MASS GUIDE
Not Catholic? You are very welcome here. A Catholic Mass has a lot of standing, sitting and kneeling. Here is a cheat sheet. Nobody is grading you.
THE GOLDEN RULE
When in doubt, do what the people in front of you are doing. If kneeling is hard on your knees, sitting quietly is completely fine. You never need to say or sing anything you are not comfortable with.
SIT, STAND, KNEEL
The Wedding Mass follows the usual order of a Sunday Mass, with the wedding vows tucked in after the homily. Parishes vary a little, so follow the crowd.
WELCOME
- Procession (here comes the bride)STAND
- Opening prayers and the GloriaSTAND
THE READINGS
- First reading and PsalmSIT
- Second readingSIT
- Alleluia and the GospelSTAND
- Homily (the sermon)SIT
THE WEDDING
- Vows and exchange of ringsFOLLOW
- Prayers of the faithfulSTAND
THE EUCHARIST
- Offertory (gifts brought to the altar)SIT
- "Pray, brethren..." and the Holy, HolySTAND
- Eucharistic PrayerKNEEL
- The Our FatherSTAND
- Nuptial Blessing and Sign of PeaceFOLLOW
- Lamb of GodSTAND
- After the Lamb of GodKNEEL
- Communion (see below)SEE BELOW
- After Communion (quiet prayer)KNEEL OR SIT
SENDING FORTH
- Final prayer and blessingSTAND
- Recessional (the newlyweds escape)STAND
ABOUT COMMUNION
Catholics who are prepared to receive are welcome to come forward for Communion.
Everyone else is warmly welcome too. You may come forward with your arms crossed over your chest to receive a blessing, or you may stay seated. Either is perfectly fine, and nobody will think twice about it.
A FEW MORE TIPS
- Please keep phones silenced and put away during the ceremony. We want you with us, not behind a screen.
- The Mass usually runs about an hour. The vows are near the middle, so stay for the good part.
- Responses and songs are in the worship aid if there is one. Join in or just listen.