The Rite of Marriage - Part I

Baptism initiates us into the mission of the Church.  Marriage, a Sacrament ‘at the service of Communion’ (CCC 1534) is a vocational call to enter into a covenant, not only for the good of the couple and any children but also for the good of the Church and society (Gaudium et Spes, 48).

Beginnings

In the first millennium members of the Church were married according to the rites of civil society. The Church had an informal role of praying for and blessing the union.  In response to the gradual change of European society a more formal role for the Church in the marriage rites would evolve.

During the twelve and thirteenth centuries, marriage was regarded by the Church as one of the formal sacraments.  A recognized marriage ritual emerged at this time reflecting local cultural customs.

The various ecumenical councils shaped the Church’s understanding and celebration of marriage.  Trent stressed a more legalistic understanding of marriage as a public contract between two people celebrated before a priest and at least two witnesses.  Vatican II reaffirmed the covenant characteristic of marriage that was present in the early Church. 

Celebrating the Rite

The present Rite of Marriage, through its numerous selections of prayers and readings, offers great opportunity for adaptation to local and personal circumstances. 

The Nuptial Mass is the norm for marriage between two Catholics. Marriage between a Catholic and a person of another faith or of no faith uses the Rite for Celebrating Marriage Outside Mass. 

Because of the sacred nature of the Rites, weddings are celebrated within the sacred space of a church. Since marriage is not a private action and has an essential communal dimension it is celebrated in the midst of the Church assembled. 

The actual Rite of Marriage, including the couple’s statement of intention and ‘exchange of consent’ (vows), follows the usual introductory rites and Liturgy of the Word associated with other Roman Rites. 

The Liturgy of the Word celebrates the couple’s and the Church’s understanding of Christian marriage. The sharing of stories from our faith tradition helps to illuminate the meaning and nature of marriage and the hope it contains. 

Before the assembled Church and its minister, the couple, confident of their love for one another, publicly declare that they are freely entering into marriage, that they understand the Sacrament is for life and that they are open to receiving new life in marriage, namely children.

The Rite focuses on the couple’s exchange of vows and the giving and receiving of consent.  In this mutual exchange they enact the Sacrament of Marriage.

The newly married couple receive God’s blessing of their covenant in the Nuptial Blessing.

Celebration of the Rite of Marriage is not restricted by its formal structure. The Rite is capable of reflecting the particular couple and the local community through the many opportunities it presents.

This article was originally published in  ‘Vocations & Ministry.  ©  Diocese of Parramatta.  2005, 2007. Reprinted with permission.

‍Image Attribution - Placing a wedding ring, Petar Milošević