Wedding with partial Mass

[diane614]

I am new to this forum and I am not sure that I am posting this question in the correct area. My son (Catholic) is getting married in a couple of weeks and we are in the process of printing the programs. His fiance is not Catholic therefore they are not having the full Mass. They want to do the devotion to Mary portion of the ceremony but we are unsure of where that would be. After the exchange of Vow or just before the final blessing. It seems as if it would more appropriate for it to be after the vows otherwise if it is before the final blessing, they would be doing the Our Father, sign of peace (which is sung) and going straight to Mary (where Ave Maria will be sung) without any break with prayer and may seem awkward. I have not attended a Catholic wedding without the Eucharist before and I am not sure if there is an ordered that has to be followed. They are not doing the Unity Candle, which would normally be done after the vows, so would it be appropriate to do the Devotion to Mary at this time? Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Diane

 

[1ke]

It’s not a “partial Mass”. It’s the Marriage Rite outside of Mass.

The devotion to Mary should be at the end, before the final blessing. But, I suggest you ask the priest as he may have his own ideas/preferences. Hold off on the program until you talk to the priest or deacon who is presiding;

 

[jprioli]

Second 1ke’s message.

In fact, part of the Marriage Prep conducted by the minister should be to help plan the ceremony, showing all the options.

Regards,
Deacon Joe

 

[puzzleannie]

I am new to this forum and I am not sure that I am posting this question in the correct area. My son (Catholic) is getting married in a couple of weeks and we are in the process of printing the programs. His fiance is not Catholic therefore they are not having the full Mass. They want to do the devotion to Mary portion of the ceremony but we are unsure of where that would be. /quote]

there is no such thing as a partial Mass
they are having a rite of marriage outside Mass.
this will consist of the introductory rites, readings from an approved list chosen by the couple, a homily, exchange of vows in front of the priest or deacon and witnesses, and closing prayers (or communion service if that is chosen, with non-Catholic spouse and guests this is usually NOT advisible).

the honor paid to the BVM is a cultural custom, not part of the marriage rite. when done it is usually after the closing prayer, and the bride presents her bouquet to the Blessed Mother, sometimes kneeling briefly to pray to her for help in being a good wife and mother, often accompanied by a Marian hymn by organ or soloist.
after this little ceremony the bride returns to the groom and they process out as planned.

Since the bride in this case is not Catholic, unless her faith tradition includes veneration of the BVM, and it is something she personally wants to do, it should be omitted.

the unity candle is also NOT part of the rite of marriage, but a cultural addition that has no place during the liturgy itself, but could be done afterward if the priest permits.

I don’t see the wisdom if assuming the bride, if she has no devotion to the BVM, will participate in this if it is not her wish to do so.

 

[diane614]

Thanks for your replys. I have talked to the priest perferming the ceremony and he has told us that he would like it after the vow and blessing and exchange of rings.
The bride in not catholic but it was her wish to do this. She was at my other sons wedding mass and we explained the meaning and she really likes this practice. She is intending to become catholic (she has been baptized) shortly after the wedding when my son and her schedules will allow it, they have just finished college and graduate school and have never lived in the same city during their extensive educations.

 

[benedictgal]

The Unity Candle is not a part of the Nuptial Rite. It has no basis in the Catholic tradition. The couple acted wisely in omitting this. Now, you can have it at the reception, but, it is not at all appropriate for the liturgy.

We don’t use it at the Cathedral and it is also not used in other parishes.

Now, if the couple want to have the devotional to the Blessed Mother, the best place for it would be after the Pater Noster, but, before the final blessing. Had they opted for the Mass, then, the devotional would have taken place after the Post-Communion prayer.