Guide to Creating Your Catholic Wedding Program

Planning a Catholic wedding involves not only a celebration of love but also a profound religious ceremony. For many couples, the wedding program is more than just a guide to the day's events; it's a keepsake that beautifully outlines the sacred rituals. If you're integrating a Mass into your ceremony, having a detailed Catholic wedding program with Mass is essential. This guide will walk you through everything from what to include in your program to choosing the right wording and style, ensuring your program is as special as your big day.

What's Included in the Catholic Mass Wedding Program

Creating a detailed and thoughtful Catholic ceremony program is essential for guiding your guests through the Mass and making the ceremony accessible and meaningful. Each component plays a vital role in the overall experience. Let's delve into each part, providing a deeper understanding of their significance.

Prelude

The prelude is the initial segment where music is played as guests arrive and settle into their seats. This music sets the emotional tone for the ceremony and can range from classical pieces to more contemporary spiritual music, depending on the couple's preferences. It's a time for reflection and preparation as the sacredness of the day begins to unfold.

Processional

The processional marks the official start of the wedding ceremony. It typically includes the entrance of the clergy, followed by the groom, and culminates with the bride's entrance, often accompanied by a specific, chosen piece of music. This moment is highly symbolic, representing the start of the couple's journey towards a shared life.

Introductory Rites

The Introductory Rites serve to gather everyone together, both physically and spiritually, to prepare for the sacred celebration. It includes the greeting by the priest, the sign of the cross, and the Penitential Act, where the congregation acknowledges their sins and seeks forgiveness, setting a purified tone for the ceremony.

Liturgy of the Word

The Liturgy of the Word is a sequence of scripture readings chosen by the couple. It usually comprises an Old Testament reading, a responsorial psalm sung between readings, a New Testament reading, and a Gospel acclamation followed by the Gospel itself. These readings are selected to resonate with the themes of love, commitment, and fidelity and are often read by close friends or family members.

Homily

Following the readings, the priest delivers the homily, which reflects on the readings and the sacrament of marriage. This is not just a speech but a personalized message to the couple, emphasizing the spiritual and practical aspects of married life according to the church’s teachings.

Rite of Marriage

The Rite of Marriage is the central element of the ceremony. It includes the couple's vows, the exchange of rings, and the nuptial blessing. This part of the service is profoundly symbolic, as the couple makes their covenant with each other before God and the community, solidifying their commitment through words and actions.

Liturgy of the Eucharist

The Liturgy of the Eucharist is particularly significant in a Catholic wedding with Mass. It involves the preparation of the altar, the presentation of the gifts, and the Eucharistic prayers. The act of communion is a powerful symbol of unity, not only between the couple but also with the congregation as they share in this sacred meal.

Recessional

The recessional marks the conclusion of the ceremony. The newly married couple leads the way out of the church, followed by the bridal party. This part is often accompanied by joyful music, celebrating the new beginning for the couple as they move forward into their life together.

Catholic Wedding Program Wording Example

Creating a Catholic wedding program template involves more than listing events; it's about crafting a narrative of your union that resonates with the spirituality of the day. Here’s a sample wording step-by-step.

Front

Welcome to the wedding ceremony of Anna Elizabeth and Lucas James.

Saturday, June 24, 2024

St. Paul's Cathedral

Columbus, Ohio

PRELUDE

Instrumental

PROCESSIONAL "Canon in D" by Johann Pachelbel

Please stand as the bride enters.

GREETING AND OPENING PRAYER

LITURGY OF THE WORD

The First Reading: Tobit 8:4b-8

Read by Evelyn Johnson, Aunt of the Bride

Responsorial Psalm: "The Lord is kind and merciful."

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:31-13:8a

Read by Philip Anderson, Best Friend of the Groom

Gospel Acclamation: "Alleluia"

Homily

THE RITE OF MARRIAGE

Exchange of Vows

Blessing and Exchange of Rings

Prayers of the Faithful

Read by Samantha Reed, College Roommate of the Bride

LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST

Presentation of the Gifts: "Ave Maria" by Franz Schubert

Caroline Myers and Edward Brooks

Eucharistic Prayer

The Lord's Prayer

Nuptial Blessing

Sign of Peace

Communion: "How Great Thou Art"

FINAL BLESSING

RECESSIONAL "Spring" from The Four Seasons by Antonio Vivaldi

Back

Wedding Party

OFFICIANT

Reverend Father Michael Sullivan

PARENTS OF THE BRIDE

Jonathan and Susan Bennett

PARENTS OF THE GROOM

Henry and Lisa James

MAID OF HONOR

Rebecca Bennett

BRIDESMAIDS

Laura Smith

Rachel Lee

Nicole James

BEST MAN

Matthew James

GROOMSMEN

Benjamin Carter

Derek Morris

Simon Richards

RING BEARER

Jacob James

FLOWER GIRL

Olivia James

USHERS

Alexander Thompson, Marcus Allen, Liam Scott

Thank You

To our dear friends and family, thank you for joining us to witness and celebrate our love and commitment. Your presence today makes our joy complete. We are deeply grateful for your support and love, not just today but throughout our lives.

With love, Anna and Lucas

Types of Catholic Wedding Programs

Choosing the right type of program can reflect your style while accommodating the detailed components of a Catholic Mass. Here are a few options:

1. Single Sheet: Simple and straightforward, these are typically single-page layouts with a concise rundown of the ceremony.
2. Booklet: More detailed, booklets offer ample space for each part of the ceremony, including hymns, readings, and prayers. They are particularly useful if many guests are not familiar with a Catholic Mass.
3. Fan Programs: Ideal for summer weddings, these programs double as fans. They contain less detail but provide a practical element.
4. Tri-fold Programs: A happy medium between a single sheet and a booklet, providing enough space for a detailed ceremony without being too bulky.

Each type has its merits, so consider your wedding’s scale, style, and guest needs when choosing.