Altar Servers' Guide |
Serving WeddingsA wedding Mass usually begins with a procession of the bride and her attendants; perhaps the groom and his attendants may be part of the procession and maybe the couple’s parents as well. The priest and servers also may be part of the procession. If so, you should line up in front of the priest and lead him down the main aisle. One of you may carry the processional cross and lead the procession to the sanctuary. A wedding Mass is much like any other mass, except a Rite of Marriage book may take the place of the usual missal. After the entrance procession, Mass continues as usual. Your seats may be in a different place in the sanctuary, so before Mass begins, check to see where you will be sitting. Listen carefully to the prayers, readings and homily. The wedding ceremony takes place after the homily so be ready to help the priest as he ends his homily. TIlE WEDDING CEREMONY One server joins the priest as he stands facing the bride and groom. In some parishes, it is customary for a server to hold the container of holy water with the sprinkler in it. The priest may also ask a server to hold a small tray on which the wedding rings will be placed while they are blessed. When the priest finishes the marriage ceremony, help him receive the gifts of bread and wine as usual. Then prepare to wash the priest’s hands. After that the Mass continues as usual. AFTER THE LORD’S PRAYER When everyone has finished saying the Lord’s Prayer, there is a special blessing for the bride and groom. The priest may hand you the Rite and ask you to hold it open for him during this blessing. Stand near him and hold this book so that he can reach it and read from it easily. The bride and groom will usually receive Communion first, and they may receive the Blood of Christ from the chalice. The priest may ask you to assist him at this time. After Communion, the mass continues as usual. Hold the Rite or Missal for the priest during the prayer after communion. At the end of Mass lead the priest down the aisle, or lead him to the sacristy if he will not be joining the exit procession of the bridge and groom. |