

Will there be Holy Communion?

Answer

Yes, there will be Holy Communion during the Mass! However, not all people are permitted to participate. As Catholics, we believe that the Eucharist is truly the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, only those who are in full communion with the Catholic Church and are in a state of grace may partake in the Eucharist. Non-Catholics as well as Catholics who are not in good standing with Christ and His Church are not permitted to receive the Eucharist, but are encouraged to participate in all other parts of the Mass!

Question

Order of the Nuptial Mass

Answer

THE INTRODUCTORY RITES: - Welcoming, and greeting of the Bride & Groom by the priest, and procession into the Church - The Gloria is sung, and the priest gives an opening prayer THE LITURGY OF THE WORD: - This portion is dedicated to the reading of Scripture. Including readings from the Old Testament, the Psalms, the New Testament and the Gospel THE CELEBRATION OF MATRIMONY: - This includes the exchange of consent, or vows, the blessing of rings, and the declaration of intent: AKA the "indispensable element that makes the marriage." CCC 1626 "The consent by which the spouses mutually give and receive one another is sealed by God himself.” CCC 1639 THE LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST: - This includes the preparation of the gifts (bread and wine), the Eucharistic Prayer in which the bread and wine is transformed into Christ's Body & Blood, the Nuptial Blessing and the distribution of Holy Communion “The liturgical crowning of the marriage rite is the Eucharist, the sacrifice of that ‘body which has been given up’ and that ‘blood which has been shed,’ which in a certain way finds expression in the consent of the spouses.” – St. John Paul II, Letter to Families, no. 11 THE CONCLUDING RITES: The priests gives a final solemn blessing over the couple and the congregation - The dismissal and recession!

Question

What time should I arrive at the ceremony?

Answer

Please arrive between 12:30 and 12:45pm so that the ceremony may begin on time.

Question

Is there parking for the ceremony and reception?

Answer

Yes! For the ceremony, please park in the parking garage next to the church. For the reception, there is a gravel parking lot on site at the venue.

Question

What is the dress code?

Answer

The dress code is formal. For men this means a collared shirt and dress pants or khakis, and for women this means a modest knee to floor-length dress with covered shoulders.

Question

Are kids welcome at both the ceremony and reception?

Answer

ABSOLUTELY! We believe children are the supreme gift of marriage, so we are more than happy to have them at both the ceremony and reception. :)