sample script
Below is a sample script of what occurs at our Independent Catholic Weddings. It includes the equivalent of stage directions (in parentheses) and congregational responses (in italics). The abbreviation 'N.' stands for the names of the couple, both first names and as a couple. Please note that this is merely a sample! We have customized scripts well beyond this and are always open to discussing it further.
Processional
(People stand for entrance of bride and remain standing)
Greeting
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
(Amen.)
Know that the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit is with you all.
(And also with you.)
My friends, welcome to this celebration as we bear witness to the Sacrament of Marriage between N. and N. Holy Matrimony is a rite of importance and significance, as it is a visible and outward symbol for not just the reality of God, but of God’s Love for us.
Penitential Rite and Opening Prayer
As we come together as God’s family for this momentous occasion, let us pause for a moment to center ourselves and to ensure that we are present in this very place and at this very moment, leaving our burdens at the proverbial door so that we may experience God’s Love in the same way that N. and N. experience their love for each other.
(Pause for silent reflection)
Heavenly Father, you have made the bond of marriage to be a symbol of Christ’s Love for His people. With faith in You and in each other, N. and N. pledge their love today in the loving union of marriage. May their love be fruitful so that they may be living witnesses to the reality of Your Divine Love for and in the world.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
(Amen.)
Please be seated.
Liturgy of the Word
(Consists of First Reading, Psalm, Second Reading, Gospel Acclamation, and Gospel; all shall stand during the Gospel Acclamation and Gospel)
Homily
(The homily is written by the minister and tailored to celebrate the couple and their love while expressing the important undertaking that is marriage. It usually involves many smiles and some humor to keep people smiling and laughing as we all celebrate the joyous occasion.)
Vows/Rings, etc.
(Following the homily, the couple is invited to stand for the exchange of vows and rings. The couple may write their own vows, or they may defer to traditional vows from the minister. The couple may also choose appropriate language for the exchange of the rings, or they may defer to something traditional. The couple is pronounced as married and usually kiss at this point, resulting in applause.)
Nuptial Blessing
N. and N., bow your heads as we all pray and bless you!
Heavenly Father, N. and N. have come to your altar to begin their married life, united in love for each other. May they share with each other the gifts of Your Love, becoming one in heart and mind as witnesses to Your Presence in their marriage. May they both praise You when they are happy and turn to You in their sorrows. May they be glad that You Help them in their work and know that You are with them in their need.
N. and N., may God keep you in love with each other. May the peace of Christ be always in your home. And, through the Holy Spirit, may you always bear witness to the love of God in this world.
Amen.
Closing
The Lord be with you.
(And also with you.)
May our Heavenly Father bless you, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
(Amen.)
It is my pleasure to introduce N.!
Recessional
(People stand for entrance of bride and remain standing)
Greeting
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
(Amen.)
Know that the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit is with you all.
(And also with you.)
My friends, welcome to this celebration as we bear witness to the Sacrament of Marriage between N. and N. Holy Matrimony is a rite of importance and significance, as it is a visible and outward symbol for not just the reality of God, but of God’s Love for us.
Penitential Rite and Opening Prayer
As we come together as God’s family for this momentous occasion, let us pause for a moment to center ourselves and to ensure that we are present in this very place and at this very moment, leaving our burdens at the proverbial door so that we may experience God’s Love in the same way that N. and N. experience their love for each other.
(Pause for silent reflection)
Heavenly Father, you have made the bond of marriage to be a symbol of Christ’s Love for His people. With faith in You and in each other, N. and N. pledge their love today in the loving union of marriage. May their love be fruitful so that they may be living witnesses to the reality of Your Divine Love for and in the world.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
(Amen.)
Please be seated.
Liturgy of the Word
(Consists of First Reading, Psalm, Second Reading, Gospel Acclamation, and Gospel; all shall stand during the Gospel Acclamation and Gospel)
Homily
(The homily is written by the minister and tailored to celebrate the couple and their love while expressing the important undertaking that is marriage. It usually involves many smiles and some humor to keep people smiling and laughing as we all celebrate the joyous occasion.)
Vows/Rings, etc.
(Following the homily, the couple is invited to stand for the exchange of vows and rings. The couple may write their own vows, or they may defer to traditional vows from the minister. The couple may also choose appropriate language for the exchange of the rings, or they may defer to something traditional. The couple is pronounced as married and usually kiss at this point, resulting in applause.)
Nuptial Blessing
N. and N., bow your heads as we all pray and bless you!
Heavenly Father, N. and N. have come to your altar to begin their married life, united in love for each other. May they share with each other the gifts of Your Love, becoming one in heart and mind as witnesses to Your Presence in their marriage. May they both praise You when they are happy and turn to You in their sorrows. May they be glad that You Help them in their work and know that You are with them in their need.
N. and N., may God keep you in love with each other. May the peace of Christ be always in your home. And, through the Holy Spirit, may you always bear witness to the love of God in this world.
Amen.
Closing
The Lord be with you.
(And also with you.)
May our Heavenly Father bless you, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
(Amen.)
It is my pleasure to introduce N.!
Recessional
