The Rite of Marriage
Nuptial Mass
Introductory Rites
Greeting
Priest: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
All: Amen.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
All: And with your spirit.
Collect (Opening Prayer)
The priest offers the opening prayer, asking God's blessing on the couple.
Liturgy of the Word
Homily
The priest speaks about the meaning of Christian marriage, the dignity of conjugal love, the grace of the sacrament, and the responsibilities of married people.
The Celebration of Matrimony
Questions Before Consent
Have you come here to enter into marriage without coercion, freely and wholeheartedly?
Both: I am.
Are you prepared, as you follow the path of marriage, to love and honor each other for as long as you both shall live?
Both: I am.
Are you prepared to accept children lovingly from God and to bring them up according to the law of Christ and his Church?
Both: I am.
Exchange of Consent (Vows)
Groom
I, N., take you, N., to be my wife. I promise to be faithful to you, in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, to love you and to honor you all the days of my life.
Bride
I, N., take you, N., to be my husband. I promise to be faithful to you, in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, to love you and to honor you all the days of my life.
Priest: What God has joined, men must not divide.
All: Amen.
Blessing and Exchange of Rings
The priest blesses the rings, signs of love and fidelity.
N., receive this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
General Intercessions
After each intention, the assembly responds:
Lord, hear our prayer.
Liturgy of the Eucharist
Holy, Holy, Holy
Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of hosts. Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.
Memorial Acclamation
We proclaim your Death, O Lord, and profess your Resurrection until you come again.
The Lord's Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Nuptial Blessing
After the Lord's Prayer, the priest faces the couple and invokes God's blessing on their marriage.
Lamb of God
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us. Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us. Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, grant us peace.
Final Blessing
The priest blesses the newly married couple and all present.
Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life.
All: Thanks be to God.