Types of Wedding Ceremonies: Roman Catholic

There are basically two types of service: a wedding ceremony without a Mass; or a wedding ceremony incorporated into the Mass. The first option, about 20 minutes in length, is quite straightforward, with readings and hymns, similar to the Protestant service. The second option may take just over an hour.

As Catholics enter the church, they bless themselves by dipping the fingertips of their right hand into a font containing holy water, then they make the sign of the cross, touching their forehead, heart, left shoulder, and right shoulder. Other guests, who are not required to do this, may simply proceed into the church or be guided to their seats by the ushers. Some Catholics, on arrival at the pew, may make the sign of the cross while genuflecting (bending the knee as a sign of reverence). Some may go directly to their seats and sit down while others may kneel and pray before sitting; either is acceptable. While non-Catholics are welcome to genuflect, they are not required to observe all these signs of respect and awareness of the body of Christ present in the church.

Throughout the Mass, take your cues from those around you. The priest will also give instructions. There will be readings and prayers. At times, you will be required to stand. Sometimes, there may be kneeling, but non-Catholic guests can just sit quietly while others kneel. When the congregation is invited to participate in the recitation out loud of the Lord's Prayer, Protestants should be aware that Roman Catholics omit the final few lines: "For Thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, forever and ever." During the wedding ceremony, vows and rings are exchanged. Just before Communion is served, there will be the "sign of peace": the priest might say, "Let us offer each other a sign of peace," and that is an indication for everyone to turn to their neighbors, shake their hands, and say, "Peace be with you" or some other friendly greeting. Sometimes, relatives or very close friends will hug and a mother may kiss her child at this point.

Communion in the Roman Catholic Church is technically reserved for baptized Catholics only. The priest will indicate what the local custom is. Communion, the commemoration of Christ's Last Supper, is the ceremony in which bread and wine are consecrated and taken as the body and blood of Christ. To take Communion, people walk down the center aisle to take the bread (often a wafer) and come back up the sides to their seats.

After Communion, the signing of the register takes place. When that is done, the priest introduces the newly married couple. At this point, sometimes people will applaud, depending on local custom.