My fiance and I are planning on getting married in the Catholic Church next summer. I was born and raised Catholic, and she was baptized Catholic but raised Protestant (long story). She is now interested in practicing the Catholic faith again. However, most of her family and a good percentage of mine are not Catholic. I have heard that if both partners are Catholic, the ceremony must be a Nuptial Mass rather than just a ceremony. We don't want to do this for a couple of reasons: 1. Certain members of her family are disappointed that she's not going to be Protestant any more, and having a Wedding Mass will just exacerbate the situation. 2. Most of the people at the wedding won't be Catholic, and we'd prefer the ceremony to be an inclusive affair rather than excluding the Protestant people from parts of the ceremony. Any insights or web resources you could give would be greatly appreciated.
2007-08-18 10:28:01 · 4 answers · asked by Joe D. 2 in Family & Relationships ➔ Weddings
No you do not have to have a full mass, but the only difference between a mass and a catholic wedding ceremony is that there is no communion at a ceremony.
At a catholic ceremony you still have 2 readings, the gospel reading a short homily (sermon) and the prayers of the faithful.
You can add other things such as the lighting of the unity candle and any special poem or memorial candle to honor passed family member. Even though it is not a mass it will still last about 40 minutes.
Also you will have to go to pre cana (pre marital counseling) usually for 1 or 2 saturdays.
The church you will be married at should supply you with a ceremony planning booklet to help you choose the readings etc.
The Catholic wedding ceremony is really not that different from some protestant ceremonies. I really don't think anyone will be upset, after all it is a wedding and I am sure people will be happy and supportive of both you and your fiancess whatever you decide.
Good luck!
2007-08-18 12:51:06 · answer #1 · answered by Reba 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are not required to have a mass. I have been to many Catholic ceremonies where it was not done. It is up to you. Many people feel that it takes away from the exchange of vows and alienates guests who are not Catholic. Not to mention that it makes the ceremony last over an hour. Don't worry about it.
2007-08-18 11:43:57 · answer #2 · answered by Luv2Answer 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No you aren't required to have a mass - just a ceremony is OK. They do say a few prayers but there is no communion. It takes about 20-30 min.
2007-08-18 17:20:37 · answer #3 · answered by JM 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can just have the Rite of Marriage, without the full Mass. Talk to your priest.
2007-08-19 02:51:37 · answer #4 · answered by Lydia 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋