FAQs
Question
Why did the bride and groom choose the Traditional Latin Mass for their wedding?
Answer
We are honored and excited to invite you to our home parish, Most Precious Blood of Jesus, for the celebration of our marriage in the Traditional Roman Catholic rite. This is the parish that both of us attended together throughout our relationship, where we lifted up many prayers for one another, and it holds a very special place in our hearts. :) The wedding ceremony and Nuptial Mass will be celebrated in the way that was common throughout the vast majority of the history of the Western Church until "modernizing" changes were made to the rites of the Sacraments in the 1960's. At the Traditional Mass, we feel connected to our Catholic heritage. It is the same form of Mass at which our Catholic ancestors prayed; the same wedding ceremony in which joined our grandparents together and joined our grandparents' grandparents; and the Mass which nourished the lives of the countess saints who nave gone before us. It is the Mass of the Ages. We revere the Traditional Mass because it is rich with symbolic movements, sights, sounds, and even smells which flood our senses and lift our hearts to things above. The physical beauty of the Liturgy seems to create an atmosphere in which we find it easiest to enter into the presence of God in prayer. But most importantly, we love the Traditional Mass because all of its characteristics foster in us reverence, awe, and deep love for Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Most Holy Eucharist!
Question
What should I expect at the ceremony?
Answer
Catholic weddings are long! This is because there is not one Sacrament taking place, but two: the Sacrament of Matrimony and the Sacrament of the Mass. In the Traditional form, the distinction between the two is clear. The wedding ceremony is celebrated first and then the Sacrifice of the Mass is offered for the couple. If you are familiar with the Catholic Mass, you will know that at the core of the Liturgy is the non bloody, re-presentation of Christ's Redeeming Sacrifice on the Cross. The priest, acting in the person of Christ, offers bread and wine at the altar, which, by the power of God, become the true Body and Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ. For Catholics, when we are at Mass, we are mystically present at the foot of the Cross; every word, posture, and action of the Traditional Liturgy is oriented toward bearing witness to that essential truth.
Question
What is different about this mass?
Answer
~There are more prayers: These prayers, many of which go back to the time of Pope St. Gregory the Great (6th Century), help to thoroughly prepare our hearts and minds to enter into the Sacred Mysteries. Nearly half of the prayers of the Traditional Mass were removed in the creation of the New Mass. ~The priest faces the altar: By facing the altar (a tradition which goes back to the priests of the Old Covenant), it is made clear that the priest is offering this act of worship to God. It is not about us. ~The words of the mass are in Latin: Latin is the official and universal language of the Church. Furthermore, Latin, was one of the three languages nailed to the Cross (along with Greek and Hebrew): the Traditional Mass uses all three of these languages (and these three languages alone). ~There is incense: The burning of incense is an ancient aspect of worship and sacrifice and can be found in in countless places in Sacred Scripture from Exodus to Revelation. The smoke of the incense is a symbol of our prayers rising to God ~There are bells: The bells serve as a joyful noise to call the faithful to attention at some of the most important moments of the Mass: most especially at the consecration of the Holy Eucharist when the bells ring out three times to tell us that Christ Himself is now present upon the altar. ~There are women (besides the bride!) wearing veils over their hair: This traditional practice of women covering their hair in church has its roots in Corinthians 11:2-16. This serves as a symbol of humility before God and stems from the imagery of being the "bride of Christ." Furthermore, it should be noted that in Tradition, it is custom to veil that which is Sacred (for example, the Tabernacle), and so the custom of women wearing veils is also a testimony to the dignity of woman.
Question
What should I do at this mass?
Answer
We know that this will be a new experience to most of you and we will be so honored by and grateful for your presence! :) In the wedding program, we will provide the entire text of the Mass with the Latin side-by-side with the English translation if you wish to follow along. However, if you are new to the Traditional Latin Mass, we recommend that you simply sit back and prayerfully take it all in. There will be lots to see and hear and participation in Mass is every bit as valuable if one only watches, listens, and prays (after all, this is all the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. John the Apostle could do at the foot of the cross). Do not fret about 'following along,' just be with Our Lord at Calvary. In order to observe due reverence for Our Lord in the Holy Eucharist at the Traditional Latin Mass, Holy Communion is received while kneeling and on the tongue. Follow the line to kneel along the railing, and when the priest comes to you, simply tilt back your chin, open your mouth, and stick out your tongue. The priest will place the host on your tongue*. Accommodations will be made for those who might have difficulty kneeling at the rail. *If you are not a practicing Catholic or are not in the state of grace (having an unconfessed mortal sin on your conscience**), we ask that you do not present yourself for Communion. Please remain prayerfully in your pew. **Read more about mortal sin here https://www.catholic.com/magazine/online-edition/how-do-i-know-if-its-a-mortal-sin
Question
What should I wear?
Answer
As we are celebrating the sacrament of Holy Matrimony within The Lord's house, we ask that you please keep this in mind as you dress for our wedding. :)
Question
Where can I learn more about the Traditional Latin Mass?
Answer
Here is the link to a documentary titled, "Mass of the Ages". It will give you a better idea of what to expect at our wedding Mass. https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=8ylcABhLc2o&t=2422s
Question
Are kids welcome at the ceremony?
Answer
Absolutely! "How can there be too many children? That is like saying there are too many flowers." -Mother Teresa There is a sound-proof foyer in the back of the church should you need to step out. Please bring your children to mass!
Question
What if I have a food allergy/dietary restriction?
Answer
Please specify accommodations needed for food allergies/dietary restrictions in your RSVP.
Question
What type of transportation is available?
Answer
Uber and Lyft services are available in Pittsburgh should you need to book a ride.
Question
Can I take and post pictures from the wedding on social media?
Answer
Yes! Our only request is that you add our wedding hashtag #kelTONSoflove so that we can share in the love. :)