Wedding Planning Page Please enter the following information Groom: Bride: Date of wedding: mm/dd/yy Best Man: Maid of Honor: Do you have a unity candle:---YesNo Are you doing a flower to Mary:---YesNo Opening Prayers A-1 Father, You have made the bond of marriage a holy mystery, a symbol of Christ's love for his Church. Hear our prayers for ______ and ______ 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. 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. A-2 Father, hear our prayers for ______ and ______ who today are united in marriage before your altar. Give them your blessing, and strengthen their love for each other. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, on God, for ever and ever. A-3 Almighty God, hear our prayers for ______ and ______ who have come here today to be united in the sacrament of marriage. Increase their faith in you and in each other, and through them bless your church with Christian children. 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. A-4 Father, when you created mankind you willed that man & wife should be one. Bind ______ & ______ in the loving union of marriage; and make their love fruitful so that they may be living witnesses to your divine love 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. Select your opening prayer ----A - 1A - 2A - 3A - 4 Old Testament Readings B-1 A reading from the book of Genesis Then God said: "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. Let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and the cattle, and over all the wild animals and all the creatures that crawl on the ground." God created man in his image; in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. God blessed them, saying: "Be fertile and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it. Have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and all the living things that move on the earth." God looked at everything he had made, and he found it very good. The Word of the Lord B-2 A reading from the book of Genesis The Lord God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a suitable partner for him." So the Lord God formed out of the ground various wild animals and various birds of the air, and he brought them to the man to see what he would call them; whatever the man called each of them would be its name. The man gave names to all the cattle, all the birds of the air, and all wild animals. But none proved to be the suitable partner for the man. So the Lord God cast a deep sleep on the man, and while he was asleep, he took out one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. The Lord God then built up into a woman the rib that he had taken from the man. When he brought her to the man, the man said: "This one, at last, is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; this one shall be called 'woman,' for out of 'her man' this one has been taken." That is why a man leaves his father and mother and clings to his wife, and the two of them become one body. The word of the Lord B-3 A reading from the book of Genesis The servant of Abraham said to Laban: "I bowed down in worship to the Lord, blessing the Lord, the God of my master Abraham, who had led me on the right road to obtain the daughter of my master's kinsman for his son. If, therefore, you have in mind to show true loyalty to my master, let me know; but if not, let me know that, too. I can then proceed accordingly." Lana and his household said in reply: "This thing comes from the Lord; we can say nothing to you either for or against it. Here is Rebekah, ready for you; take her with you, that she may become the wife of your master's son, as the Lord has said." So they called Rebekah and asked her, "Do you wish to go with this man?" She answered, "I do." At this they allowed their sister Rebekah and her nurse to take leave, along with Abraham's servant and his men. Invoking a blessing on Rebekah, they said: "Sister, may you grow into thousands of myriads; and may your descendants gain possession of the gates of their enemies!" Then Rebekah and her maids started out; they mounted their camels and followed the man. So the servant took Rebekah and went on his way. Meanwhile Isaac had gone from Beer-lahai-roi and was living in the region of the Negeb. One day toward evening he went out...in the field, and as he looked around, he noticed that camels were approaching- Rebekah, too, was looking about, and when she saw him, she alighted from her camel and asked the servant, "Who is the man out there, walking through the fields toward us?" "That is my master," replied the servant. Then she covered herself with her veil. The servant recounted to Isaac all the things he had done. Then Isaac took Rebekah into his tent; he married her, and thus she became his wife. In his love for her Isaac found solace after the death of his mother Sarah. The word of the Lord B-4 A reading from the book of Tobit Raphael and Tobiah entered the house of Raguel and greeted him. Raguel sprang up and kissed Tobiah, shedding tears of joy. But when he heard that Tobit had lost his eyesight, he was grieved and wept aloud. He said to Tobiah: "My child, god bless you! You are the son of a noble and good father. But what a terrible misfortune that such a righteous and charitable man should be afflicted with blindness!" He continued to weep in the arms of his kinsman Tobiah. His wife Edna also wept for Tobit; and even their daughter Sarah began to weep. Afterward, Raguel slaughtered a ram from the flock and gave them a cordial reception. When they had bathed and reclined to eat, Tobiah said to Raphael, "Brother Azariah, ask Raguel to let me marry my knoswoman Sarah." Raguel overheard the words; so he said to the boy: "Eat and drink and be merry tonight, for no man is more entitled to marry my daughter Sarah than you, because you are my closest relative. But I will explain the situation to you very frankly. I have given her in marriage to seven men, all of whom were kinsmen of ours, and all died on the very night they approached her. But now, son, eat and drink. I am sure the Lord will look after you both." Tobiah answered, "I will eat or drink nothing until you set aside what belongs to me." Raguel said to him: I will do it. She is your according to the decree of the Book of Moses. Your marriage to her has been decided in heaven! Take your kinswoman; from now on you are her love, and she is your beloved. She is yours today and ever after. And tonight, son, may the Lord of heaven prosper you both. May he grant you mercy and peace." Then Raguel called his daughter Sarah, and she came to him. He took her by the hand and gave her to Tobiah with the words: "Take her according to the law. According to the decree written in the Book of Moses she is your wife. Take her and bring her back safely to your father. And may the God of heaven grant both of you peace and prosperity." He then called her mother and told her to bring a scroll, so that he might draw up a marriage contract stating that he gave Sarah to Tobiah as his wife according to the decree of the Mosaic law. Her mother brought the scroll, and he drew up the contract, to which they affixed their seals. The Word of the Lord. B-5 A reading from the book of Tobit On their wedding night Tobiah arose from bed and said to his wife, "Sister, get up. Let us pray and beg our Lord to have mercy on us and to grant us deliverance." Sarah got up, and they started to pray and beg that deliverance might be theirs. They began with these words: "Blessed are you, O God of our fathers; praised be your name forever and ever. Let the heavens and all your creation praise you forever. You made Adam and you gave him his wife Eve to be his help and support; and from these two the human race descended. You said, 'It is not good for the man to be alone; let us make him a partner like himself.' Now, Lord, you know that I take this wife of mine not because of lust, but for a noble purpose. Call down your mercy on me and on her, and allow us to live together to a happy old age." They said together, "Amen, amen." The Word of the Lord. B-6 A reading from the book of Proverbs When one finds a worthy wife, her value is far beyond pearls. Her husband, entrusting his heart to her, has an unfailing prize. She brings him good, and not evil, all the days of her life. She obtains wool and flax and makes cloth with skillful hands. She puts her hands to the distaff, and her fingers ply the spindle. She reaches out her hands to the poor, and extends her arms to the needy. Charm is deceptive and beauty fleeting; the woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her a reward of her labors, and let her works praise her at the city gates. The word of the Lord B-7 A reading from the Song of Songs Hark! my lover--here he comes springing across the mountains, leaping across the hills. My lover is like a gazelle or a young stag. Here he stands behind our wall, gazing through the windows, peering through the lattices. My lover speaks; he says to me, "Arise, my beloved, my dove, my beautiful one, and come! "O my dove in the clefts of the rock, in the secret recesses of the cliff, Let me see you, let me hear your voice, For your voice is sweet, and you are lovely." My lover belongs to me and I to him. He says to me: "Set me as a seal on your heart, as a seal on your arm; For stern as death is love, relentless as the nether-world is devotion; its flames are a blazing fire. Deep waters cannot quench love, nor floods sweep it away." The Word of the Lord. B-8 A reading from the book of Sirach Blessed the husband of a good wife; twice-lengthened are his days; A worthy wife brings joy to her husband, peaceful and full is his life. A good wife is a generous gift bestowed upon him who fears the Lord; Be he rich or poor, his heart is content, and a smile is ever on his face. A gracious wife delights her husband, her thoughtfulness puts flesh on his bones; A gift from the Lord is her governed speech, and her firm virtue is of surpassing worth. Choicest of blessings is a modest wife, priceless her chaste sole. A holy & decent woman adds grace upon grace; indeed, no price is worthy of her temperate soul. Like the sun rising in the Lord's heavens, the beauty of a virtuous wife is the radiance of her home. The Word of the Lord. B-9 A reading from the book of the Prophet Jeremiah The days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant I made with their fathers: the day I took them by the hand to lead them forth from the land of Egypt. But this is the covenant which I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord. I will place my law within them, and write it upon their hearts; I will be their God, and they shall be my people. No longer will they have need to teach their friends and relatives how to know the Lord. All, from least to greatest, shall know me, says the Lord. The Word of the Lord. Select your OLD TESTAMENT READING ----B - 1B - 2B - 3B - 4B - 5B - 6B - 7B - 8B - 9 Responsorial Psalms C-1 The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord R. The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord Bless the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he has chosen for his own heritage. But see the eyes of the Lord are upon those who fear him, upon those who hope for his kindness. R. The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord Our soul waits for the Lord, who is our help and our shield; For in him our hearts rejoice; in his holy name we trust. R. The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord May your kindness, O Lord, be upon us who have put our hope in you. R. The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord C-2 I will bless the Lord at all times R. I will bless the Lord at all times I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall be ever in my mouth. Let my soul glory in the Lord; the lowly will hear me and be glad. R. I will bless the Lord at all times Glorify the Lord with me, let us together extol his name. I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears R. I will bless the Lord at all times Look to him that you may be radiant with joy, and your faces may not blush with shame. When the poor one called out, the Lord heard, and from all his distress he saved him. R. I will bless the Lord at all times The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them. Taste and see how good the Lord is; blessed the man who takes refuge in him R. I will bless the Lord at all times C-3 The Lord is kind and merciful R. The Lord is kind and merciful Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all my being, bless His Holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits R. The Lord is kind and merciful Merciful and gracious is the Lord, slow to anger and abounding in kindness. As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him R. The Lord is kind and merciful But the kindness of the Lord is from eternity to eternity toward those who fear Him, and His justice toward children's children among those who keep His covenant R. The Lord is kind and merciful C-4 Happy are those who do what the Lord commands. R. Happy are those who do what the Lord commands. Happy the man who fears Yahweh by joyfully keeping his commandments! Children of such a man will be powers on earth, descendants of the upright will always be blessed. R. Happy are those who do what the Lord commands. There will be riches and wealth for his family and his righteousness can never change. For the upright he shines like a lamp in the dark, he is merciful, tenderhearted, virtuous. R. Happy are those who do what the Lord commands. Interest is not charged by this good man, he is honest in all his dealings. Kept safe by virtue, he is ever steadfast, and leaves an imperishable memory behind him; with constant heart, and confidence in Yahweh. R. Happy are those who do what the Lord commands. He need never fear bad news. Steadfast in heart he overcomes his fears: in the end he will triumph over his enemies. R. Happy are those who do what the Lord commands. Quick to be generous, he gives to the poor, his righteousness can never change, men such as this will always be honored. R. Happy are those who do what the Lord commands. C-5 Blessed are those who fear the Lord R. Blessed are those who fear the Lord Happy are you who fear the Lord, who walk in his ways! For you shall eat the fruit of your handiwork; happy shall you be, and favored. R. Blessed are those who fear the Lord Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine in the recesses of your home; Your children like olive plants around your table. R. Blessed are those who fear the Lord Behold, thus is the man blessed who fears the Lord. The Lord bless you from Sion: May you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life. R. Blessed are those who fear the Lord C-6 The Lord is compassionate toward all his works. R. The Lord is compassionate toward all his works. The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and of great kindness. The Lord is good to all and compassionate toward all his works. R. The Lord is compassionate toward all his works. Let all your works give you thanks, O Lord, and let your faithful ones bless you. The eyes of all look hopefully to you, and you give them their food in due season. R. The Lord is compassionate toward all his works. The Lord is just in all his ways and holy in all his works. The Lord is near to all who call upon him. to all who call upon him in truth. R. The Lord is compassionate toward all his works. C-7 Let all praise the name of the Lord R. Let all praise the name of the Lord. Praise the Lord from the heavens, praise him i the heights; Praise him, all you his angels, praise him, all you his hosts. R. Let all praise the name of the Lord. Praise him, son and moon; praise him, all you shining stars. Praise him, you highest heavens, and you waters above the heavens. R. Let all praise the name of the Lord. You mountains and all you hills, you fruit trees and all you cedars; You wild beasts and all tame animals, you creeping things and you winged fowl. R. Let all praise the name of the Lord. Let the kings of the earth and all peoples, the princes and all the judges of the earth, Young men too, and maidens, old men and boys. R. Let all praise the name of the Lord. Praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted; His majesty is above earth and heaven, and he has lifted up the horn of his people R. Let all praise the name of the Lord. Select your RESPONSORIAL PSALM ----C - 1C - 2C - 3C - 4C - 5C - 6C - 7 New Testament Readings D-1 A reading from the letter of Paul to the Romans If God is for us, who can be against us? Is it possible that he who did not spare his own Son but handed him over for the sake of us all will not grant us all things besides? Who shall bring a charge against God's chosen ones? God, who justifies? Who shall condemn them? Christ Jesus, who died or rather was raised up, who is at the right hand of God and who intercedes for us? Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Trial, or distress, or persecution, or hunger, or nakedness, or danger, or the sword? Yet in all this we are more than conquerors because of him who has loved us. For I am certain that neither death nor life, neither angels nor principalities, neither the present nor the future, nor powers, neither height nor depth nor any other creature, will be able to separate us from the love of God that comes to us in Christ Jesus, our Lord. The word of the Lord. D-2 A reading from the letter of Paul to the Romans I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, your spiritual worship. Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect. Let love be sincere; hate what is evil, hold on to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; anticipate one another in showing honor. Do not grow slack in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the holy ones, exercise hospitality. Bless those who persecute you, bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Have the same regard for one another; do not be haughty but associate with the lowly; do not be wise in your own estimation. Do not repay anyone evil for evil; de concerned for what is noble in the sight of all. If possible, on your part, live at peace with all. The word of the Lord. D-3 A reading from the first letter of Paul to the Romans Brothers and sisters: We ought to put up with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves; let each of us please our neighbor for the good, for building up. For Christ did not please himself. May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to think in harmony with one another, in keeping with Christ Jesus, that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Welcome one another, then, as Christ welcomed you, for the glory of God. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. The Word of the Lord. D-4 A reading from the first letter of Paul to the Corinthians Brothers and sisters: The body is not for immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord is for the body; God raised the Lord and will also raise us by his power. Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Whoever is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. Avoid immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the immoral person sins against his own body. do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been purchased at a price. therefore glorify God in your body. The Word of the Lord. D-5 A reading from the first Letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians Brothers and sisters: Strive eagerly for the greatest spiritual gifts. But I shall show you a still more excellent way. If I speak in human and angelic tongues but do not have love, I am a resounding gong or a clashing cymbal. And if I have the gift of prophecy and comprehend all mysteries and all knowledge; if I have all faith so as to move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give away everything I own, and if I hand my body over so that I may boast but do not have love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, is not pompous, it is not inflated, it is not rude, it does not seek its own interests, it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury, it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. The word of the Lord D-6 A reading from the letter of Paul to the Ephesians Brothers and sisters: Live in love, as Christ loved us and handed himself over for us. Be subordinate to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives should be subordinate to their husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is head of his wife just as Christ is head of the Church, he himself the savior of the body. As the Church is subordinate to Christ, so wives should be subordinate to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ loved the Church and handed himself over for her to sanctify her, cleansing her by the bath of water with the word, that he might present to himself the Church in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. So also husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one hates his own flesh but rather nourishes and cherishes it, even as Christ does the Church, because we are members of his body. For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. This is a great mystery, but I speak in reference to Christ and the Church. In any case, each one of you should love his wife as himself, and the wife should respect her husband. The Word of the Lord. D-7 A reading from the letter of Paul to the Philippians Brothers and sisters: Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice! Your kindness should be known to all. The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of god that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me. Then the God of peace will be with you. The Word of the Lord. D-8 A reading from the letter of Paul to the Colossians Brothers and sisters: Put on, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do. And over all these put on love, that is, the bond of perfection. And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one Body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. The Word of the Lord. D-9 A reading from the letter to the Hebrews Brothers and sisters: Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect hospitality, for through it some have unknowingly entertained angels. Be mindful of prisoners as if sharing their imprisonment, and of the ill-treated as of yourselves, for you also are in the body. Let marriage be honored among all and the marriage bed be kept undefiled. Let your life be free from love of money but be content with what you have, for he has said, I will never forsake you or abandon you. Thus we may say with confidence: The Lord is my helper, and I will not be afraid. The Word of the Lord. D-10 A reading from the first letter of Paul Peter Beloved: You wives should be subordinate to your husbands so that, even if some disobey the word, they may be won over without a word by their wives' conduct when they observe your reverent and chaste behavior. Your adornment should not be an external one: braiding the hair, wearing gold jewelry, or dressing in fine clothes, but rather the hidden character of the heart, expressed in the imperishable beauty of a gentle and calm disposition, which is precious in the sight of God. For this is also how the holy women who hoped in God once used to adorn themselves and were subordinate to their husbands; thus Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him "lord." You are her children when you do what is good and fear no intimidation. Likewise, you husbands should live with your wives in understanding, showing honor to the weaker female sex, since we are joint heirs of the gift of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered. Finally, all of you, be of one mind, sympathetic, loving toward one another, compassionate, humble. Do not return evil for evil, or insult for insult; but, on the contrary, a blessing, because to this you were called, that you might inherit a blessing. The Word of the Lord. D-11 A reading from the first letter of John Children, let us love not in word or speech but in deed and truth. Now this is how we shall know that we belong to the truth and reassure our hearts before him in whatever our hearts condemn, for God is greater than our hearts and knows everything. Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence in God and received from him whatever we ask, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him. And his commandment is this: we should believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another just as he commanded us. Those who keep his commandments remain in him, and he in them, and the way we know that he remains in us is from the Spirit that he gave us. The word of the Lord. D-12 A reading from the first letter of John Beloved, let us love one another, because love is of God; everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God. Whoever is without love does not know God, for God is love. In this way the love of God was revealed to us: God sent his only-begotten Son into the world so that we might have life through him. In this is love: Not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as expiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also must love one another. No one has ever seen God. Yet, if we love one another, God remains in us, and his love is brought to perfection in us. The word of the Lord. D-13 A reading from the Book of Revelation I John, heard what sounded like the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying: "Alleluia! Salvation, glory, and might belong to our God." A voice coming from the throne said: "Praise our God, all you his servants, and you who revere him, small and great." Then I heard something like the sound of a great multitude or the sound of rushing water or mighty peals of thunder, as they said: "Alleluia! The Lord has established his reign, our God, the almighty. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory. For the wedding day of the Lamb has come, his bride has made herself ready. She was allowed to wear a bright, clean linen garment." Then the angel said to me, "Write this: Blessed are those who have been called to the wedding feast of the lamb." The Word of the Lord. Select your NEW TESTAMENT READING ----D - 1D - 2D - 3D - 4D - 5D - 6D - 7D - 8D - 9D - 10D - 11D - 12D - 13 Gospel Readings F-1 A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. He began to teach them, saying: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven." The Gospel of the Lord F-2 A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew Jesus said to his disciples: "You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. "You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket. It is set on a lamp stand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father." The Gospel of the Lord. F-3 A reading from the holy gospel according to Matthew Jesus said to his disciples: "None of those who cry out, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of God but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. "Anyone who hears my words and puts them into practice is like the wise man who built his house on rock. When the rainy season set in, the torrents came and the winds blew and buffeted his house. It did not collapse; it had been solidly set on rock. Anyone who hears my words but does not put them into practice is like the foolish man who built his house on sandy ground. the rains fell, the torrents came, the winds blew and lashed against the house. It collapsed under all this and was completely ruined." Jesus finished this discourse and left the crowds spellbound at his teaching. The reason was that he taught with authority and not like the scribes. The Gospel of the Lord. F-4 A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew Some Pharisees approached Jesus, and tested him, saying, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any cause whatever?" He said in reply, "Have you not read that from the beginning the Creator made them male and female and said, For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh? So they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, man must not separate." The Gospel of the Lord. F-5 A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew One of the Pharisees, a scholar of the law, tested Jesus by asking, "Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?" He said to him, "You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments." The Gospel of the Lord. F-6 A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Mark Jesus said: "At the beginning of creation God made them male and female; for this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and the two shall become as one. They are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore let no man separate what God has joined." The Gospel of the Lord F-7 A reading from the holy gospel according to John There was a wedding in Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the wedding. When the wine ran short, the mother of Jesus said to him, "They have no wine." And Jesus said to her, "Woman, how does this concern affect me? My hour has not yet come." His mother said to the servers, "Do whatever he tells you." Now there were six stone water jars there for Jewish ceremonial washings, each holding twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus told them, "Fill the jars with water." So they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, "Draw some out now and take it to the headwaiter." So they took it. And when the headwaiter tasted the water that had become wine, without knowing where it came from (although the servants who had drawn the water knew), the headwaiter called the bridegroom and said to him, "Everyone serves the good wine first, and then when people have drunk freely, an inferior one; but you have kept the good wine until now." Jesus did this as the beginning of his signs in Cana in Galilee and so revealed his glory, and his disciples began to believe in him. The Gospel of the Lord F-8 A reading from the Holy Gospel according to John Jesus said to his disciples: "As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you. Live on in my love. You will live in my love if you keep my commandments, even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and live in his love. All this I tell you that my joy may be yours and your joy may be complete. This is my commandment: Love one another as I have loved you." The Gospel of the Lord F-9 A reading from the Holy Gospel According to John Jesus said to his disciples: "This is my commandment: love one another, as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I no longer call you slaves, because a slave does not know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father. It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you." The Gospel of the Lord. F-10 A reading from the holy Gospel According to John Jesus looked up to heaven and prayed: "Holy Father, I do not pray for my disciples alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their word, that all may be one as you, Father, are in me, and I in you; I pray that they may be one in us, that the world may believe that you sent me. I have given them the glory you gave me that they may be one, as we are one - I living in them, you living in me - that their unity may be complete. So shall the world know that you sent me, and that you loved them as you loved me. Father, all those you gave me I would have in my company where I am, to see this glory of mine which is your gift to me, because of the love you bore me before the world began. Just Father, the world has not know you, but I have known you; and these men have known that you sent me. To them I have revealed your name, and I will continue to reveal it so that your love for me may live in them, and I may live in them." The Gospel of the Lord. Select your Gospel Reading ----F - 1F - 2F - 3F - 4F - 5F - 6F - 7F - 8F - 9F - 10 VOWS H-1 I ______, take you ______, to be my wife, I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love you and honor you all the days of my life. I ______, take you ______, to be my husband. I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love you and honor you all the days of my life. H-2 I, ______ take you, ______, for my lawful wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part. I, ______ take you, ______, for my lawful husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part. Select your VOWS ----H - 1H - 2 Blessing of Rings I-1 May the Lord bless these rings which you give to each other as the sign of your love and fidelity. I-2 Lord, bless these rings which we bless in your name. Grant that those who wear them may always have a deep faith in each other. May they do your will and always live together in peace, good will, and love, We ask this through Christ our Lord. I-3 Lord, bless and consecrate ______ and ______ in their love for each other. May these rings be a symbol of true faith in each other, and always remind them of their love. We ask this, through Christ our Lord. Select Blessing of Rings ----I - 1I - 2I - 3 Petitions J-1 (PRIEST) Now that we have heard God's word in the Bible and experienced the Lord's presence in this exchange of vows, let us present these prayerful petitions for people in the world today. (Leader) Our response is ÒLord, hear our prayer.Ó For our Holy Father on earth, the Pope, all bishops and the clergy everywhere that they may lead us to deeper faith in God and a stronger love for others ... we pray to the Lord. For our president and all leaders of government that they may be effective in achieving peace and eliminating poverty ... we pray to the Lord. For married persons that they may continue to give, be able to forgive and find happiness deepen with the passing of each day ... we pray to the Lord. For _______ and _______, now beginning their life together, that they may have divine assistance at every moment, the constant support of friends, the rich blessing of children, a warm love reaching out to others and good health until a ripe old age ... we pray to the Lord. For those who are sick, lonely, discouraged or oppressed that they may be strengthened by God's help and aided by their friends ... we pray to the Lord. For those who have died, especially the relatives and friends of _______ & _______ and of all present for this wedding, that they may enjoy perfect happiness and total fulfillment in eternal life ... we pray to the Lord. For these personal needs which we mention now in silence (pause) ... we pray to the Lord. (PRIEST) O ever-living and caring God, Jesus taught us to ask, to seek and to knock. We have just done so, confident that you will now look upon our many needs, consider our trusting faith, and in your great love grant these requests which we present to you through Jesus Christ our Lord. J-2 (priest) We have listened to the word of God. Let us now ask God to listen to us, to bless our words of prayer which we offer for the people of the world (Leader) Our response is ÒLord, hear our prayer.Ó For leaders of Church and state for heads of institutions, for heads of homes that they will lead us and guide us in the search for God and the good life, in the search for peace and joy, in the search for love among us... We pray For all married people: for those who married yesterday, for ____ & ____ married today, for those who will marry tomorrow ... that they may savor the joy of being together, warm love, and children, a long life, wine, and friends, and a new day, every day... We pray For all young single people who look forward to a vocation full of life and full of love... we pray For the lonely old and the lonely young, for the hungry rich and the hungry poor, for the sick in body, mind and spirit, for the weakness in all of us... We pray For our relatives and friends who walk with us on life's journey and for those who have gone before us to the other side of life. for the fulfillment of all their unfulfilled desires... We pray (Priest) These are our words of prayer today for ourselves and all human beings. Tomorrow there will be others. Lord God the beloved of humankind who has first loved us, Give our words by your listening the power of your word so that all things may be accomplished sweetly and gently for the happiness of all. We ask this through Christ our Lord. J-3 (priest) God has given us promises in the word of scripture. ______ and ________ have given their promises to each other in their marriage. This hour of promise is also a time of prayer. We turn to God our Father and make our response by saying ÒLord have mercy.Ó (Leader) For our Church, to keep the promise of salvation, we pray to the Lord. For our world, to keep the promise of peace, we pray to the Lord. For our country, to keep the promise of freedom, we pray to the Lord. For our parish, to keep the promise of discipleship, we pray to the Lord. For our hearts, to keep the promise of loving, we pray to the Lord. For our hands, to keep the promise of giving, we pray to the Lord. For our lives, to keep the promise of growing, we pray to the Lord. For this couple, to keep the promise of marriage, we pray to the Lord. (priest) Father, you have chosen us and given us your love, the power of the Holy Spirit in our midst. Hear our prayers today and keep us open. May our faith issue forth in action, our love show itself in deeds, and our hope give us courage. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Select your Petitions ----J - 1J - 2J - 3 Prayer over the Gifts K-1 Lord, accept our offering for this newly married couple, ______ and ______. By your love and providence you have brought them together; now bless them all the days of their married life. We ask this through Christ our Lord. K-2 Lord, accept the gifts we offer you on this happy day. In your fatherly love watch over and protect ____ and ______, whom you have united in marriage. We ask this through Christ our Lord. K-3 Lord, hear our prayers and accept the gifts we offer for ______ and ______. Today you have made them one in the sacrament of marriage. May the mystery of Christ's unselfish love, which we celebrate in this eucharist, increase their love for you and for each other. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Select PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS ----K - 1K - 2K - 3 Preface L-1 Father, all-powerful and ever-living God, we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks. by this sacrament your grace unites man and woman in an unbreakable bond of love and peace. You have designed the chaste love of husband & wife for the increase both of the human family and of your own family born in baptism. You are the loving Father of the world of nature; you are the loving Father of the new creation of grace In Christian marriage you bring together the two orders of creation: nature's gift of children enriches the world and your grace enriches also your Church. Through Christ the choirs of angels and all the saints praise and worship your glory. May our voices blend with theirs as we join in their unending hymn: L-2 Father, all-powerful and ever-living God, we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks through Jesus Christ our Lord. Through him you entered into a new covenant with your people. You restored man to grace in the saving mystery of redemption. You gave him a share in the divine life through his union with Christ. You made him an heir of Christ's eternal glory. This outpouring of love in the new covenant of grace is symbolized in the marriage covenant that seals the love of husband and wife and reflects your divine plan of love. And so, with the angels and all the saints in heaven we proclaim your glory and join in their unending hymn of praise. L-3 Father, all-powerful and ever-living God, we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks. You created man in love to share your divine life. We see his high destiny in the love of husband & wife, which bears the imprint of your own divine love. Love is man's origin, love is his constant calling. love is his fulfillment in heaven. The love of man and woman is made holy in the sacrament of marriage, and becomes the mirror of your everlasting love. Through Christ the choirs of angels and all the saints praise and worship your glory. May our voices blend with theirs as we join in their unending hymn of praise. Select your Preface ----L - 1L - 2L - 3 NUPTIAL BLESSINGS M-1 My dear friends, let us turn to the Lord and pray that he will bless with his grace Michelle now married in Christ to Grant and that Christ will unite in love the couple he has joined in this holy bond. Father, by your power you have made everything out of nothing. In the beginning you created the universe & made mankind in your own likeness. You gave man the constant help of woman so that man and woman should no longer be two, but one flesh, and you teach us that what you have united may never be divided. Father, you have made the union of man and wife so holy a mystery that it symbolizes the marriage of Christ and his church. Father, by your plan man and woman are united, and married life has been established as the one blessing that was not forfeited by original sin or washed away in the flood. Look with love upon this woman, your daughter, now joined to her husband in marriage. She asks your blessing. Give her the grace of love and peace. May she always follow the example of the holy women whose praises are sung in the scriptures. May her husband put his trust in her and recognize that she is his equal and the heir with him to the life of grace. May he always honor her and love her as Christ loves his bride, the Church. Father, keep them always true to your commandments. keep them faithful in marriage and let them be living examples of Christian life. Give them the strength which comes from the gospel so that they may be witnesses of Christ to others. bless them with children and help them to be good parents. May they live to see their children's children. And after a happy old age, grant them fullness of life with the saints in the kingdom of Heaven. We ask this through Christ our Lord. M-2 Let us pray to the Lord for ______ and ______, who come to God's altar at the beginning of their married life so that they may always be united in love for each other as now they share in the body and blood of Christ. (pause) Father, to reveal the plan of your love, you made the union of husband and wife an image of the covenant between you and your people. In the fulfillment of this sacrament, the marriage of Christian man and woman is a sign of the marriage between Christ and the Church. Father, stretch out your hand, and bless ______ and ______. Lord, grant that as they begin to live this sacrament they may share with each other the gifts of your love and become one in heart and mind as witnesses to your presence in their marriage. Help them to create a home together and give them children to be formed by the gospel and to have a place in your family. Give your blessings to ______, your daughter, so that she may be a good wife and mother, caring for the home, faithful in love for her husband, generous and kind. Give your blessings to ______, your son, so that he may be a faithful husband and a good father. Father, grant that as they come together to your table on earth, so they may one day have the joy of sharing your feast in heaven. We ask this through Christ our Lord. M-3 My dear friends, let us ask God for his continued blessing upon ______ & ______. (pause) Holy Father, creator of the universe, maker of man and woman in your own likeness, source of blessing for married life, we humbly pray to you for this woman who today is united with her husband in this sacrament of marriage. May your fullest blessing come upon her and her husband so that they may together rejoice in your gift of married love ( and enrich your Church with their children). Lord, 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. May they pray to you in the community of the Church, and be your witnesses in the world. May they reach old age in the company of their friends, and come at last to the kingdom of heaven. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen Select your Nuptial Blessing ----M - 1M - 2M - 3 PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION N-1 Lord, In your love you have given us this eucharist to unite us with one another and with you. As you have made ______ and ______ one in this sacrament of marriage and in the sharing of the one bread and the one cup, so now make them one in love for each other. We ask this through Christ our Lord. N-2 Lord, we who have shared the food of your table pray for our friends ______ and ______, whom you have joined together in marriage. Keep them close to you always. May their love for each other proclaim to all the world their faith in you. We ask this through Christ our Lord. N-3 Almighty God, may the sacrifice we have offered and the eucharist we have shared strengthen the love of _____ & _______, and give us all your fatherly aid. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Select Prayer After Communion ----N - 1N - 2N - 3 FINAL BLESSING O-1 May God the eternal Father keep you in love with each other, so that the peace of Christ may stay with you and be always in your home. (Amen) May your children bless you, your friends console you and all people live in peace with you. (Amen) May you always bear witness to the love of God in this world so that the afflicted and the needy will find in you generous friends, and welcome you into the joys of heaven. (Amen) And may almighty God Bless you all, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. (Amen) O-2 May God, the almighty Father, give you his joy and bless you (Amen) May the only Son of God have mercy on you and help you in good times and in bad. (Amen) May the Holy Spirit of God always fill your hearts with his love. (Amen) And may almighty God Bless you all, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. O-3 May the Lord Jesus, who was a guest at the wedding in Cana, bless you and your families and friends. (Amen) May Jesus, who loved his Church to the end, always fill your hearts with his love. (Amen) May he grant that, as you believe in his resurrection, so you may wait for him in joy and hope. (Amen) May Almighty God Bless you all, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. O-4 May almighty God with his Word of blessing, unite your hearts in the never-ending bond of pure love. (Amen) May your children bring you happiness, and may your generous love for them be returned to you, many times over. (Amen) May the peace of Christ live always in your hearts and in your home. May you have true friends to stand by you, both in joy and in sorrow. May you be ready and willing to help and comfort all who come to you in need. And may the blessings promised to the compassionate be yours in abundance. (Amen) May you find happiness and satisfaction in your work. May daily problems never cause you undue anxiety, nor the desire for earthly possessions dominate your lives. But may your hearts' first desire be always the good things waiting for you in the life of heaven. (Amen) May the Lord bless you with many happy years together, so that you may enjoy the rewards of a good life, and after you have served him loyally in his kingdom on earth, may he welcome you to his eternal kingdom in heaven. (Amen) May Almighty God Bless you all, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Select your Final Blessing ----O - 1O - 2O - 3O - 4 Comments:
Opening Prayers
A-1 Father, You have made the bond of marriage a holy mystery, a symbol of Christ's love for his Church. Hear our prayers for ______ and ______ 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. 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.
A-2 Father, hear our prayers for ______ and ______ who today are united in marriage before your altar. Give them your blessing, and strengthen their love for each other. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, on God, for ever and ever.
A-3 Almighty God, hear our prayers for ______ and ______ who have come here today to be united in the sacrament of marriage. Increase their faith in you and in each other, and through them bless your church with Christian children. 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.
A-4 Father, when you created mankind you willed that man & wife should be one. Bind ______ & ______ in the loving union of marriage; and make their love fruitful so that they may be living witnesses to your divine love 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.
Select your opening prayer ----A - 1A - 2A - 3A - 4
Old Testament Readings
B-1 A reading from the book of Genesis Then God said: "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. Let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and the cattle, and over all the wild animals and all the creatures that crawl on the ground." God created man in his image; in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. God blessed them, saying: "Be fertile and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it. Have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and all the living things that move on the earth." God looked at everything he had made, and he found it very good. The Word of the Lord
B-2 A reading from the book of Genesis The Lord God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a suitable partner for him." So the Lord God formed out of the ground various wild animals and various birds of the air, and he brought them to the man to see what he would call them; whatever the man called each of them would be its name. The man gave names to all the cattle, all the birds of the air, and all wild animals. But none proved to be the suitable partner for the man. So the Lord God cast a deep sleep on the man, and while he was asleep, he took out one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. The Lord God then built up into a woman the rib that he had taken from the man. When he brought her to the man, the man said: "This one, at last, is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; this one shall be called 'woman,' for out of 'her man' this one has been taken." That is why a man leaves his father and mother and clings to his wife, and the two of them become one body. The word of the Lord
B-3 A reading from the book of Genesis The servant of Abraham said to Laban: "I bowed down in worship to the Lord, blessing the Lord, the God of my master Abraham, who had led me on the right road to obtain the daughter of my master's kinsman for his son. If, therefore, you have in mind to show true loyalty to my master, let me know; but if not, let me know that, too. I can then proceed accordingly." Lana and his household said in reply: "This thing comes from the Lord; we can say nothing to you either for or against it. Here is Rebekah, ready for you; take her with you, that she may become the wife of your master's son, as the Lord has said." So they called Rebekah and asked her, "Do you wish to go with this man?" She answered, "I do." At this they allowed their sister Rebekah and her nurse to take leave, along with Abraham's servant and his men. Invoking a blessing on Rebekah, they said: "Sister, may you grow into thousands of myriads; and may your descendants gain possession of the gates of their enemies!" Then Rebekah and her maids started out; they mounted their camels and followed the man. So the servant took Rebekah and went on his way. Meanwhile Isaac had gone from Beer-lahai-roi and was living in the region of the Negeb. One day toward evening he went out...in the field, and as he looked around, he noticed that camels were approaching- Rebekah, too, was looking about, and when she saw him, she alighted from her camel and asked the servant, "Who is the man out there, walking through the fields toward us?" "That is my master," replied the servant. Then she covered herself with her veil. The servant recounted to Isaac all the things he had done. Then Isaac took Rebekah into his tent; he married her, and thus she became his wife. In his love for her Isaac found solace after the death of his mother Sarah. The word of the Lord
B-4 A reading from the book of Tobit Raphael and Tobiah entered the house of Raguel and greeted him. Raguel sprang up and kissed Tobiah, shedding tears of joy. But when he heard that Tobit had lost his eyesight, he was grieved and wept aloud. He said to Tobiah: "My child, god bless you! You are the son of a noble and good father. But what a terrible misfortune that such a righteous and charitable man should be afflicted with blindness!" He continued to weep in the arms of his kinsman Tobiah. His wife Edna also wept for Tobit; and even their daughter Sarah began to weep. Afterward, Raguel slaughtered a ram from the flock and gave them a cordial reception. When they had bathed and reclined to eat, Tobiah said to Raphael, "Brother Azariah, ask Raguel to let me marry my knoswoman Sarah." Raguel overheard the words; so he said to the boy: "Eat and drink and be merry tonight, for no man is more entitled to marry my daughter Sarah than you, because you are my closest relative. But I will explain the situation to you very frankly. I have given her in marriage to seven men, all of whom were kinsmen of ours, and all died on the very night they approached her. But now, son, eat and drink. I am sure the Lord will look after you both." Tobiah answered, "I will eat or drink nothing until you set aside what belongs to me." Raguel said to him: I will do it. She is your according to the decree of the Book of Moses. Your marriage to her has been decided in heaven! Take your kinswoman; from now on you are her love, and she is your beloved. She is yours today and ever after. And tonight, son, may the Lord of heaven prosper you both. May he grant you mercy and peace." Then Raguel called his daughter Sarah, and she came to him. He took her by the hand and gave her to Tobiah with the words: "Take her according to the law. According to the decree written in the Book of Moses she is your wife. Take her and bring her back safely to your father. And may the God of heaven grant both of you peace and prosperity." He then called her mother and told her to bring a scroll, so that he might draw up a marriage contract stating that he gave Sarah to Tobiah as his wife according to the decree of the Mosaic law. Her mother brought the scroll, and he drew up the contract, to which they affixed their seals. The Word of the Lord.
B-5 A reading from the book of Tobit On their wedding night Tobiah arose from bed and said to his wife, "Sister, get up. Let us pray and beg our Lord to have mercy on us and to grant us deliverance." Sarah got up, and they started to pray and beg that deliverance might be theirs. They began with these words: "Blessed are you, O God of our fathers; praised be your name forever and ever. Let the heavens and all your creation praise you forever. You made Adam and you gave him his wife Eve to be his help and support; and from these two the human race descended. You said, 'It is not good for the man to be alone; let us make him a partner like himself.' Now, Lord, you know that I take this wife of mine not because of lust, but for a noble purpose. Call down your mercy on me and on her, and allow us to live together to a happy old age." They said together, "Amen, amen." The Word of the Lord.
B-6 A reading from the book of Proverbs When one finds a worthy wife, her value is far beyond pearls. Her husband, entrusting his heart to her, has an unfailing prize. She brings him good, and not evil, all the days of her life. She obtains wool and flax and makes cloth with skillful hands. She puts her hands to the distaff, and her fingers ply the spindle. She reaches out her hands to the poor, and extends her arms to the needy. Charm is deceptive and beauty fleeting; the woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her a reward of her labors, and let her works praise her at the city gates. The word of the Lord
B-7 A reading from the Song of Songs Hark! my lover--here he comes springing across the mountains, leaping across the hills. My lover is like a gazelle or a young stag. Here he stands behind our wall, gazing through the windows, peering through the lattices. My lover speaks; he says to me, "Arise, my beloved, my dove, my beautiful one, and come! "O my dove in the clefts of the rock, in the secret recesses of the cliff, Let me see you, let me hear your voice, For your voice is sweet, and you are lovely." My lover belongs to me and I to him. He says to me: "Set me as a seal on your heart, as a seal on your arm; For stern as death is love, relentless as the nether-world is devotion; its flames are a blazing fire. Deep waters cannot quench love, nor floods sweep it away." The Word of the Lord.
B-8 A reading from the book of Sirach Blessed the husband of a good wife; twice-lengthened are his days; A worthy wife brings joy to her husband, peaceful and full is his life. A good wife is a generous gift bestowed upon him who fears the Lord; Be he rich or poor, his heart is content, and a smile is ever on his face. A gracious wife delights her husband, her thoughtfulness puts flesh on his bones; A gift from the Lord is her governed speech, and her firm virtue is of surpassing worth. Choicest of blessings is a modest wife, priceless her chaste sole. A holy & decent woman adds grace upon grace; indeed, no price is worthy of her temperate soul. Like the sun rising in the Lord's heavens, the beauty of a virtuous wife is the radiance of her home. The Word of the Lord.
B-9 A reading from the book of the Prophet Jeremiah The days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant I made with their fathers: the day I took them by the hand to lead them forth from the land of Egypt. But this is the covenant which I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord. I will place my law within them, and write it upon their hearts; I will be their God, and they shall be my people. No longer will they have need to teach their friends and relatives how to know the Lord. All, from least to greatest, shall know me, says the Lord. The Word of the Lord.
Select your OLD TESTAMENT READING ----B - 1B - 2B - 3B - 4B - 5B - 6B - 7B - 8B - 9
Responsorial Psalms
C-1 The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord R. The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord Bless the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he has chosen for his own heritage. But see the eyes of the Lord are upon those who fear him, upon those who hope for his kindness. R. The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord Our soul waits for the Lord, who is our help and our shield; For in him our hearts rejoice; in his holy name we trust. R. The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord May your kindness, O Lord, be upon us who have put our hope in you. R. The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord
C-2 I will bless the Lord at all times R. I will bless the Lord at all times I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall be ever in my mouth. Let my soul glory in the Lord; the lowly will hear me and be glad. R. I will bless the Lord at all times Glorify the Lord with me, let us together extol his name. I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears R. I will bless the Lord at all times Look to him that you may be radiant with joy, and your faces may not blush with shame. When the poor one called out, the Lord heard, and from all his distress he saved him. R. I will bless the Lord at all times The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them. Taste and see how good the Lord is; blessed the man who takes refuge in him R. I will bless the Lord at all times
C-3 The Lord is kind and merciful R. The Lord is kind and merciful Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all my being, bless His Holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits R. The Lord is kind and merciful Merciful and gracious is the Lord, slow to anger and abounding in kindness. As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him R. The Lord is kind and merciful But the kindness of the Lord is from eternity to eternity toward those who fear Him, and His justice toward children's children among those who keep His covenant R. The Lord is kind and merciful
C-4 Happy are those who do what the Lord commands. R. Happy are those who do what the Lord commands. Happy the man who fears Yahweh by joyfully keeping his commandments! Children of such a man will be powers on earth, descendants of the upright will always be blessed. R. Happy are those who do what the Lord commands. There will be riches and wealth for his family and his righteousness can never change. For the upright he shines like a lamp in the dark, he is merciful, tenderhearted, virtuous. R. Happy are those who do what the Lord commands. Interest is not charged by this good man, he is honest in all his dealings. Kept safe by virtue, he is ever steadfast, and leaves an imperishable memory behind him; with constant heart, and confidence in Yahweh. R. Happy are those who do what the Lord commands. He need never fear bad news. Steadfast in heart he overcomes his fears: in the end he will triumph over his enemies. R. Happy are those who do what the Lord commands. Quick to be generous, he gives to the poor, his righteousness can never change, men such as this will always be honored. R. Happy are those who do what the Lord commands.
C-5 Blessed are those who fear the Lord R. Blessed are those who fear the Lord Happy are you who fear the Lord, who walk in his ways! For you shall eat the fruit of your handiwork; happy shall you be, and favored. R. Blessed are those who fear the Lord Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine in the recesses of your home; Your children like olive plants around your table. R. Blessed are those who fear the Lord Behold, thus is the man blessed who fears the Lord. The Lord bless you from Sion: May you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life. R. Blessed are those who fear the Lord
C-6 The Lord is compassionate toward all his works. R. The Lord is compassionate toward all his works. The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and of great kindness. The Lord is good to all and compassionate toward all his works. R. The Lord is compassionate toward all his works. Let all your works give you thanks, O Lord, and let your faithful ones bless you. The eyes of all look hopefully to you, and you give them their food in due season. R. The Lord is compassionate toward all his works. The Lord is just in all his ways and holy in all his works. The Lord is near to all who call upon him. to all who call upon him in truth. R. The Lord is compassionate toward all his works.
C-7 Let all praise the name of the Lord R. Let all praise the name of the Lord. Praise the Lord from the heavens, praise him i the heights; Praise him, all you his angels, praise him, all you his hosts. R. Let all praise the name of the Lord. Praise him, son and moon; praise him, all you shining stars. Praise him, you highest heavens, and you waters above the heavens. R. Let all praise the name of the Lord. You mountains and all you hills, you fruit trees and all you cedars; You wild beasts and all tame animals, you creeping things and you winged fowl. R. Let all praise the name of the Lord. Let the kings of the earth and all peoples, the princes and all the judges of the earth, Young men too, and maidens, old men and boys. R. Let all praise the name of the Lord. Praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted; His majesty is above earth and heaven, and he has lifted up the horn of his people R. Let all praise the name of the Lord.
Select your RESPONSORIAL PSALM ----C - 1C - 2C - 3C - 4C - 5C - 6C - 7
New Testament Readings
D-1 A reading from the letter of Paul to the Romans If God is for us, who can be against us? Is it possible that he who did not spare his own Son but handed him over for the sake of us all will not grant us all things besides? Who shall bring a charge against God's chosen ones? God, who justifies? Who shall condemn them? Christ Jesus, who died or rather was raised up, who is at the right hand of God and who intercedes for us? Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Trial, or distress, or persecution, or hunger, or nakedness, or danger, or the sword? Yet in all this we are more than conquerors because of him who has loved us. For I am certain that neither death nor life, neither angels nor principalities, neither the present nor the future, nor powers, neither height nor depth nor any other creature, will be able to separate us from the love of God that comes to us in Christ Jesus, our Lord. The word of the Lord.
D-2 A reading from the letter of Paul to the Romans I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, your spiritual worship. Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect. Let love be sincere; hate what is evil, hold on to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; anticipate one another in showing honor. Do not grow slack in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the holy ones, exercise hospitality. Bless those who persecute you, bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Have the same regard for one another; do not be haughty but associate with the lowly; do not be wise in your own estimation. Do not repay anyone evil for evil; de concerned for what is noble in the sight of all. If possible, on your part, live at peace with all. The word of the Lord.
D-3 A reading from the first letter of Paul to the Romans Brothers and sisters: We ought to put up with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves; let each of us please our neighbor for the good, for building up. For Christ did not please himself. May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to think in harmony with one another, in keeping with Christ Jesus, that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Welcome one another, then, as Christ welcomed you, for the glory of God. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. The Word of the Lord.
D-4 A reading from the first letter of Paul to the Corinthians Brothers and sisters: The body is not for immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord is for the body; God raised the Lord and will also raise us by his power. Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Whoever is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. Avoid immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the immoral person sins against his own body. do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been purchased at a price. therefore glorify God in your body. The Word of the Lord.
D-5 A reading from the first Letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians Brothers and sisters: Strive eagerly for the greatest spiritual gifts. But I shall show you a still more excellent way. If I speak in human and angelic tongues but do not have love, I am a resounding gong or a clashing cymbal. And if I have the gift of prophecy and comprehend all mysteries and all knowledge; if I have all faith so as to move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give away everything I own, and if I hand my body over so that I may boast but do not have love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, is not pompous, it is not inflated, it is not rude, it does not seek its own interests, it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury, it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. The word of the Lord
D-6 A reading from the letter of Paul to the Ephesians Brothers and sisters: Live in love, as Christ loved us and handed himself over for us. Be subordinate to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives should be subordinate to their husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is head of his wife just as Christ is head of the Church, he himself the savior of the body. As the Church is subordinate to Christ, so wives should be subordinate to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ loved the Church and handed himself over for her to sanctify her, cleansing her by the bath of water with the word, that he might present to himself the Church in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. So also husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one hates his own flesh but rather nourishes and cherishes it, even as Christ does the Church, because we are members of his body. For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. This is a great mystery, but I speak in reference to Christ and the Church. In any case, each one of you should love his wife as himself, and the wife should respect her husband. The Word of the Lord.
D-7 A reading from the letter of Paul to the Philippians Brothers and sisters: Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice! Your kindness should be known to all. The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of god that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me. Then the God of peace will be with you. The Word of the Lord.
D-8 A reading from the letter of Paul to the Colossians Brothers and sisters: Put on, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do. And over all these put on love, that is, the bond of perfection. And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one Body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. The Word of the Lord.
D-9 A reading from the letter to the Hebrews Brothers and sisters: Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect hospitality, for through it some have unknowingly entertained angels. Be mindful of prisoners as if sharing their imprisonment, and of the ill-treated as of yourselves, for you also are in the body. Let marriage be honored among all and the marriage bed be kept undefiled. Let your life be free from love of money but be content with what you have, for he has said, I will never forsake you or abandon you. Thus we may say with confidence: The Lord is my helper, and I will not be afraid. The Word of the Lord.
D-10 A reading from the first letter of Paul Peter Beloved: You wives should be subordinate to your husbands so that, even if some disobey the word, they may be won over without a word by their wives' conduct when they observe your reverent and chaste behavior. Your adornment should not be an external one: braiding the hair, wearing gold jewelry, or dressing in fine clothes, but rather the hidden character of the heart, expressed in the imperishable beauty of a gentle and calm disposition, which is precious in the sight of God. For this is also how the holy women who hoped in God once used to adorn themselves and were subordinate to their husbands; thus Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him "lord." You are her children when you do what is good and fear no intimidation. Likewise, you husbands should live with your wives in understanding, showing honor to the weaker female sex, since we are joint heirs of the gift of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered. Finally, all of you, be of one mind, sympathetic, loving toward one another, compassionate, humble. Do not return evil for evil, or insult for insult; but, on the contrary, a blessing, because to this you were called, that you might inherit a blessing. The Word of the Lord.
D-11 A reading from the first letter of John Children, let us love not in word or speech but in deed and truth. Now this is how we shall know that we belong to the truth and reassure our hearts before him in whatever our hearts condemn, for God is greater than our hearts and knows everything. Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence in God and received from him whatever we ask, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him. And his commandment is this: we should believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another just as he commanded us. Those who keep his commandments remain in him, and he in them, and the way we know that he remains in us is from the Spirit that he gave us. The word of the Lord.
D-12 A reading from the first letter of John Beloved, let us love one another, because love is of God; everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God. Whoever is without love does not know God, for God is love. In this way the love of God was revealed to us: God sent his only-begotten Son into the world so that we might have life through him. In this is love: Not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as expiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also must love one another. No one has ever seen God. Yet, if we love one another, God remains in us, and his love is brought to perfection in us. The word of the Lord.
D-13 A reading from the Book of Revelation I John, heard what sounded like the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying: "Alleluia! Salvation, glory, and might belong to our God." A voice coming from the throne said: "Praise our God, all you his servants, and you who revere him, small and great." Then I heard something like the sound of a great multitude or the sound of rushing water or mighty peals of thunder, as they said: "Alleluia! The Lord has established his reign, our God, the almighty. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory. For the wedding day of the Lamb has come, his bride has made herself ready. She was allowed to wear a bright, clean linen garment." Then the angel said to me, "Write this: Blessed are those who have been called to the wedding feast of the lamb." The Word of the Lord.
Select your NEW TESTAMENT READING ----D - 1D - 2D - 3D - 4D - 5D - 6D - 7D - 8D - 9D - 10D - 11D - 12D - 13
Gospel Readings
F-1 A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. He began to teach them, saying: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven." The Gospel of the Lord
F-2 A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew Jesus said to his disciples: "You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. "You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket. It is set on a lamp stand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father." The Gospel of the Lord.
F-3 A reading from the holy gospel according to Matthew Jesus said to his disciples: "None of those who cry out, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of God but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. "Anyone who hears my words and puts them into practice is like the wise man who built his house on rock. When the rainy season set in, the torrents came and the winds blew and buffeted his house. It did not collapse; it had been solidly set on rock. Anyone who hears my words but does not put them into practice is like the foolish man who built his house on sandy ground. the rains fell, the torrents came, the winds blew and lashed against the house. It collapsed under all this and was completely ruined." Jesus finished this discourse and left the crowds spellbound at his teaching. The reason was that he taught with authority and not like the scribes. The Gospel of the Lord.
F-4 A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew Some Pharisees approached Jesus, and tested him, saying, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any cause whatever?" He said in reply, "Have you not read that from the beginning the Creator made them male and female and said, For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh? So they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, man must not separate." The Gospel of the Lord.
F-5 A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew One of the Pharisees, a scholar of the law, tested Jesus by asking, "Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?" He said to him, "You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments." The Gospel of the Lord.
F-6 A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Mark Jesus said: "At the beginning of creation God made them male and female; for this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and the two shall become as one. They are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore let no man separate what God has joined." The Gospel of the Lord
F-7 A reading from the holy gospel according to John There was a wedding in Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the wedding. When the wine ran short, the mother of Jesus said to him, "They have no wine." And Jesus said to her, "Woman, how does this concern affect me? My hour has not yet come." His mother said to the servers, "Do whatever he tells you." Now there were six stone water jars there for Jewish ceremonial washings, each holding twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus told them, "Fill the jars with water." So they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, "Draw some out now and take it to the headwaiter." So they took it. And when the headwaiter tasted the water that had become wine, without knowing where it came from (although the servants who had drawn the water knew), the headwaiter called the bridegroom and said to him, "Everyone serves the good wine first, and then when people have drunk freely, an inferior one; but you have kept the good wine until now." Jesus did this as the beginning of his signs in Cana in Galilee and so revealed his glory, and his disciples began to believe in him. The Gospel of the Lord
F-8 A reading from the Holy Gospel according to John Jesus said to his disciples: "As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you. Live on in my love. You will live in my love if you keep my commandments, even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and live in his love. All this I tell you that my joy may be yours and your joy may be complete. This is my commandment: Love one another as I have loved you." The Gospel of the Lord
F-9 A reading from the Holy Gospel According to John Jesus said to his disciples: "This is my commandment: love one another, as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I no longer call you slaves, because a slave does not know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father. It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you." The Gospel of the Lord.
F-10 A reading from the holy Gospel According to John Jesus looked up to heaven and prayed: "Holy Father, I do not pray for my disciples alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their word, that all may be one as you, Father, are in me, and I in you; I pray that they may be one in us, that the world may believe that you sent me. I have given them the glory you gave me that they may be one, as we are one - I living in them, you living in me - that their unity may be complete. So shall the world know that you sent me, and that you loved them as you loved me. Father, all those you gave me I would have in my company where I am, to see this glory of mine which is your gift to me, because of the love you bore me before the world began. Just Father, the world has not know you, but I have known you; and these men have known that you sent me. To them I have revealed your name, and I will continue to reveal it so that your love for me may live in them, and I may live in them." The Gospel of the Lord.
Select your Gospel Reading ----F - 1F - 2F - 3F - 4F - 5F - 6F - 7F - 8F - 9F - 10
VOWS
H-1 I ______, take you ______, to be my wife, I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love you and honor you all the days of my life. I ______, take you ______, to be my husband. I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love you and honor you all the days of my life.
H-2 I, ______ take you, ______, for my lawful wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part. I, ______ take you, ______, for my lawful husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part.
Select your VOWS ----H - 1H - 2
Blessing of Rings
I-1 May the Lord bless these rings which you give to each other as the sign of your love and fidelity.
I-2 Lord, bless these rings which we bless in your name. Grant that those who wear them may always have a deep faith in each other. May they do your will and always live together in peace, good will, and love, We ask this through Christ our Lord.
I-3 Lord, bless and consecrate ______ and ______ in their love for each other. May these rings be a symbol of true faith in each other, and always remind them of their love. We ask this, through Christ our Lord.
Select Blessing of Rings ----I - 1I - 2I - 3
Petitions
J-1 (PRIEST) Now that we have heard God's word in the Bible and experienced the Lord's presence in this exchange of vows, let us present these prayerful petitions for people in the world today. (Leader) Our response is ÒLord, hear our prayer.Ó For our Holy Father on earth, the Pope, all bishops and the clergy everywhere that they may lead us to deeper faith in God and a stronger love for others ... we pray to the Lord. For our president and all leaders of government that they may be effective in achieving peace and eliminating poverty ... we pray to the Lord. For married persons that they may continue to give, be able to forgive and find happiness deepen with the passing of each day ... we pray to the Lord. For _______ and _______, now beginning their life together, that they may have divine assistance at every moment, the constant support of friends, the rich blessing of children, a warm love reaching out to others and good health until a ripe old age ... we pray to the Lord. For those who are sick, lonely, discouraged or oppressed that they may be strengthened by God's help and aided by their friends ... we pray to the Lord. For those who have died, especially the relatives and friends of _______ & _______ and of all present for this wedding, that they may enjoy perfect happiness and total fulfillment in eternal life ... we pray to the Lord. For these personal needs which we mention now in silence (pause) ... we pray to the Lord. (PRIEST) O ever-living and caring God, Jesus taught us to ask, to seek and to knock. We have just done so, confident that you will now look upon our many needs, consider our trusting faith, and in your great love grant these requests which we present to you through Jesus Christ our Lord.
J-2 (priest) We have listened to the word of God. Let us now ask God to listen to us, to bless our words of prayer which we offer for the people of the world (Leader) Our response is ÒLord, hear our prayer.Ó For leaders of Church and state for heads of institutions, for heads of homes that they will lead us and guide us in the search for God and the good life, in the search for peace and joy, in the search for love among us... We pray For all married people: for those who married yesterday, for ____ & ____ married today, for those who will marry tomorrow ... that they may savor the joy of being together, warm love, and children, a long life, wine, and friends, and a new day, every day... We pray For all young single people who look forward to a vocation full of life and full of love... we pray For the lonely old and the lonely young, for the hungry rich and the hungry poor, for the sick in body, mind and spirit, for the weakness in all of us... We pray For our relatives and friends who walk with us on life's journey and for those who have gone before us to the other side of life. for the fulfillment of all their unfulfilled desires... We pray (Priest) These are our words of prayer today for ourselves and all human beings. Tomorrow there will be others. Lord God the beloved of humankind who has first loved us, Give our words by your listening the power of your word so that all things may be accomplished sweetly and gently for the happiness of all. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
J-3 (priest) God has given us promises in the word of scripture. ______ and ________ have given their promises to each other in their marriage. This hour of promise is also a time of prayer. We turn to God our Father and make our response by saying ÒLord have mercy.Ó (Leader) For our Church, to keep the promise of salvation, we pray to the Lord. For our world, to keep the promise of peace, we pray to the Lord. For our country, to keep the promise of freedom, we pray to the Lord. For our parish, to keep the promise of discipleship, we pray to the Lord. For our hearts, to keep the promise of loving, we pray to the Lord. For our hands, to keep the promise of giving, we pray to the Lord. For our lives, to keep the promise of growing, we pray to the Lord. For this couple, to keep the promise of marriage, we pray to the Lord. (priest) Father, you have chosen us and given us your love, the power of the Holy Spirit in our midst. Hear our prayers today and keep us open. May our faith issue forth in action, our love show itself in deeds, and our hope give us courage. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Select your Petitions ----J - 1J - 2J - 3
Prayer over the Gifts
K-1 Lord, accept our offering for this newly married couple, ______ and ______. By your love and providence you have brought them together; now bless them all the days of their married life. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
K-2 Lord, accept the gifts we offer you on this happy day. In your fatherly love watch over and protect ____ and ______, whom you have united in marriage. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
K-3 Lord, hear our prayers and accept the gifts we offer for ______ and ______. Today you have made them one in the sacrament of marriage. May the mystery of Christ's unselfish love, which we celebrate in this eucharist, increase their love for you and for each other. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Select PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS ----K - 1K - 2K - 3
Preface
L-1 Father, all-powerful and ever-living God, we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks. by this sacrament your grace unites man and woman in an unbreakable bond of love and peace. You have designed the chaste love of husband & wife for the increase both of the human family and of your own family born in baptism. You are the loving Father of the world of nature; you are the loving Father of the new creation of grace In Christian marriage you bring together the two orders of creation: nature's gift of children enriches the world and your grace enriches also your Church. Through Christ the choirs of angels and all the saints praise and worship your glory. May our voices blend with theirs as we join in their unending hymn:
L-2 Father, all-powerful and ever-living God, we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks through Jesus Christ our Lord. Through him you entered into a new covenant with your people. You restored man to grace in the saving mystery of redemption. You gave him a share in the divine life through his union with Christ. You made him an heir of Christ's eternal glory. This outpouring of love in the new covenant of grace is symbolized in the marriage covenant that seals the love of husband and wife and reflects your divine plan of love. And so, with the angels and all the saints in heaven we proclaim your glory and join in their unending hymn of praise.
L-3 Father, all-powerful and ever-living God, we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks. You created man in love to share your divine life. We see his high destiny in the love of husband & wife, which bears the imprint of your own divine love. Love is man's origin, love is his constant calling. love is his fulfillment in heaven. The love of man and woman is made holy in the sacrament of marriage, and becomes the mirror of your everlasting love. Through Christ the choirs of angels and all the saints praise and worship your glory. May our voices blend with theirs as we join in their unending hymn of praise.
Select your Preface ----L - 1L - 2L - 3
NUPTIAL BLESSINGS
M-1 My dear friends, let us turn to the Lord and pray that he will bless with his grace Michelle now married in Christ to Grant and that Christ will unite in love the couple he has joined in this holy bond. Father, by your power you have made everything out of nothing. In the beginning you created the universe & made mankind in your own likeness. You gave man the constant help of woman so that man and woman should no longer be two, but one flesh, and you teach us that what you have united may never be divided. Father, you have made the union of man and wife so holy a mystery that it symbolizes the marriage of Christ and his church. Father, by your plan man and woman are united, and married life has been established as the one blessing that was not forfeited by original sin or washed away in the flood. Look with love upon this woman, your daughter, now joined to her husband in marriage. She asks your blessing. Give her the grace of love and peace. May she always follow the example of the holy women whose praises are sung in the scriptures. May her husband put his trust in her and recognize that she is his equal and the heir with him to the life of grace. May he always honor her and love her as Christ loves his bride, the Church. Father, keep them always true to your commandments. keep them faithful in marriage and let them be living examples of Christian life. Give them the strength which comes from the gospel so that they may be witnesses of Christ to others. bless them with children and help them to be good parents. May they live to see their children's children. And after a happy old age, grant them fullness of life with the saints in the kingdom of Heaven. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
M-2 Let us pray to the Lord for ______ and ______, who come to God's altar at the beginning of their married life so that they may always be united in love for each other as now they share in the body and blood of Christ. (pause) Father, to reveal the plan of your love, you made the union of husband and wife an image of the covenant between you and your people. In the fulfillment of this sacrament, the marriage of Christian man and woman is a sign of the marriage between Christ and the Church. Father, stretch out your hand, and bless ______ and ______. Lord, grant that as they begin to live this sacrament they may share with each other the gifts of your love and become one in heart and mind as witnesses to your presence in their marriage. Help them to create a home together and give them children to be formed by the gospel and to have a place in your family. Give your blessings to ______, your daughter, so that she may be a good wife and mother, caring for the home, faithful in love for her husband, generous and kind. Give your blessings to ______, your son, so that he may be a faithful husband and a good father. Father, grant that as they come together to your table on earth, so they may one day have the joy of sharing your feast in heaven. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
M-3 My dear friends, let us ask God for his continued blessing upon ______ & ______. (pause) Holy Father, creator of the universe, maker of man and woman in your own likeness, source of blessing for married life, we humbly pray to you for this woman who today is united with her husband in this sacrament of marriage. May your fullest blessing come upon her and her husband so that they may together rejoice in your gift of married love ( and enrich your Church with their children). Lord, 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. May they pray to you in the community of the Church, and be your witnesses in the world. May they reach old age in the company of their friends, and come at last to the kingdom of heaven. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen
Select your Nuptial Blessing ----M - 1M - 2M - 3
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
N-1 Lord, In your love you have given us this eucharist to unite us with one another and with you. As you have made ______ and ______ one in this sacrament of marriage and in the sharing of the one bread and the one cup, so now make them one in love for each other. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
N-2 Lord, we who have shared the food of your table pray for our friends ______ and ______, whom you have joined together in marriage. Keep them close to you always. May their love for each other proclaim to all the world their faith in you. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
N-3 Almighty God, may the sacrifice we have offered and the eucharist we have shared strengthen the love of _____ & _______, and give us all your fatherly aid. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Select Prayer After Communion ----N - 1N - 2N - 3
FINAL BLESSING
O-1 May God the eternal Father keep you in love with each other, so that the peace of Christ may stay with you and be always in your home. (Amen) May your children bless you, your friends console you and all people live in peace with you. (Amen) May you always bear witness to the love of God in this world so that the afflicted and the needy will find in you generous friends, and welcome you into the joys of heaven. (Amen) And may almighty God Bless you all, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. (Amen)
O-2 May God, the almighty Father, give you his joy and bless you (Amen) May the only Son of God have mercy on you and help you in good times and in bad. (Amen) May the Holy Spirit of God always fill your hearts with his love. (Amen) And may almighty God Bless you all, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
O-3 May the Lord Jesus, who was a guest at the wedding in Cana, bless you and your families and friends. (Amen) May Jesus, who loved his Church to the end, always fill your hearts with his love. (Amen) May he grant that, as you believe in his resurrection, so you may wait for him in joy and hope. (Amen) May Almighty God Bless you all, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
O-4 May almighty God with his Word of blessing, unite your hearts in the never-ending bond of pure love. (Amen) May your children bring you happiness, and may your generous love for them be returned to you, many times over. (Amen) May the peace of Christ live always in your hearts and in your home. May you have true friends to stand by you, both in joy and in sorrow. May you be ready and willing to help and comfort all who come to you in need. And may the blessings promised to the compassionate be yours in abundance. (Amen) May you find happiness and satisfaction in your work. May daily problems never cause you undue anxiety, nor the desire for earthly possessions dominate your lives. But may your hearts' first desire be always the good things waiting for you in the life of heaven. (Amen) May the Lord bless you with many happy years together, so that you may enjoy the rewards of a good life, and after you have served him loyally in his kingdom on earth, may he welcome you to his eternal kingdom in heaven. (Amen) May Almighty God Bless you all, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Select your Final Blessing ----O - 1O - 2O - 3O - 4