Attending a Catholic Wedding

Travel Note

For Catholics

"As Catholics, we fully participate in the celebration of the Eucharist when we receive Holy Communion. We are encouraged to receive Communion devoutly and frequently. In order to be properly disposed to receive Communion, participants should not be conscious of grave sin and normally should have fasted for one hour. A person who is conscious of grave sin is not to receive the Body and Blood of the Lord without prior sacramental confession except for a grave reason where there is no opportunity for confession. In this case, the person is to be mindful of the obligation to make an act of perfect contrition, including the intention of confessing as soon as possible (canon 916). A frequent reception of the Sacrament of Penance is encouraged for all."

Travel Note

For our fellow Christians

"We welcome our fellow Christians to this celebration of the Eucharist as our brothers and sisters. We pray that our common baptism and the action of the Holy Spirit in this Eucharist will draw us closer to one another and begin to dispel the sad divisions which separate us. We pray that these will lessen and finally disappear, in keeping with Christ's prayer for us "that they may all be one" (Jn 17:21). Because Catholics believe that the celebration of the Eucharist is a sign of the reality of the oneness of faith, life, and worship, members of those churches with whom we are not yet fully united are ordinarily not admitted to Holy Communion. Eucharistic sharing in exceptional circumstances by other Christians requires permission according to the directives of the diocesan bishop and the provisions of canon law (canon 844 §4). Members of the Orthodox Churches, the Assyrian Church of the East, and the Polish National Catholic Church are urged to respect the discipline of their own Churches. According to Roman Catholic discipline, the Code of Canon Law does not object to the reception of Communion by Christians of these Churches (canon 844 §3)."

Travel Note

For non-Christians

"We also welcome to this celebration those who do not share our faith in Jesus Christ. While we cannot admit them to Holy Communion, we ask them to offer their prayers for the peace and the unity of the human family." © 1996, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

Travel Note

For those not receiving Holy Communion

"All who are not receiving Holy Communion are encouraged to express in their hearts a prayerful desire for unity with the Lord Jesus and with one another." For those not receiving communion during our Nuptial Mass, you are welcome to approach the altar when the time comes with arms crossed over your chest to receive a blessing from the priest. You may also remain in your seat if you prefer.

Travel Note

For not actively practicing Catholics

If you have not been to confession in the last 3 months, we highly recommend making a good and honest confession in order to be properly disposed to receive communion. If you cannot make confession before our wedding, then we please ask you to abstain from communion out of an abundance of caution for respecting our Lord.

Travel Note

For Everyone

We ask you to please pray for us as we start this new chapter of our lives. We understand marriage is hard and we need all the prayers we can get to build a strong foundation. Pray that we stay centered in Christ as we start this journey and that we’d be blessed with many children and a long and happy life together. We are so grateful to all of our loved ones who will be joining us on our special day and hope you get to see and experience the beauty of the Catholic Church and the Mass that is so dear to our hearts!