Catholic Ceremony

OK. This may be a bit confusing but here goes... We are having a ceremony with no mass. I have a few questions for anyone who knows. The Deacon who will marry us gave us a book that has the Scriptures/Prayers that we can choose from for the ceremony. He told us we need 3 readers. I spoke to my Aunt who will do a reading and she wants to start practicing (a bit early I know but she is very nervous). I'm just not sure exactly which they will be reading. There is...
Opening Prayer(which I assume is read by Deacon)
Old Testament Reading
Responsorial Psalm
New Testament Reading
Gospel
Vows (obviously us)
Rings (us)
Prayer of the Faithful

--My questions are which ones do ours readers do?
--I really loved the prayers Hands (I think) When is that read and by whom?
--Should I have a list of songs that the organist can play or should I just know them? Any suggestions?

I appreciate so much any help with this. Thanks

Hi Bettty - I am also having a Catholic cermony and you need 3 readers for:
Old Testament Reading
New Testament Reading
Prayer of the Faithful
Some people also have a reader also for the Responsorial Psalm or it can be sung by a singer.

Tanbride is right, you need readers for those 3 things...but you can have the priest read any or all of them if you wish.

As for music, you probably need to make an appt withthe church music director. Its a good idea to come to that appt with some idea of what you want but he/she should be able to play for you the traditional stuff along with a few alternates if you need help selecting.

FYI: I had a Catholic ceremony (no mass) and elimated all three readings. I did add the Hands Reading after the opening blessing and added a soloist rendition of a favorite song after our vows. It wasnt until very late in the process did I realize I could do that - so I just want to let you know that it can be done (if your priest Ok's)

Thanks Sonicstef. I actually have 3 people that I wanted to give something to do (2 sister-in-laws and a close aunt) so I need the 3 readings for them to do. I LOVED the hands prayer that you used and I would like to incorporate that into the ceremony. Does the Deacon say this prayer? WHen should I have him say it if I am having the readings? ALso, does the Deacon say the prayer of the faithful? I think I've always heard them say it as opposed to a reader??? Thanks

There are a few versions of the Hands Prayer...the one I used only requires one reader but if you have more people you would like to include, it can be made for two. I had it read right in the beginning of the ceremony because it fit best there but you can put it anywhere you think it works (if church ok's since its not a catholic reading). The priest COULD read it but I think the ideal situation is to have someone you are very close to read it since its so personal.

Ive never heard a priest or deacon read the prayer of the faithful at a ceremony. Again, because its written by the bride & groom and is usually quite personal.

Hope that helps.

OMG WE are supposed to write the prayer of the faithful?????

I also loved Sonicstef's Hand Prayer- awesome!
I am having a traditional Catholic mass and I have seen the Prayer of the Faithful only done where it's pre-pirnted but you are alway allowed to add those loved ones who have passed or special intentions important to your and FI's families. I also have 2 cousins and a soon to be sister in law so I figure 3 readings can also make them feel part of the day.

Here's the hand prayer, I am also using. I found it in a magazine a while ago, and I always said I'd use it when I got married.

'Please face each other and hold hands, so you may feel the gift you are to one another.

These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as you promise to love each other today tomorrow and forever.

These are the hands that will work alongside yours as together you build your future.

These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, and with the slightest touch, will comfort you like no other.

These are the hands that will hold you when fear or grief wracks your mind.

These are the hands that will countless times, wipe the tears from your eyes, tears of sorrow and tears of joy.

These are the hands that will tenderly hold your children.

These are the hands that will help you to hold your family as one.

These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it.

And lastly, these are the hands that even when wrinkled and aged will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch'

-Author unknown.


I also have another version from my church, if anyone wants a copy I'll mail it to you, just too long to type, but even more beautiful then this one. Forum mail me if you want a copy