FAQs
Question
What is a Nuptial Mass?
Answer
We are Catholic, and, as such, know that marriage is a union blessed and instituted by God. It is a sacrament of the love Daniel and Kate have for each other - an image of the love God has for us. It is the bond which protects the family and allows us to grow in a deeper understanding of God. Marriage is a cross, one we will take up to grow in holiness. The Mass is where we celebrate this sacrament and exchanging of vows - not set by us according to our specifications, but according to God's. Just as Christ sacrificed Himself for us on the cross out of love for us, so must each spouse sacrifice himself/herself for the other. The Mass is the ceremony celebrating the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Our Lord, Jesus Christ, and remembrance (anamnesis) of His Sacrifice for us all.
Question
What is a Sacrament?
Answer
It is an outward sign of invisible grace. In other words, it is a, "Visible rite that signifies-and is a vessel-of God's grace, instituted by Jesus Christ and entrusted to the Church." There are seven sacraments in the Catholic Church: Baptism, Communion, Confirmation, Eucharist, Penance (Reconciliation), Anointing of the Sick, Matrimony (Marriage), and Holy Orders (Ordination of Clergy). The sacraments are "channels by which grace enters our souls, to give them divine life and nourish them." Anyone who has even been married will tell you that it is difficult. Through the Sacrament of Matrimony, God gives us his grace to endure life's hardships, and remain faithful to the cross He has called us to carry. For those who would like, there is Confession offered at the Abbey (Thursday 4:30-5:20pm, Friday 9-10:30am, or Saturday 10-10:50) as well as other local Catholic Churches.
Question
What is the Dress Code?
Answer
As this is a solemn ceremony please dress accordingly. Formal dress code is required - and modesty for both men and women is highly encouraged. Men - please wear a traditionally colored suit of either black, gray, brown, dark green, navy, ect. Suits and dress pants only, please - jeans are not allowed. Ladies - the bridesmaids are wearing champagne colored dresses, so please avoid this color. Otherwise, anything goes so long as it is not of a distracting color or pattern, or immodest. It will be cold outside, but likely warm inside both the reception and Mass, so do keep this in mind! Shawls or wraps are a good in-between to balance modesty and warmth, without overheating.
Question
What if I'm not Catholic?
Answer
All are welcome to attend the Nuptial Mass! We invite you to experience with awe and wonder our ancient traditions of our Catholic Faith and, especially the Sacred Mysteries present within the Mass. For those who are not Catholic or not properly disposed to receive Holy Communion: When it is time to receive Communion, you are respectfully asked to approach the priest for a blessing instead by crossing your arms over your chest in the form of an X, or to remain seated if that would be more comfortable. "For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes." St. Paul on the Reception of Communion: "Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of profaning the body and blood of the Lord. Let a man examine himself, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For any one who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment upon himself." - 1 Corinthians 11:26-29
