Guidelines for Selecting Readings and Music for your Wedding Liturgy
Cantor - Weddings at St. Margaret Mary Parish utilize a cantor who leads the assembly in singing and who sings the parts of the Mass specific to the role of cantor. Cantors may be selected from among those who sing at St. Margaret Mary or may be a relative or friend who is experienced in singing for a Catholic liturgy.
Readers/Gift Bearers: Relatives or friends of the couple can proclaim readings and bring up the gifts at the wedding liturgy. Readers should have their reading at least several weeks before the wedding so that they can prepare to proclaim the Word of God with reverence. In order to become more comfortable proclaiming the scripture in front of the microphone and in this particular space, it is recommended that readers rehearse their scripture passage during rehearsal the night before the wedding.
The Entrance Procession - This procession includes the Presider, 2 altar servers, bridesmaids, groomsmen (if desired), parents of the bride and groom (if desired), Groom (if desired) and the Bride. One piece of music accompanies the entire procession. Refer to music selections for suggestions of music for the entrance procession. (The traditional “Here Comes the Bride” is not appropriate for this entrance procession.)
Readings – Couples may select an Old Testament Reading and a New Testament Reading. Please refer to Readings for Your Wedding Liturgy http://www.foryourmarriage.org/interior_template.asp?id=20399015 or the Together For Life booklet available at the Parish Office.
Responsorial Psalm - The psalm is led by the cantor. Normally, the assembly joins in singing the refrain while the cantor sings the verses. Please refer to music selections for musical settings of the psalms and to the Together For Life booklet for psalm texts on which the musical version is based.
Gospel Acclamation - Select verse before the Gospel found in the Together For Life booklet. Gospel – This will usually be selected by the Presider.
Homily – Presider
Rite of Marriage - Presider will select these texts
Unity Candle - Although this is not a part of the Rite of Marriage, it is optional and may be included. Refer to music selections for suggestions of music that may be used.
General Intercessions - Presider will select these texts or they may be adapted by the couple from Together for Life.
Liturgy of the Eucharist -Couples having a Mass will select music for the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Those not having a Mass will eliminate this part.
Preparation of the Altar and Gifts - Refer to music selections for suggestions of music used here. Music at this point may be a vocal or instrumental solo or a hymn sung by the entire assembly.
Eucharistic Acclamations – Mass settings are from the Mass of Creation, which is generally well known.
Sign of Peace – Instrumental music (if desired) may be used. The music should not extend beyond the sign of peace.
Communion Processional – This should be a hymn in refrain/verse format which is commonly sung in parishes. The refrain may be added to the wedding program (worship aid) or the hymn number may be announced by the cantor so that the assembly can find it in the hymnbook. Refer to music selections for suggestions of Communion hymns.
Presentation to the Blessed Mother – Although this is not a required part of the Rite of Marriage, it may be included in the celebration whether or not there is a Mass. While the couple processes to the image of the Blessed Mother, a solo or hymn may be sung or instrumental music may be played. Refer to music selections for suggestions of music. The music should not extend after the couple has returned to their place.
Recessional – This music is played as the couple leaves the Church. Refer to music selections for suggestions
Postlude – This music is played as the guests leave the Church.
Additional instrumentalists (violinist, flutist, trumpeter, etc.) can be hired. If desired, the Director of Music and Liturgy can assist you in selecting instrumentalists.