Ceremony

Immaculate Conception Catholic Church

The Nuptial Mass

The Catholic Mass is the highest form of worship, centered on the Holy Eucharist, which we believe is the true Body and Blood of Christ. Within this sacred liturgy, we will celebrate the Sacrament of Marriage, exchanging vows that are not just promises to each other, but a covenant before God—binding, sacred, and strengthened by His grace. Throughout the Mass, there will be moments of standing, sitting, and kneeling, which Catholics do as a sign of reverence and participation in the prayers of the Church. We are honored to begin our life together in this way, surrounded by faith and the presence of God, and we are grateful that you will be there to participate in our Nuptial Mass!

Receiving the Most Holy Eucharist

Holy Communion is to be received by practicing Catholics who are in a state of grace, striving to live out the teachings of the Catholic Church. This is not meant as a way to exclude non-Catholics or those not practicing their Catholic faith; rather, it is a reflection of the reality that the Eucharist is Christ's True Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity. While none of us are worthy of such an immeasurable gift, it certainly would not be fitting for someone to receive Christ's Body and Blood thinking it was just a piece of bread, or while believing intellectually in His True Presence but not striving to live according to His teachings. If you are not Catholic or are not prepared to receive, we invite you to come forward at Communion time with your arms crossed over your chest for a blessing, or to simply remain seated/kneeling in your pew.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation

One of the most beautiful Sacraments of our faith is the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession), where the God of the Universe meets us in the depths of our weakness with His inexhaustible mercy. As St. John Paul II put it, “Confession is an act of honesty and courage – an act of entrusting ourselves, beyond sin, to the mercy of a loving and forgiving God.” If you are Catholic, we encourage you to take an opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation before entering into the celebration of our Nuptial Mass. If your local parish does not have a scheduled time for the Sacrament of Reconciliation that you can attend, there are many Catholic Churches in Waterloo and the surrounding areas with times available (just Google "Catholic Churches Waterloo" and check out the times each Church has listed on their website).