What do I do in a Catholic Wedding?

Question

My husband and I are both in a Byzantine Catholic Wedding this weekend. The couple is having a full mass and it will be about 1 1/2 hours. We are not Catholic and have never attended Catholic services let alone a wedding. I am a Methodist and our service was short and sweet so I don't know what to expect. Also, I know there are specific things that you do or don't do at a Catholic Wedding depending on if you are Catholic or not. Any help or insight would be appreciated!

Answer 1

Worship, pray, and enjoy.

Thank you for showing respect in asking for advice.

Do whatever feels right in your heart.

Stand and sit when others do. Catholics typically sit to listen to God's Word and stand to pray.

Catholics kneel during the consecration of the Eucharist (Holy Communion). You may kneel or sit at this time, whichever you choose.

As a Methodist, your beliefs about the Eucharist is not the same as ours. We believe in the true presence of Christ. Out of respect for both of our faiths, please do not receive Holy Communion.

At this time, you may be invited to go up for a blessing from the priest. If you choose, go up with your arms crossed over your heart to receive the blessing.

If you are comfortable, pray along with the prayers and sing along with the songs.

With love in Christ.

Answer 2

The other people who answered this question are not entirely accurate, they answered for the Roman rite, The Byzantine rite is a little bit different from the Roman. If you are actually in the wedding there will be a rehearsal the night before and the priest will explain everything that you need to know. Some of the Byzantine rite is in Latin so expect that. The wedding will last a LONG time but you know that. You should not go up for communion. I've never heard of anyone being invited up for a blessing the priest does that from the altar and you stay at your seat. You'll be able to figure out when to stand and kneel, it's not hard. It's a beautiful wedding ceremony with crowns and ribbons, you'll love it. Have fun and wear comfortable shoes.

Answer 3

I am Catholic and this is what happens: typically the wedding ceremony is at least an hour or so. I don't suggest you sit up at the front because that is more for immediate family. Even the pews behind the immediate family are typically for the other relatives likes Aunts, Uncles and cousins. Because you are both not Catholic, I would suggest you sit more toward the back pews. A lot of standing and sitting and standing and sitting is involved in Catholic ceremonies. Just follow what others around you are doing, so when you see people stand....stand. When they sit back down....sit down. This is really all you have to concentrate on doing. You don't have to sing any hymns or say any prayers; it is not expected nor required of you (unless you want to). Around 30 minutes into the ceremony there will be some people who will go to each row/pew starting at the front carrying a basket which they pass through each row to collect donations (monetary) which go toward the Church. People can put in anywhere from a dollar to 10 dollars, but not everyone does it. So you are not expected to, either. These people do not ask you, they just pass the basket around and if you don't put in anything they won't single you out; they just continue on through the next row. At around 45 minutes into the ceremony we offer what we call the "Eucharist", which is a round piece of flattened out thin bread which symbolizes the body of Christ. You will see each row go one by one up to the front to receive this Eucharist, and then they come back to their seats. When this takes place, just stay where you are and make sure to let the others pass/walk by you to exit the pew (there is never enough room so just try to swing to the side a bit to let them get through), and then they come back to re-enter the pew. Because you are not Catholic, you are not permitted to recieve it. Also, immediately after everyone has received the Eucharist and are back in their seats, you will notice them kneel down on the bench in front of you to say a little prayer. Just stay seated as you are and let them do it. You don't have to kneel with them so don't worry. Another thing we do is right toward the end, the Priest will say something about offering "peace" and you will see the people in the Church start shaking hands with the other people beside, in front, and behind them saying "Peace be with you". So some of them will probably extend their hand to you and you just gently shake it back saying to them the same wishes of "peace be with you". It only goes on for about 15 seconds so don't be freaked out. This is just a nice gesture so please accept it when it is offered to you! To sum it up, just get used to sitting, standing, sitting, standing. Don't ask me why we do it so much because I can't answer that! I hope this helps you out a bit and makes you feel comfortable. Oh and you will probably be a bit bored by the sermon that the Priest gives so try to hang in there! Good luck!

Answer 4

I am a baptised Baptist (I bet all Baptists are) married to a Catholic. We celebrated Mass after we received married 2 years in the past. Of direction, I did not partake of Communion, however an entire Mass used to be held. My spouse's parish priest needed to obtain permission from the archbishop to ensure that that to take position. Because of that, I might bet that the reply for your query might fluctuate by way of place. Check together with your fiance's parish priest (or the priest overseeing your pre-Cana rigamarole) to get an reply.

Answer 5

well if you're not Catholic, you're not supposed to go to the front and take the eurcharist and the wine. but besides that you can participate in everything else, it is just prayers which you don't even have to say since you're not Catholic. and then the priest talks a lot and they present the gifts. It is pretty much a lot of sitting and listening. well i hope i was a little help to you.

Answer 6

Take caffiene pills and make sure you use the bathroom ahead of time. You'll be there for a while. For the rest of the ceremony, make sure you as the bride or groom what is expected of you. If they can't chat, stop by and ask the priest. He'll be glad to walk you through it so you son't make any embarrassing mistakes.

Enjoy!