The Rite of Marriage To An Unbaptized Person
(Often referred to as a Liturgy of the Word.)

This Rite is mandated when a Catholic is marrying a person who has not been baptized in any Christian faith.

This ceremony will focus on the word of God. It will include Scripture Readings and a Homily from your officiant. The Homily or Sermon, is when the officiate addresses those gathered for the ceremony. Following the Homily you will give your Exchange of Consent and say your vows. Also included will be a Blessing of the Rings, Blessings and Prayers.

Some elements of this ceremony such as the Greeting and Opening Prayer will be modified to take into consideration the religious sensitivities of your non - Christian partner and his/her family and to reflect the religious reality of the event.

This version of the marriage ceremony is just as valid in the eyes of the church as a Nuptial Mass.

For Planning Purposes: this ceremony will be approximately 30-45 minutes long.

Please meet with your parish priest to discuss this form of the Catholic Wedding Ceremony.

Occasionally the couple may wish to incorporate cultural additions to this version of the wedding ceremony. You will need the approval of your officiate.

Traditionally the ceremony will be held at the parish of the bride or the Catholic partner although with this particular ceremony you may seek a dispensation from, or special permission, to have the ceremony held elsewhere. An example of this may be the religious meeting place of your partner. This choice must be made with the assistance of your priest.

Many of your guests may be unfamiliar with a Catholic wedding. Providing a wedding program will be a thoughtful way to guide your guests throughout your ceremony.