Roman catholic marriage ceremony rituals

It's interesting:
"Since meeting Linda, I've seen terrific changes in Paul. He seems much more confident these days. He's surer of what he wants. He's happier, and he's much more willing to bend these days, too. Although he’s still adamant that Arsenal will win the next seasons Champions League."

A Catholic wedding is rich with tradition. When planning a Catholic wedding, there are some traditional ritual elements that a couple may or may not choose to include in their wedding. Some of these decisions will depend on who else is attending the ceremony. Selecting the rituals for a Catholic wedding is a way for the couple to express their uniqueness.

1. Confession

   • The Catholic Church encourages engaged couples to make Confession before the wedding. This allows them to enter the Sacrament of Matrimony with consciences clear. If you frequently go to Confession, make individual confessions with your usual Confessor a day or two before your wedding. If you don't, and you wish to follow this traditional ritual, set up appointments with your priest.

   Unity Candle

   • While not officially endorsed by the Catholic hierarchy in the United States, the Unity Candle remains a popular tradition. After the couple says their vows and the priest has given the nuptial blessing, the candle blessing occurs. The priest extinguishes the two candles on either side of the altar, and the married couple lights the single, large candle in the middle to signify that they have just become one.

   Readings

   • The first half of the wedding is called the Liturgy of the Word. During this part of the service, the couple and close family members read passages from the Bible. The couple may choose passages that have special significance for them or that express ideals to which they aspire.

   Communion

   • After the Liturgy of the Word, the couple exchanges vows and gets married, after which everyone gathered may receive Communion. Sometimes couples will choose to skip this part of the service. For example, if only half of those gathered are Catholic, it may be more diplomatic not to celebrate Communion, as the Catholic church only allows Catholics and members from a few other religious groups to receive Communion.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Catholic wedding, catholic marriage, catholic marriage ceremony, ceremony rituals, couple choose, Liturgy Word, marriage ceremony