G
grek16f
Guest
Can a marriage occur at a Catholic church on Holy Saturday?
- Status
S
Spencerian
Guest
Sorry, but no, weddings can’t happen on this day.
During Good Friday of the Easter Triduum, the Church is still, in effect, in the middle of a Mass, as the Good Friday service leaves the Church in anticipation of the Resurrection of the Lord. Maundy Thursday is also likely excluded.
See this USCCB document on marriage prep policies. It notes that a wedding may occur except during the Triduum, as the consecration in the Mass cannot resume until Easter Vigil.
J
Joe_5859
Guest
I agree with your conclusion about no Catholic marriages being celebrated on Holy Saturday, but I’m curious about the statement I bolded above. I’ve never heard it articulated that way before. Have you seen it phrased that way before? I’d be hesitant to say it that way.
S
SpaceNeedle
Guest
Personally, I have heard it explained this way. It is why we leave solemnly, and we don’t hear “The Mass has ended, go in peace” during Triduum.
S
Spencerian
Guest
That’s exactly as I was taught in my Catechism. After communion, the priest might have a veneration of the Cross, or he simply walks out of the sanctuary without announcement.
It brings further “oompf!” to the Easter Vigil when he chants “Christ our light!” two “days” later, Paschal candle in hand. (My recent RCIA is showing–it’s almost as if I’m being initiated again every Easter–as well we all should feel, I think.)
J
Joe_5859
Guest
That’s true. It stills sounds odd to me, though, to say that we’re in the “middle of Mass” all throughout the Triduum. I suppose, though, since every Mass is a re-presentation of the Paschal Mystery, this is true of the Triduum in a very profound sense.
I’ll have to reflect on it some more. Thanks for sharing.
M
mswood
Guest
I don’t know about overall rules, but I know my parish does not allow any weddings during the entire Holly Week.
O
otjm
Guest
However, a wedding does not require the Consecration. A wedding is a sacrament independent of the Mass; although we are used to seeing the sacrament done during a wedding Mass one does not particularly have anything to do with the other.
However, I believe the result is correct - no weddings celebrated during the Triduum.
S
Spencerian
Guest
That’s true. A priest can perform the Sacrament in a private ceremony if the couple chooses, without a nuptial Mass. Thanks for the clarification.
- Status