Matrimony

"The matrimonial covenant, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life, is by its nature ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring; this covenant between baptized persons has been raised by Christ the Lord to the dignity of a sacrament.”

(1601, Catechism of the Catholic Church, Second Edition)

Couples desiring a Catholic wedding should contact their parish no later than six months prior to the desired date.  Parishes will ensure that couples have proper formation, preparation, and that all requirements are met.

The Order of Celebrating Matrimony is the ritual book used for Matrimony celebrated within and Outside of a full Mass. 

NEW RITE
Order of Celebrating Matrimony, Second Edition

Following a process of many years, an English translation of the Order for Celebrating Matrimony, Second Edition was approved by the Congregation for Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments.  Below are several key facts regarding this new ritual. 

What's New?
While the basic overall structure of the rite remains the same in this new edition, there are a number of interesting modifications:

The Introduction (praenotanda) is much longer and includes some good theological background and data;

There are additional options given for some parts of the rite such as the procession, the admonition to the couple and congregation, the reception of the consent, and the consent of the couple;

There are further clarifications on parts of the mass and Eucharistic Prayer intercessions when the sacrament takes place within mass;

There are now a sample of the Prayers of the Faithful, a blessing of an engaged couple, and a blessing of a couple at Mass on their wedding anniversary;

The book also includes official English translations of the blessing and giving of coins (aras) and the blessing and imposition of the cord/lasso and/or the veil.

Date of Implementation:  
The new rite has been mandatory in the United States since December 30, 2016.

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