Introduction
Sacred music is an integral part of the liturgical life of the Catholic Church, which includes the rite of marriage. The Church tells us that, “Liturgical worship is given a more noble form when it is celebrated in song,” (Musicam Sacram) and also that any sacred music should “correspond to the spirit of the liturgical action and foster the participation of all the faithful.” (GIRM 41)
So, although the wedding celebrates the sacred union of a man and a woman in marriage, the wedding liturgy echoes the wedding feast of the Lamb (see Revelation 19:6-9); in other words, the celebration is not centered on the couple, but on the Eucharist, “the source and summit of the Christian life.” (CCC 1324). Therefore, the Rite of Marriage is “not just a social affair, it is the mystical, magnificent Eucharistic liturgy. It is a sacred event, and subject to the same considerations as any other Mass. Hymns must have a suitable sacred text, be appropriate to the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, and be musically sacred in nature.” (Carrol, Lucy E. “Music for Catholic Wedding Masses”) To that end, secular music such as pop or love songs are not suitable for the Rite of Marriage. Recordings during mass are also not permitted. Beautiful and appropriate selections are provided below for your wedding liturgy. Any selections outside of this list must be approved by the pastor and music director.
The Ordinary of the Mass (choose one)
(This includes the Glory to God; Holy, Holy, Holy; Memorial Acclamation, Lamb of God)
_____ English Ordinary ____ Latin Ordinary
Entrance, Offertory, and Communion Antiphons (choose one option)
_____ Option 1: Latin Propers (from the Graduale Romanum)
Entrance Antiphon: “Deus Israel conjugat vos…” (translation: “May the God of Israel join you together; and may he who took pity on two only children be with you: and now, Lord, give them cause to bless thee still more.”)
Offertory Antiphon: “In te speravi…” (translation: “Lord, I have trusted in thee; I have said: Thou art my God, my days are in thy hands.”)
Communion Antiphon: “Ecce sic benedicetur…” (translation: “Even so shall every man be blessed who fears the Lord: and may you see your children’s children, and peace in Israel.”)
_____ Option 2: English Antiphons
Entrance Antiphon: “God is in his holy dwelling place; the God who causes us to dwell together, one at heart, in his house; he himself will give power and strength to his people.”
Offertory Antiphon: “In you have I put my trust, O Lord; I said: You are my God, my destiny is in your hands.”
Communion Antiphon: “Seek first the kingdom of God, and all the rest will be given to you in addition, says the Lord.”
Procession Options (more than one may be chosen, depending of the size of the bridal party)
____ Trumpet Voluntary – H. Purcell
____ Trumpet Tune – J. Clarke
____ Canon in D – J. Pachelbel
____ Jesu, Joy of Our Desiring – J.S. Bach
____ “Air” from Water Music – G.F. Handel
____ Prelude in C Major – J.S. Bach
Responsorial Psalm (choose one)
____ “The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord” (Psalm 33)
____ “I will bless the Lord at all times” (Psalm 34)
____ “The Lord is kind and merciful” (Psalm 103)
____ “Blessed the man who greatly delights in the Lord’s commands” (Psalm 112)
____ “Blessed are those who fear the Lord” (Psalm 128)
____ “How good is the Lord to all” (Psalm 145)
____ “Let all praise the name of the Lord” (Psalm 148)
Gospel Acclamation (choose one)
____ “Everyone who loves is begotten of God and knows God.” (1 John 4:7b)
____ “God is love. If God loved us, we also must love one another.” (1 John 4:8b, 11)
____ “If we love one another, God remains in us and his love is brought to perfection in us.” (1 John 4:12)
____ “Whoever remains in love, remains in God and God in him.” (1 John 4:16)
Offertory Hymn (choose one)
____ Ave Maria (Schubert, Bach/Gounod, or Arcadelt)
____ Be Thou My Vision
____ Jesu, Joy of Our Desiring
____ Jesus, Thou Joy of Loving Hearts
____ O God, To Those Who Here Profess
____ O Perfect Love
____ Ubi Caritas
____ Where Charity and Love Prevail
Communion Hymn (choose one)
____ Adoro Te, Devote
____ Ave Verum (chant, Mozart, Gounod, or Elgar)
____ Come, My Way, My Truth, My Life
____ Jesu Dulcis Memoria
____ Jesus, My Lord, My God, My All
____ Lord of All Hopefulness
____ My God, Accept My Heart This Day
____ O Sacrament Most Holy
____ O Salutaris Hostia
____ Panis Angelicus (Franck or Lambilotte)
Hymn to the Blessed Virgin Mary (optional)
____ (if not selected for Offertory) Ave Maria
____ Ave Maris Stella
____ Bring Flow’rs of the Rarest
____ O Sanctissima
Recessional Hymn (choose one, or use another option from the Processional section)
____ Holy God, We Praise Thy Name
____ Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee
____ Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
____ Now Thank We All Our God
____ O God Beyond All Praising
____ Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow
Contact the Music Director at emma.nwobilor.stlfchuch.cdom.org with any questions.