The following is intended to be a general outline of what to expect at a Catholic Mass. It is a general overview and does not contain every heading or option contained in the Mass and should not be used when planning a wedding program.

The Catholic wedding ceremony may be administered in two basic forms or " Rites". The marriage ceremony may be performed During a Mass or Outside of a Mass. Both of these Rites are equally valid in the eyes of the Church.

A wedding During the Mass is referred to as a Nuptial Mass. A wedding ceremony Outside of Mass is termed as a Liturgy of the Word Service. The Rite of Marriage Outside of Mass will include the same Introductory Rites and Liturgy of the Word which are contained within every Mass.

INTRODUCTORY RITES

A Catholic Mass starts with the processional of the priest towards the sanctuary of the church. (During a wedding the entrance procession will include members of the wedding party.)

After the entrance procession there is often a gathering song followed by a Greeting to the assembly, the Penitential Rite and concluded with the Opening Prayer.


LITURGY OF THE WORD

This part of the Mass will offer Scripture Readings (usually pertaining to marriage when included in a wedding) from the following areas:

First Reading
A scripture reading from the Old Testament

Responsorial Psalm
A Psalm selected from the Book of Psalms. The congregation interacts by offering a response (usually sung)

Second Reading
A scripture reading from the New Testament

Gospel Acclamation
The people praise Christ's presence in the sacred word of God.

Gospel Reading
Taken from one of the four Gospels of either Matthew, Mark, Luke or John. (During a wedding, the reading usually pertains to marriage.)

Homily
The priest or deacon will address the congregation on what has been read.


THE RITE OF MARRIAGE

This section is only applicable if you are attending a marriage ceremony.

The primary focus of this rite is the declaration of consent from the couples, exchange of vows , blessing and exchange of rings and a prayer and blessing for the newly married couple. If the couple has not requested any further devotions the Mass will then continue.

Prayer of the Faithful or General Intercessions
A collection of short prayers of petition. After each petition is said the congregation will respond by saying "Lord, hear our prayer", or something similar. The couple may also compose their own personal prayers of petition.


LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST

The Liturgy of the Eucharist along with the communion is the most sacred part of the Mass. Catholics will either stand or kneel (depending on the region) during the Eucharistic prayer but non-Catholics may remain seated.

Presentation of the Gifts and Preparation of the Gifts
The bread and wine are brought to the altar along with any monetary offerings for the poor that may have been collected from the congregation. The Offertory hymn may be sung at this time.

Prayer Over the Gifts
The priest may say or sing this prayer.

Eucharistic Prayer
At this time the congregation will stand or kneel depending on the tradition of the region or country.

Eucharistic Acclamations
Includes the Holy, Holy - Memorial Acclamation & Great Amen.

Lord's Prayer
The reciting of the Our Father.

Nuptial Blessing
A blessing given to the couple.

The Sign of Peace
During the Communion Rite of the Mass, after the Our Father has been said, the priest will invite the parishioners to offer each other a sign of peace. At this time the priest and members of the congregation exchange a handshake with those seated near them. Close family members may hug each other. The usual custom is say "peace be with you" to the person you are extending your hand to.

Breaking of the Bread/Lamb of God

Distribution of Communion
The manner of receiving communion may differ significantly between various countries, dioceses, and even individual parishes. In North America, the people normally proceed to the front in lines, receive communion standing, and then return to their seats. After returning to their places, the people are either encouraged to remain standing until every one has received communion or immediately sit down or kneel in silent prayer.

If you are not Catholic you may remain seated or kneel in prayer while the communion is being distributed.

Never mistake this time of movement of the people to the altar to receive communion as any type of an intermission. This is a sacred time for Catholics. Do not engage in unnecessary conversation during this period of the Mass. There should be no unnecessary trips to the washroom or other diversions. Please do not let children run in the aisles. Take them to the back of the church until their needs are met and make sure your cell phone is off.

Prayer After Communion


CONCLUDING RITE

This segment is the conclusion of the Mass and contains the final prayers and blessings. The priest and ministers will leave the church in a procession accompanied by a hymn.

Solemn/Final Blessing
Given to the entire congregation.

Dismissal
Given by the presider, usually by saying "The Mass has ended. You may now go in peace."

Signing of the Register (Only in Canada)
There are several options for when the signing of the register occurs. The signing is attended by the bride and groom, their primary attendants and the priest or deacon.

Recessional
The priest and ministers process out of the church during a final hymn. During a wedding, the hymn is normally replaced with instrumental music.