THE SACRAMENT OF MARRIAGE

Marriage can take place as part of a Mass (known as a  Nuptial Mass) or as a service in its own right. The groom, best man and other guests gather in Church and when  the bride arrives she is escorted down the aisle usually by her father, maid of honour, and bridesmaids with some  accompanying music.  At the beginning of the ceremony everyone is welcomed and the beautiful opening prayer concentrates – as all the  prayers of the Mass or service do – on the couple: Father, you have made the bond of marriage a holy mystery, a symbol of Christ’s love for his Church. Hear our prayers for N and N. With faith in you and in each other, they pledge their love today. May their lives always bear witness to the reality of that love.   Throughout the ceremony we are praying that the couple will be a reflection of Christ’s love for his bride the Church.  We listen to the Word of God, which will reflect on what is about to take place and the priest or deacon will give a homily about marriage.  We then move into the Rite of Marriage. Holding each other's right hand, the couple declare that there is no legal barrier to their union, and that their intention is lifelong and open to the possibility of children. They give their public consent to  becoming husband and wife. They ask all present to witness their intention to be faithful for life, regardless of circumstance. Then priest asks for this consent to be blessed.  As a symbol of what has happened between the two, they exchange blessed rings.  The signing of a civil register follows, to meet the requirements of the  law. There follows the Eucharistic Prayer, in the case of a nuptial Mass.  It is particularly appropriate, since a marriage mirrors Christ’s love for the Church. The  Eucharist, in which Christ is present, carries with it a significance that suggests how the couple can remain in  love with each other if they remain in love with Christ, who unites them both. The nuptial blessing, a solemn prayer  proclaimed by the priest after the Our Father, echoes these themes.  At the end of the service the new husband and wife process out of Church together followed by their witnesses,  family and friends.  Marriage in the Parish of St Mary and St Paul.  You will need to book your date and time at least a year in advance with the parish priest.  Prior to getting married you will have to attend a number of sessions to help you prepare to be married, including a  course with Marriage Care based in Stockport. The parish priest will advise you on all the paperwork and necessary  preparations for your wedding.  The planning of the wedding ceremony, including the scripture readings and the hymns, is carried out in conjunction with the priest, with the solemnity of the  occasion and its Catholic spirit being maintained throughout.