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Love and Eternity

A Guide to Marriage’s Ceremony

Marriage Record

- Celebrant

……………………………….+ LM.

Gioan B. Nguyễn Quốc Thu

- Concelebrant

……………………………….

……………………………….

……………………………….

……………………………….

- Groom’s Parents

……………………………….

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- Bride’s Parents ……………………………….

……………………………….

- Witnesses

……………………………….

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- Bestman

……………………………….

(and Grooms man)

……………………………….

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……………………………….

……………………………….

- Maid of honour

……………………………….

(and bridemaids)

……………………………….

……………………………….

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- Flower Girls

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- Page Boy

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- Choir

……………………………….

- Conductor

……………………………….

- Violinist

……………………………….

- Representative

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Love for EternityA Guide to Marriage’s Ceremony

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Contents

How to use this booklet/ 4Order of Service and Selection Record/ 5 & 6Greetings and Opening Prayer /7& 8

Nuptial Mass / 9

First Reading /04

RESPONSORIAL PSALM HYMN /

Second Reading /06

08

Alleluia & Gospel /09

10

Rites of Marriage /11

12

Blessing & Exchange of Rings /13

(Signing of Marriage Documents) /

OFFERING HYMN /14

Liturgy of the Eucharist /15

17

COMMUNION /

Prayer after Communion /

Marriage Blessing / Final Blessing/Thank You Notes /

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HOW TO USE THIS BOOKLET

First

Read the biblical passages found in the Sacrament of word. Do some discussing, and select the note as you go along which texts you like the best. Remember that you will wish to select one each from the First Reading, Second Reading and Gospel readings.

Second

Read over again carefully and prayerfully those you have found especially attractive. Share with each other what a particular word, phrase, sentence or the overall passage says to you. Decide on the three readings and write your choices in the pertinent places on the form, p. 5 & 6.

Third

Go through all the other options available – the prayers, vows, blessings, prayer of the faithful etc and choose one that most

suitable. Mark those also on page 6 and if creating your own, please write at the end of the booklet.

Next

Make other decisions, e.g., who will do the readings, the prayer of faithful and bring up the Gifts –do we want this or other option.

Then

Having completed these steps, turn your attention to the music for your ceremony. The Priest or most likely, the Choir or the music conductor , knowing your choices, can better assist you in selecting suitable music.

Finally

Meet with the Priest who will preside to complete the paperwork necessary, discuss your choices, and work out other details.

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Order of Service and Selection Record

The standard Order of Service below will help you create a booklet for distribution to guests at the ceremony, if you wish. For further information and for further assistant please contact your pastoral minister.

Entrance Rite

Procession

Opening Prayer: Page No. ______

Sacrament of the Word(Include book, chapter and verse for scripture)

Old Testament: Page No. ______

Responsorial Psalm: Page No. ______

New Testament: Page No. ______

Gospel Acclamation and Verse: Page No. ______

Gospel: Page No. ______

Rite of Marriage

Exchange of Vows: Page No. ______6

Blessing of Rings(s): Page No. ______

Prayer of the Faithful: Page No. ______

Liturgy of the Eucharist

Preparation of the Gifts

Preface: Page No. ______

The Our Father

Nuptial Blessing: Page No. ______

Sign of Peace

Communion

Prayer After Communion: Page No. ______

Concluding Rite

Final Blessing: Page No. ______

Recessional

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Notice: The Candle Ceremony usually take place at the end of the Rite of Marriage or before and during the final blessing.

GREETINGS and OPENING PRAYERS

Dear Families and Friends, (Please choose one of the following or create your own)

A/ We joyfully welcome you to our marriage celebration. We are happy that you are with us as we begin our life together.

Please join us in this joyous celebration.

B/ We welcome you to Our Marriage Celebration. We thank you for being here to share with us, this very special day. Please join us in this Celebration

D/ We hope that today will be as memorable and wonderful for everyone as it will be for us and we would like to thank you for all the support you have given us in the lead up to this special day.

E/ Today as we take a step to starting a new life together, we are most honoured to be able to share this joyous moment with you, whether you've watched us grow from little people to who we are today, or whether we have met you along the way on our life journey.

F/ ………………………………………………………………………………........

………………………………………………………………………………………...

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………………………………………………………………………………………...

………………………………………………………………………………………...

………………………………………………………………………………………...

Much love and appreciation,

XX and YY

Celebrant: We use symbols to communicate many of our thoughts and feelings towards other people. On a deeper religious level, Jesus uses symbols and signs as visible ways of expressing in visible reality, namely his saving presence in our midst.

Jesus frequently spoke of light and darkness to signify the Christians commission to overcome the evil of the world by the light of goodness. In the wedding liturgy, candlelight symbolizes the commitment of love these two people are declaring today. Before you on the Altar you see three special wedding candles. The two smaller candles symbolize the lives of XX & YY. Until today, both have let the light that they received in Baptism shine as individuals in the Christian community. Now they have come to publicly proclaim their love in the union of marriage.

We now invite both mothers to light each family candles.

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NUPTIALL MASS

THE INTRODUCTORY RITESENTRANCE HYMN: Entrance of bridal procession - Please stand.

Welcome

Priest: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

All: Amen.

Priest: The grace and peace of God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

All: And with your Spirit.

Friest: My brothers and sisters, to prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries let us call to mind our sins.

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All: I confess to almighty God, and to you my brothers and sisters, that I have sinned through my own fault, in my thoughts and my words, in what I have done, and what I have failed to do, and I ask blessed Mary, the ever virgin, all the angels and saints, and to you my brothers and sisters, to pray for me to the Lord our God.

Priest: May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins and bring us to everlasting life.

All: Amen

Penitential Rite:

As we prepare to celebrate the mystery of Christ's love, let us acknowledge our failures and ask the Lord for pardon and strength.

Lord Jesus, you came to reconcile us to one another and to the Father: Lord, have mercy

R: Lord, have mercy

Lord Jesus, you heal the wounds of sin and division: Christ, have mercy

R: Christ, have mercy

Lord Jesus, you intercede for us with your Father: Lord, have mercy

R: Lord, have mercy

Father: Coming together in God's family, with confidence let us ask the father's forgiveness, for he is full of gentleness and compassion.

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All I confess to Almighty God, and to you, here present, that I have sinned through my own fault, in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done and in what I have failed to do, and ask Blessed Mary, ever Virgin, all the angels and saints, and to you here present, to pray for me to the Lord our God.

Father May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.

All: Amen.

Opening Prayer

1/ Celebrant: Father hear our prayer for XX & YY who today are united in marriage before your altar. Give them your blessings and strengthen their love for one another. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

All: Amen.

2/ Celebrant: Father hear our prayer for XX & YY who today are united in marriage before your altar. Give them your blessing and strengthen their love for one another. We ask through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

All: Amen

3/ Celebrant: Father, We thank you for bringing XX and YY together. Today you bind them ever more closely to each other. May they rely on your help to remain close through the best and worst of what lies ahead.

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We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

All: Amen

4/ Celebrant: Father, when you created human kind, you willed that man and wife should be one. Bind XX & YY in the loving union of marriage and make their love fruitful so that they may be living witnesses to your divine love in the world.

All: Amen

5/ Celebrant: Heavenly Father, Please bless and sustain XX & YY as they begin their journey in life together. May you continue to increase their love throughout the joys and pains of life and help them to grow in holiness all the days of their lives.

Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your son who lives and reigns with you, and the Holy Spirit, one God Forever and Ever.

All Amen

6/ Celebrant: Let us pray. Father, you have made the bond of marriage a holy mystery, a symbol of Christ's love for his Church. Hear our prayers for XX & YY with faith in you and in each other they pledge their love today. May their lives always bear witness to the reality of that love. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

All Amen

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INTRODUCTORY RITES

Celebrant: My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, today we are celebrating a special moment in the lives of XX and YY, who have come here today to join in the blessed sacrament of marriage before God in our presence.

Let us then start this celebration of love, patience and care in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

All: Amen.

Celebrant: The Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.


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SACRAMENT OF THE WORD

R1/ FIRST READING A reading from the book of the Prophet Jeremiah 31:31-32a, 33-34a

The days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah.

It will not be like the covenant I made with their fathers the day I took them by the hand to lead them forth from the land of Egypt;

But this is the covenant which I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord. I will place my law within them and write it upon their hearts; I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

No longer will they have need to teach their friends and kinsmen how to know the Lord.

This is the word of the Lord.All: Thanks be to God.

R2/ FIRST READING15

A reading from the book of Genesis (2:18-24)

The Lord God said, "It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper as his partner". So out of the ground the Lord God formed every animal of the field and every bird of the air and brought them to the man to see what he would call them; and whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name. The man gave names to all cattle, and to the birds of the air, and to every animal of the field; but for the man there was not found a helper as his partner. So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; then he took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh; and the rib that the Lord God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man. Then the man said, "This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; this one shall be called Woman, for out of Man this one was taken". Therefore, a man leaves his father and his mother and clings to his wife, and they become one flesh.

This is the Word of the Lord. All: Thanks be to God.R3/ FIRST READING"For love is as strong as death."

A reading from the Song of Songs (Sg 2, 8-10. 14. 16; 8, 6-7)

Hark! my lover - here he comes springing across the mountains, leaping across the hills. My lover is like a gazelle or a young stag. Here he stands behind our wall, gazing through the windows, peering through the lattices, My lover speaks; he says to me, "Arise, my beloved, my beautiful one, and come! "O my dove in the clefts of the rock, in the secret recesses of the cliff. Let me see you, let me hear your voice, For your voice is sweet, and you are lovely". My lover belongs to me and I to him. (He said to me:) Set me as a seal on your heart, as a seal on your arm; For stern as death is love, relentless as the nether world is devotion; its flames are a blazing fire. Deep waters cannot quench love, nor floods sweep it away.

This is the Word of the Lord. All: Thanks be to God.

R4/ FIRST READINGA reading from the book of Tobit Tobit 8:4b-8

Tobiah arose from bed and said to his wife, "My love, get up. Let us pray and beg our Lord to have mercy on us and to grant us deliverance."

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She got up, and they started to pray and beg that deliverance might be theirs. He began with these words: "Blessed are you, O God of our fathers; praised be your name forever and ever. Let the heavens and all your creation praise you forever.

You made Adam and you gave him his wife Eve to be his help and support; and from these two the human race descended. You said, 'It is not good for the man to be alone; let us make him a partner like himself.'

Now, Lord, you know that I take this wife of mine not because of lust, but for a noble purpose. Call down your mercy on me and on her, and allow us to live together to a happy old age."

They said together, "Amen, amen,"


R5/ FIRST READINGA reading from the book of Tobit (8: 5-10)

She got up, and they started to pray and beg that deliverance might be theirs. He began with these words: "Blessed are you, O God of our fathers; praised be your name forever and ever. Let the heavens and all your creation praise you forever.

You made Adam and you gave him his wife Eve to be his help and support; and from these two the human race descended. You said, 'It is not good for the man to be alone; let us make him a partner like himself.'

Now, Lord, you know that I take this wife of mine not because of lust, but for a noble purpose. Call down your mercy on me and on her, and allow us to live together to a happy old age."

They said together, "Amen, amen," and went to bed for the night. But Raguel got up and summoned his servants. With him they went out to dig a grave, for he said, "I must do this, because if Tobiah should die, we would be subjected to ridicule and insult."


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R6/ FIRST READINGA reading from the book of Proverbs. (Pr 31: 10-15, 20, 23, 26-31)

When one finds a worthy wife, her value is far beyond pearls.

Her husband, entrusting his heart to her, has an unfailing prize.

She brings him good, and not evil, all the days of her life.

She obtains wool and flax and makes cloth with skilful hands.

Like merchant ships, she secures her provisions from afar.

She rises while it is still night, and distributes food to her household.

Her husband is prominent at the city gates as he sits with the elders of the land.

She opens her mouth in wisdom, and on her tongue is kindly counsel.

She watches the conduct of her household, and eats not her food in idleness.

Her children rise up and praise her; her husband, too, extols her:

"Many are the women of proven worth, but you have excelled them all."

Charm is deceptive and beauty fleeting; the woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

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Give her a reward of her labours, and let her works praise her at the city gates.


R7 / FIRST READINGA reading from the book of Ecclesiasticus (26: 1-4. 16-23)

Like the sun rising is the beauty of a good wife in a well-kept house. Happy the husband of a good wife; twice lengthened are his days,

A worthy wife brings joy to her husband; peaceful and full is his life.

A good wife is a generous gift bestowed upon him who fears the Lord,

Be he rich or poor, his heart is content, and a smile is ever on his face.

A gracious wife delights her husband; her thoughtfulness puts flesh on his bones,

A gift from the Lord is her governed speech, and her firm virtue is of surpassing worth.

Choicest of blessings is a modest wife, priceless her chaste person.

Like the sun rising in the Lord's heavens, the beauty of a virtuous wife is the radiance of her home.


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R8/ FIRST READING

A reading from the book of Sirach Sir. 26: 1-4. 13-16

Happy the husband of a good wife; twice lengthened are his days,

A worthy wife brings joy to her husband; peaceful and full is his life.

A good wife is a generous gift bestowed upon him who fears the Lord,

Be he rich or poor, his heart is content, and a smile is ever on his face.

A gracious wife delights her husband; her thoughtfulness puts flesh on his bones,

A gift from the Lord is her governed speech, and her firm virtue is of surpassing worth.

Choicest of blessings is a modest wife, priceless her chaste person.

Like the sun rising in the Lord's heavens, the beauty of a virtuous wife is the radiance of her home.

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RESPONSORIAL PSALM

PP1/ Ps 32:12. 18. 20-22

Response: The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.

They are happy, whose God is the Lord, the people he has chosen as his own. The Lord looks on those who revere him, on those who hope in his love. R.

Our soul is waiting for the Lord. The Lord is our help and our shield. In him do our hearts find joy. We trust in his holy name. R.

May your love be upon us, O Lord, as we place all our hope in you. R.

PP2/

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Response: Let all praise the name of the Lord.

Praise the Lord from the heavens, Praise him in the heights.Praise him, all his angels,Praise him, all his host. R.

Praise him, sun and moon,Praise him, shining stars.Praise him, highest heavensAnd the waters above the heavens. R.

All mountains and hills,All fruit trees and cedars,Beasts, wild and tame,Reptiles and birds on the wing. R.

Let them praise the name of the LordFor he alone is exalted.The splendour of his nameReaches beyond heaven and earth. R.

S1/ SECOND READINGA Reading from the first letter of St Paul to the Ephesians (Eph 5:2a, 25-32)

Brother

Be subordinate to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Wives should be subordinate to their husbands as to the Lord.

For the husband is head of his wife just as Christ is head of the church, he himself the saviour of the body.

As the church is subordinate to Christ, so wives should be subordinate to their husbands in everything.

Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ loved the church and handed himself over for her

to sanctify her, cleansing her by the bath of water with the word,

that he might present to himself the church in splendour, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.

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So (also) husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.

For no one hates his own flesh but rather nourishes and cherishes it, even as Christ does the church,

because we are members of his body.

"For this reason, a man shall leave (his) father and (his) mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh."

This is a great mystery, but I speak in reference to Christ and the church.

In any case, each one of you should love his wife as himself, and the wife should respect her husband.


S2/ SECOND READING(Eph 5:2a, 21-33)

A Reading from the first letter of St Paul to the Corinthians.

Be subordinate to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Wives should be subordinate to their husbands as to the Lord.

For the husband is head of his wife just as Christ is head of the church, he himself the saviour of the body.

As the church is subordinate to Christ, so wives should be subordinate to their husbands in everything.

Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ loved the church and handed himself over for her

to sanctify her, cleansing her by the bath of water with the word,

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that he might present to himself the church in splendour, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.

So (also) husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.

For no one hates his own flesh but rather nourishes and cherishes it, even as Christ does the church,

because we are members of his body.

"For this reason, a man shall leave (his) father and (his) mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh."

This is a great mystery, but I speak in reference to Christ and the church.

In any case, each one of you should love his wife as himself, and the wife should respect her husband.

This is the word of the Lord.

All: Thanks be to God

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S3/ SECOND READINGCorinthians 12: 31-13:8

If I am without love, it will do me no good whatever.

A Reading from the first letter of St Paul to the Corinthians

Be ambitious for the higher gifts. And I am going to show you a way that is better than any of them.

If I have all the eloquence of men or of angels, but speak without love, I am simply a gong booming or a cymbal clashing. If I have the gift of prophecy, understanding all the mysteries there are, and knowing everything, and if I have faith in all its fullness, to move mountains, but without love, then I am nothing at all. If I give away all that I possess, piece by piece, and if I even let them take my body to burn it, but am without love, it will do me no good whatever.

Love is always patient and kind; it is never jealous; love is never boastful or conceited; it is never rude or selfish; it does not take offence, and is not resentful. Love takes no pleasure in other people's sins but delights in the truth; it is always ready to excuse, to trust, to hope, and to endure whatever comes.

Love does not come to an end.

This is the word of the Lord.


S4/ SECOND READING

"If I am without love, it will do me no good whatever".

A reading from the first letter of Paul to the Corinthians

Set your hearts on the greater gifts. I will show you the way which surpasses all the others.

If I speak with human tongues and angelic as well, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong, a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and, with full knowledge, comprehend all mysteries, if I have faith great enough to move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give everything I have to feed the poor and hand over my body to be burnt, but have not love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient; love is kind. Love is not jealous, it does not put in airs, it is not snobbish. Love is never rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not prone to anger; neither does it brood over injuries. Love does not rejoice in what is wrong but rejoices with the truth. There is no limit to love's forbearance, to its trust, its hope, its power to endure. Love never fails.

The Word of the Lord.


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S5/ SECOND READING (Col. 3: 12 - 17)

A reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Colossians.

You are the people of God, he loved you and chose you for his own. So then, you must clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Be tolerant with one another and forgive one another whenever any of you has a complaint against someone else. You must forgive one another just as the Lord has forgiven you. And to all these qualities add love, which binds all things together in perfect unity. The peace that Christ gives is to guide you in the decisions you make, for it is to this peace that God has called you together in the one body. And be thankful.

Christ message in all its richness must live in your hearts. Teach and instruct each other with all wisdom. Sing psalms, hymns, and sacred songs, sing to God with thanksgiving in your hearts. Everything you do or say, then, should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, as you give thanks through him to God the Father.

This Is the Word of the Lord.

All: Thanks be to God.

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S6/ SECOND READING (Col. 3: 12 - 17)

A reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Colossian

As God's chosen one, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has complaint against another, forgive each other, just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. Let the Lord of Christ dwell in your richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your heart sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

This is the Word of the Lord.


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S7/ SECOND READING(1 Jn 4: 7-12)

A reading from the first letter of John.

Beloved, let us love one another,

because love is of God;

everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God.

Whoever is without love does not know God, for God is love.

In this way the love of God was revealed to us:

God sent his only Son into the world

so that we might have life through him.

In this is love: not that we have loved God,

but that he loved us and sent his Son as expiation for our sins.

Beloved, if God so loved us,

we also must love one another.

No one has ever seen God.

Yet, if we love one another,

God remains in us,

and his love is brought to perfection in us.

This is the Word of the Lord.


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ALLELUIA Verse(Please only select 1 verse)

A1/

Alleluia, alleluia. - God is love, let us love one another as he loved us.- Alleluia.

A2/ John 4:7b

Alleluia, alleluia. - Everyone who loves is begotten of God and knows God .- Alleluia.

A3/ John 4:12

Alleluia, alleluia. - If we love one another, God remains in us and his love is brought to perfection in us .- Alleluia.

A4/ John 4:16

Alleluia, alleluia. - Who ever remains in love, remains in God and God in him .- Alleluia.

A5/

Alleluia, alleluia! Everyone who loves is born of God and knows him.

Alleluia!

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GOSPEL READINGS and COMMENTS(Please select 1 Gospel Reading)

GOSPEL 1.A reading from the holy Gospel according to John

(Jn 15,12-17)

Jesus said to his disciples: "This is my commandment; love one another, as I have loved you. A man can have no greater love than to lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends, if you do what I command you. I shall not call you servants anymore, because a servant does not know his master's business; I call you friends, because I have made known to you everything I have learnt from my Father. You did not choose me. No I chose you; and I commissioned you to go out and to bear fruit, fruit that will last; and then the Father will give you anything you ask him in my name. My command to you is to love one another.”

This is the gospel of the Lord.

All: Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.

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GOSPEL 2.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John (15: 9 - 12)

Jesus said to his disciples: "As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my own joy may be in you and your joy be complete. This is my commandment: love one another as I loved you."

This is the Gospel of the Lord


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GOSPEL 3.(Jn 2, 1-11)

A reading according to the Gospel of John.

On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him: "They have no wine". And Jesus said to her: "Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come". His mother said to the servants: "Do whatever he tells you". Now standing there was six stone water jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to them: "Fill the jars with water". And they filled them up to the brim. He said to them: "Now draw some out, and take it to the chief steward". So they took it. When the steward tasted the water that had become wine, and did not know where it come from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the steward called the bridegroom and said to him: "Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now." Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed him.



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GOSPEL 4.

Matthew 5:1-12

A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew.

Seeing the crowds, Jesus went up the hill. There Jesus sat down and was joined by His disciples. Then Jesus began to speak. This is what He taught them:

How happy are the poor in spirit: Theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.

Happy the gentle: They shall have the earth for their heritage.

Happy those who mourn: They shall be comforted.

Happy those who hunger and thirst for what is right: They shall be satisfied.

Happy the merciful: They shall have mercy shown them.

Happy the pure in heart: They shall see God.

Happy the peacemakers: They shall be called sons of God.

Happy those who are persecuted in the cause of right: Theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.

Happy are you when people abuse you and persecute you and speak all kinds of calumny against you on My account.

Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in Heaven.



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GOSPEL 5.19: 3-6

A Reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew

Some Pharisees approached Jesus, and to test him they said, 'Is it against the Law for a man to divorce his wife on any pretext whatever?' He answered, 'Have you not read that the creator from the beginning made them male and female and that he said: This is why a man must leave father and mother, and cling to his wife, and the two become one body? They are no longer two, therefore, but one body. So then, what God has united, man must not divide.'

This is the Gospel of the Lord.

All: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

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GOSPEL 6.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John (15: 9 - 12)

Jesus said to his disciples: "As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my own joy may be in you and your joy be complete. This is my commandment: love one another as I loved you."

This is the Gospel of the Lord


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GOSPEL 7.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (10: 6-9)

But from the beginning of creation, 'God made them male and female.

For this reason, a man shall leave his father and mother (and be joined to his wife), and the two shall become one flesh.' So they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, no human being must separate."



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GOSPEL 8.

You are the light of the world.

Matthew 5:13-16

"You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden.

Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house.

Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.



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GOSPEL 9.

They are no longer two, but one flesh.

Mark 10: 6-9

But from the beginning of creation, 'God made them male and female.

For this reason, a man shall leave his father and mother (and be joined to his wife), and the two shall become one flesh.' So they are no longer two but one flesh.

Therefore, what God has joined together, no human being must separate."



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GOSPEL 10.

Jesus did this as the beginning of his signs in Cana in Galilee

John 2:1-11

On the third day there was a wedding 2 in Cana 3 in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there.

Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the wedding.

When the wine ran short, the mother of Jesus said to him, "They have no wine."

And Jesus said to her, "Woman, how does your concern affect me? My hour has not yet come."

His mother said to the servers, "Do whatever he tells you."

Now there were six stone water jars there for Jewish ceremonial washings, each holding twenty to thirty gallons.

Jesus told them, "Fill the jars with water." So they filled them to the brim.

Then he told them, "Draw some out now and take it to the headwaiter." 6 So they took it.

And when the headwaiter tasted the water that had become wine, without knowing where it came from (although the servers who had drawn the water knew), the headwaiter called the bridegroom and said to him, "Everyone serves good wine first, and then when people have drunk freely, an inferior one; but you have kept the good wine until now."

Jesus did this as the beginning of his signs in Cana in Galilee and so revealed his glory, and his disciples began to believe in him.



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http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0839/__PXA.HTM#$3R4



RITES OF MARRIAGE

Introductory*All stand, including the bride and the groom

Celebrant: XX & YY, you have come together in this Church so that the Lord may seal and strengthen your love in the presence of the Church's minister and this community. Christ abundantly blesses this love. He has already consecrated you in baptism and now he enriches and strengthens you by a special sacrament so that you may assume the duties of marriage in mutual and lasting fidelity. And so, in the presence of the Church, I ask you to state your intentions.

Statement of Intentions

Father: XX & YY, have you come here freely and without reservation to give yourselves to each other in marriage?

XX & YY: I have

Father: Will you love and honour each other as man and wife for the rest of your lives?

XX & YY: I will.

Father: Will you accept children lovingly from God, and bring them up according to the law of Christ and his Church?

XX & YY: I will.

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Consent 1.

* The Priest invites the couple to declare their consent

Priest: Since it is your intention to enter into marriage, join your right hands and declare your consent before God and his Church.

(The couple joins their hands)

The Bridegroom says: I, XX, take you, YY to be my wife, I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love you and honour you all the days of my life.

The Bride says: I, YY, take you, XX to be my husband. I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love you and honour you all the days of my life.

The Bridegroom says: YY, take this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

The Bride says: XX, take this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

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Consent 2.

Priest: XX & YY, the promise you make to each other today is serious because it will bind you together for life in a relationship so close and so intimate that it will profoundly influence your whole future.

That future, with its hopes and disappointments, its successes and its failures, its pleasures and its pains, its joys and sorrows, is hidden from your eyes. You know that these elements are mingled in every life and are to be expected in your own.

And so, not knowing what is before you, but trusting in God's companionship, you take each other through the best and worst of what lies ahead, until death. Join your hands and commit yourselves to each other forever.

Priest: XX & YY, have you come here freely and without reservation, to give yourselves to each other in marriage?

XX & YY: We have.

Priest: Will you love and honour each other as husband and wife for the rest of your lives?

XX & YY: We will.

Priest: Will you accept children lovingly from God, and bring them up according to the law of Christ and His Church?

XX & YY: We will.

Priest: Since it is your intention to enter into marriage, join your right hands and declare your consent before God and his Church.


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The Bridegroom says: I, XX, take you, YY to be my wife, I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love you and honour you all the days of my life.

The Bride says: I, YY take you, XX to be my husband. I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love you and honour you all the days of my life.

Priest: You have declared your consent before the Church. May the Lord in his goodness strengthen your consent and fill you both with his blessing. What God has joined, men must not divide

XX & YY: Amen

Reception of Consent

Father: You have declared your consent before the Church. May the Lord in his goodness strengthen your consent and fill you both with his blessing.

What God has joined, men must not divide

Response: Amen

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BLESSINGS AND EXCHANGE OF RINGS

BR1/

Father: Lord, bless and consecrate XX and YY in love for each other. May these rings be a symbol of true faith in each other, and always remind them of their love. Through Christ our Lord.

All: Amen

BR2/

Father: Lord, bless these rings which we bless + in your name. Grant that those who wear them may always have a deep faith in each other. May they do your will and always live together in peace, good will, and love. (We ask this) through Christ our Lord.

All: Amen

BR3/

Father: May the Lord bless these rings which you give to each other as the sign of your love and fidelity

All: Amen


The Bridegroom says: YY, take this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity. In the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

The Bride says: XX, take this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity. In the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Celebrant: XX & YY, God our loving Father has blessed your union, you are no longer two, but now are one. Let you light your unity candle

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Candle Ceremony

CC1/

Father: Now, following the profession of their marriage vows, XX & YY will light the centre candle from the smaller candles to symbolize a new reality. They are not to lose their individuality. Yet in marriage they are united in so close a bond that they become one.

As two lights are now blended into one, so too are two lives blended into one. May you be one in name, one in aim and one in happy destiny together.

All: Amen

CC2/

Father: Lord Jesus, you are the light of the word. We praise you and ask you to guide our steps each day. Help us to love and serve you faithfully. Lord, bless this candle and let it always remind XX and YY that you are their light in the darkness, their protector in danger.

All: Amen

CC3/

Celebrant: XX & YY, God our loving Father has blessed your union, you are no longer two, but now are one. Let you now light your unity candle a symbol of your marriage. As this light burn undivided, so shall your love be one with God. From now on your thoughts shall be for each other rather than for your individual selves. Your joys and sorrows shall be share alike. May the radiance of this one light be testimony of your unity in the Lord Jesus Christ.

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PRAYERS OF THE FAITHFUL

Priest: Father, we give joyful thanks for the wonder of your saving grace and for your compassion, wherever we may find it.

(please select from the following or made your own. Prefer 4 – 5 verses)

All response with: Lord, hear our prayer.

1. For the Church: that by sharing decision-making with all God's people, our leaders may lighten their own burdens and deepen our commitment. We pray to the Lord.

2. For the world: that stumbling blocks placed in the path toward peace may give way before mutual trust and reconciliation. We pray to the Lord.

3. For this assembly: that we who are nourished by the body and blood of Christ may be dedicated to Him in body, mind and spirit. We pray to the Lord.

4. That through their love for each other, they will give witness to his eternal covenant of love with the human family. Let us pray to the Lord.

5. That their love be patient and gentle, ready to trust, and to endure whatever comes. Let us pray to the Lord.

6. That he will bless their parents, friends and all who are here. Let us pray to the Lord.

7. Father, you have made Christian marriage the sign of the unity between Christ and his Church. Hear our prayers for XX & YY. May they love one another as Christ loves his Church. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

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8. For all the followers of Christ: that they may hear this commandment of love and observe it not merely in word or speech but in deed and truth. Let us pray to the Lord.

9. For our newly-weds, XX & YY: that they may have divine assistance at every moment and their common path may be lit up by the lamp of a true and faithful love for one another.

Let us pray to the Lord. R/

10. For all married couples: that they may keep in mind the love which brought them together in the first place, and so continue to offer one another companionship, forgiveness and help with the passing of each day. Let us pray to the Lord. R/

11. For the parents, relatives and friends who have generously given their love, support and guidance to XX & YY in diverse ways: that God's surpassing love and power may embrace them in every single day of their lives. Let us pray to the Lord. R/

12. For all those who have been hurt or wounded by the attitude of other people, especially, the poor, migrants and refugees: that they may find loving care, support and respect. Let us pray to the Lord.

13. That Tram and Gavin's love may be patient and gentle, ready to trust and to endure whatever comes. May they pray together in joy and in sorrow, and always give thanks for the gift of each other.

14 Lord, we ask that we remain mindful of those less fortunate than ourselves. Show them Your compassion and enable us to help wherever we can.

15. For all our departed relatives and friends, and for all who have died in the peace of Christ: that they may enjoy the fullness of love and life at the eternal wedding banquet. Let us pray to the Lord. R/

16. For XX & YY, that their love for each other may be patterned on Christ's love for his bride, the Church, let us pray to the Lord.

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17. For fruitful love, that XX & YY will share in God's creative work and enjoy the gift of children, let us pray to the Lord.

18. For the parents of XX & YY, that they will continue to support them on the journey which begins at this altar, let us pray to the Lord.

19. For those preparing for their marriage day, that they may understand well the dignity and responsibilities of the marriage covenant and family life, let us pray to the Lord.

20. For married people everywhere, that they will live in love and faithfulness, for better, for worse, in joy or in sorrow, all the days of their lives, let us pray to the Lord.

CONCLUDING PRAYER(S):(Please select one)

All response with: Amen.

A/ Priest: Father, adorn every person on the face of the earth with your gifts, so that all the peoples of earth may join with us in proclaiming the great deeds your love has accomplished. We ask this through our Lord, Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever.

B/ Priest: May God Bless XX& YY on the vows that they exchanged today. May they learn to love, forgive, and sacrifice for each other in order to strengthen their marriage commitment and live in God's Love. Please bless them with a happy marriage. We pray to the Lord. R: Lord Hear Our Pray.

C/ Priest: Father, in the new covenant of Christ you have given us the pledge of your eternal love and fidelity. Hear our prayers for XX & YY. May they mirror your love and reflect your fidelity in their married life. Through Christ our Lord.

D/ Priest: Lord, God of love and life, accept our prayers on this joyful day as XX & YY begin their journey of married life. Grant that the good work you have begun in us be brought to fulfilment. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

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E/ Priest: Almighty Father, hear our prayers for XX & YY. May they always value the gift of each other and bring your love to others throughout the years of their marriage. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

F/ Priest: Lord, bless married people everywhere, that they will live in love and faithfulness, for better, for worst, in joy or in sorrow, all the days of their lives. Let us pray to the Lord.

G/ Priest: Lord, bless everyone here today: the priests, families and friends, who have loved, cared for and supported XX & YY throughout their lives. We pray that they will continue to support XX & YY on their journey as husband and wife, which begins at this altar. Let us pray to the Lord.

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SACRAMENT OF THE EUCHARIST

Priest: Blessed are you Lord God of all creation. Through your goodness we have this wine to offer, fruit of the vine and work of human hands. It will become our spiritual drink.

All: Blessed be God forever.

Priest: Pray brothers and sisters that our sacrifice may be acceptable to God, the almighty Father.

All: May the Lord accept the praise and glory of His name, for our good, and the good of all His Church.

PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS (PG1)(Please select only select 1 Prayer over the gifts out of 4)

Priest: Lord, hear our prayers and accept the gifts we offer for XX & YY. Today you have made them one in the sacrament of marriage. May the mysteries of Christ's unselfish love, which we celebrate in this Eucharist, increase their love for you and for each other.

All: Amen.

PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS (PG2)

Pray, brethren, that our sacrifice may be acceptable to God, the almighty Father.

May the Lord accept the sacrifice at your hands for the praise and glory of his name, for our good, and the good of all his Church.

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http://vdict.com/sacrament%20of%20the%20Eucharist,1,0,0.html

Lord, accept our offering for this newly-married couple, XX & YY. By your love and providence, you have brought them together; now bless them all the days of their married life. We ask this through Christ our Lord. -Amen.


Priest: Lord, Accept our offering for this newly married couple, XX & YY

By your love and providence, you have brought them together; now bless them all the days of their married life.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.


Celebrant: Lord, accept our offering for this newly married couple.

By your love and providence, you have brought them together, now bless them all the days of their married life.

PREFACE (a) or (b)

Priest: The Lord be with you.


Priest: Lift up your hearts.

All: Lift them up to the Lord.

Priest: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

All: It is right to give Him thanks and praise.

Priest: Father all-powerful and ever-living God, we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks. You created man in love to share your

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divine life. We see his high destiny in the love of husband and wife, which bears the imprint of your own divine love.

Love is man's origin. Love is his constant calling,

Love is his fulfillment in heaven.

The love of man and woman is made holy in the sacrament of marriage and becomes the mirror of your everlasting love.

Through Christ, the choirs of angels and all the saints praise and worship your glory.

May our voices blend with theirs as we join in their unending hymn:

All: (sung) Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.

Preface (b)

Priest: The Lord be with you.


Priest: Lift up your hearts.

All: We lift them up to the Lord.

Priest: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

All: It is right to give him thanks and praise.

Priest: Father, all-powerful and ever-living God, we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Through him you entered into a new covenant with your people.

You restored man to grace in the saving mystery of redemption.

You gave him a share in the divine life through his union with Christ.

You made him an heir of Christ's eternal glory.

This outpouring of love in the new covenant of grace is symbolized in the marriage covenant that seals the love of husband and wife and reflects your

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divine plan of love. And so, with the angels and all the saints in heaven we proclaim your glory and join in their unending hymn of praise:

All: (sung) Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.

(All on knees or stands as preferred)

Priest: Lord, you are holy indeed, the fountain of all holiness. Let your spirit be upon these gifts to make them holy, so that they may become for us the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Before he was given up to death, a death he freely accepted, he took the bread and gave thanks. He broke the bread, gave it to his disciples, and said:

Take this all of you and eat it, this is my body which will be given up for you.

When supper was ended, he took the cup. Again, gave thanks and praise, gave the cup to his disciples and said:

Take this all of you, and drink from it, this is my blood of the new and everlasting covenant. It will be shed for you and for all so that sins may be forgiven. Do this in memory of me.

Let us proclaim the mystery of Faith:

All: Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again.

Priest: In memory of his death and resurrection, we offer our Father, this life-giving bread, this saving cup.

We thank you for counting us worthy to stand in your presence and serve you.

May all of us who share in the body and blood of Christ be brought together in unity by the Holy Spirit.

Lord, remember your Church throughout the world; Make us grow in love together with Benedict our pope, Peter our Bishop and all the clergy.

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Have mercy on us all; make us worthy to share eternal life with all the saints who have done your with throughout the ages.

May we praise in union with them, and give you glory through your son, Jesus Christ.

Through Him, With Him, In Him. In the unity of the Holy Spirit, All the glory and honour is your, Almighty Father, Forever and ever.

All: Amen.

Priest: Let us pray with confidence to the Father in the words our Saviour gave us.

All: (sung) Our Father, who art in Heaven. Hallowed, be thy name. Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on Earth that it is in Heaven. Give us this day, our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses. As we forgive those, who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen

Priest: Deliver us Lord from every evil and grant us peace I our day. In your memory keep us free from sin and protect us from all anxiety as we wait in joyful hope for the coming of our Saviour, Jesus Christ.

All: (sung) For the Kingdom, the power and the glory are yours, now and forever.

Priest: Lord Jesus Christi, you said to your apostles, “I leave you peace, my peace I give you. Look not on our sins, but the faith of your Church and grant us the peace and the unity of your kingdom, where you live forever, and ever.”

All: Amen

Priest: The Lord be with you

All: And with your Spirit

Priest: Let us offer each other the sign of peace.

All: (sung) Lamb of God you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us. Lamb of

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God you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us. Lamb of God you take away the sins of the world, grant us peace.

Priest: This is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Happy are those who are called to his supper.

All: Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word, and I shall be healed.

Or

All: Should you wander far away from me I will search for you in every land. Should you call then you will truly know.

Or

All: When you know sorrow within your life I will come, I will embrace your heart. Through your pain you will discover me.

RECEIVING COMMUNIONS (your selected song will be sung by the choir during communions)

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PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

PC1/

Priest: Let us pray.

Priest: Lord, we have shared food at your table pray for XX & YY, whom you have joined together in marriage. Keep them close to you always. May their love for each other proclaim to the world their faith in you. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

All: Amen.

Or

PC2/

Priest: Almighty God, may the sacrifice we have offered and the Eucharist we have shared strengthen the love of XX & YY., and give us all your Fatherly aid. We ask this through Christ our Lord

All: Amen.

MARRIAGE BLESSING (please select only 1)

MB1/

Priest:

My dear friends, let us ask God for his continued blessings upon XX & YY.

Holy Father, creator of the universe, maker of man and woman in your own likeness, source of blessing for married life. We humbly pray to you for YY who today is united with XX in this sacrament of marriage.

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May your fullest blessing come upon them so that they may together rejoice in your gift of married love, and enrich Your Church with their children.

Lord, may they both praise you when they are happy and turn to you in their sorrows.

May they be glad that You help them in their work and know that You are with them in their need.

May they pray to You in the community of the Church, and be your witnesses in the world.

May they reach old age in the company of their friends, and come at last to the kingdom of heaven.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

All: Amen.

MARRIAGE BLESSING

MB2/

Celebrant: Let us pray to the Lord for XX & YY who come to God's altar at the beginning of their married life so that they may always be united in love for each other as now they share in the body and blood of Christ.

(Everyone prays in silence for a moment. The Celebrant then continues)

Celebrant: Holy Father, you created mankind in your own image and made man and woman to be joined as husband and wife in union of body and heart and so fulfil their mission in this world.

Father, to reveal the plan of your love, you made the union of husband and wife an image of the covenant between you and your people.

In the fulfillment of this sacrament, the marriage of Christian man and woman is a sign of the marriage between Christ and the Church. Father, stretch out your hand, and bless XX & YY.

Lord, grant that as they begin to live this sacrament, they may share with each other the gifts of your love and become one in heart and mind as witnesses to your presence in their marriage. Help them to create a home

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together and give them children to be formed by the gospel and to have a place in your family.

Give your blessings to YY, your daughter, so that she may be a good wife and mother, caring for the home, faithful in love for her husband, generous and kind.

Give your blessings to XX your son, so that he may be a faithful husband and a good father.

Father, grant that as they come together to your table on earth, so they may one day have the joy of sharing your feast in heaven.

We ask this, through Christ our Lord.

All: Amen

MARRIAGE BLESSING

MB3/

Celebrant: Let us pray to the Lord for XX & YY who come to God altar at the beginning of their married life so that they may always be united in love for each other as now they share in the body and blood of Christ.

(Everyone prays in silence for a moment. The Celebrant then continues)

Celebrant: Holy Father, you created mankind in your own image and made man and woman to be joined as husband and wife in union of body and heart and so fulfil their mission in this world.

Father, to reveal the plan of your love, you made the union of husband and wife an image of the covenant between you and your people.

In the fulfilment of this sacrament, the marriage of Christian man and woman is sign of the marriage between Christ and the Church. Father, stretch out your hand, and bless XX & YY.

Lord, grant that as they begin to live this sacrament, they may share with each other the gifts of your love and become one in heart and mind as witnesses to your presence in their marriage. Help them to create a home together and give them children to be formed by the gospel and to have a place in your family.

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Give your blessing to YY, your daughter, so that she may be a good wife and mother, caring for the home, faithful in love for her husband, generous and kind.

Give your blessing to XX your son, so that he may be a faithful husband and a good father.

Father, grant that as they come together to your table on earth, so they may one day have the joy of sharing your feast in heaven.

We ask this, through Christ our Lord.

All: Amen

MARRIAGE BLESSING

MB4/

My dear friends, let us turn to the Lord and pray that he will bless with his grace YY now married in Christ to XX and that (through the sacrament of the body and blood of Christ,) he will unite in love the couple he has joined in this holy bond.

Father, by your power you have made everything out of nothing. In the beginning you created the universe and made mankind in your own likeness. You gave man the constant help of woman so that man and woman should no longer be two, but one flesh, and you teach us that what you have united may never be divided.

Father, you have made the union of man and wife so holy a mystery that it symbolises the marriage of Christ and his Church.

Father, by your plan man and woman are united, and married life has been established as the one blessing that was not forfeited by original sin or washed away in the flood. Look with love upon this woman, your daughter, now joined to her husband in marriage. She asks your blessing. Give her the grace of love and peace. May she always follow the example of the holy women whose praises are sung in the scriptures. May her husband put his trust in her and recognise that she is his equal and the heir with him to the life of grace. May he always honour her and love her as Christ loves his bride, the Church.

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Father, keep them always true to your commandments. Keep them faithful in marriage and let them be living examples of Christian life. Give them the strength which comes from the gospel so that they may be witnesses of Christ to others. (Bless them with children and help them to be good parents. May they live to see their children's children.) And, after a happy old age, grant them fullness of life with the saints in the kingdom of heaven. (We ask this) through Christ our Lord.

All: Amen

FINAL BLESSING (a) Or (b)

Priest: May God, the almighty father,

Give you his joy and bless you in your children

All: Amen.

Priest: May the only son of God have mercy on you and

help you in good times and in bad.

All: Amen.

Priest: May the Holy Spirit of God

Always fill your hearts with him love.

All: Amen.

Priest: May the Almighty God bless you, the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit

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All: Amen.

Priest: Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.

FINAL BLESSING (b)

Celebrant: God, the eternal Father keep you in love with each other so that the peace of Christ may stay with you and be always in your home.

All: AMEN.

Celebrant: May your children bless you, your friends console you and all people live in peace with you.

All: AMEN.

Celebrant: May you always bear witness to the Love of God in this world so that the afflicted and the needy will find in you generous friends and welcome you into the joys of heaven.

All: AMEN.

Celebrant: And may almighty God bless you, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

All: AMEN.

THANK YOU NOTES

As we begin our married life together, we wish to sincerely thank our priests, our parents, relatives, and friends for taking part in this celebration.

Your presence on this joyous day will be a precious memory which we will always cherish.

May God continues to bless you and your family always.

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Sincerely yours.

OrTHANK YOU NOTES

We wish to thank you all for your presence and prayers on this special occasion, making the beginning of our married life in Christ.

We sincerely thank our priests, our parents, relatives and friends who have helped us to make it happen.

Your loving care and support will be a precious memory which we will always cherish.

May God's blessing be yours in full measure.

XX & YY

OR

PERSONALISE YOUR THANK YOU NOTES HERE

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