The model for your wedding is the weekly Sunday celebration only more Solemn, The assembly should be encouraged to become active participants through word, gesture and song. This is your highest priority, even before dresses, tuxedos, receptions and flowers. Those items are the icing on the cake, but superficial by comparison to the worship of the church during which the sacrament will be conferred.

Within Mass or Outside of Mass 
If both of you are practicing Catholics, your wedding should take place in the context of Mass. If either one of you is not, your marriage ail take place in the context of a ceremony which is basically a Liturgy of the Word (first portion of Mass) along with your vows, added prayers and blessings. Obviously communion is not received in the “ceremony,” only the Mass.

Hospitality and your Wedding
Here are some points to keep in mind.
1. The congregation should be given music that is accessible,
familiar and appropriate to sing.
2. Their participating should be made easier by providing a program. Consideration
of your guest is priority so the program should contain their parts, in particular
the songs and hymnbook citations. The print should be an appropriate font size
for easy reading. The function of the program is to facilitate worship and not
be merely a “Playbill” or rundown of the cast of your wedding. The director of
Music will help you with this.
3. The readings and prayers should be proclaimed in an articulate
and intelligible manner.
4. The congregation must have clear sight lines so that all hat takes place can be
easily seen. This means the appropriate placement of flowers, candles, etc.
5. All should be greeted in an organized, warm and inviting way.

WHO’S WHO IN YOUR WEDDING
The Assembly
As stated previously, the fundamental ministry in any liturgy is the assembly and this includes all present in the church, However just as on Sundays everyone has a different role such as priest, deacon, cantor, attendants, ushers, etc. This involvement by all cannot be understated.

The Couple
In Catholic belief, the bride and groom are the ministries of the sacrament; the priest or deacon serves as the Church’s official witness. Since the focus will be on you, it is very important that you set an example by your reverence and by your participation in the prayer and songs.

Priest / Deacon
The Pastor, the Parochial Vicar (assistant pastor), and our Deacons are available to celebrate your wedding here at Holy Spirit. If the wedding is a nuptial Mass the Pastor or Parochial Vicar will offer the mass. One of the Deacons may assist.

If the wedding is ceremony outside of the Mass wither the Pastor, Parochial Vicar or one of the Deacons may preside at the wedding. Priests and Deacons who are relatives or friends of the family may also celebrate the wedding. Clergy from other denominations or faiths who have a connection to the bride or groom may assist at the wedding by taking the appropriate parts assigned to them. These requests should be made when you first contact Kathy Coder. The customs and the way we celebrate the liturgy at Holy Spirit are always to be observed.

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