The Marriage Liturgy at Gesu

In consultation with the priest who will preside at your wedding, you will determine if the marriage is to be celebrated at Mass or in a Liturgy of the Word. The determining criteria will center on the religious background of the bride and groom, and other matters which should be determined between you and your presiding priest or deacon.

For more information, contact

    Derrick Witherington, Director of Liturgy
  • email Derrick
  • 414-288-6308

You will receive the book Together for Life by Joseph Champlin, which, along with various prayers and blessings, contains those scripture readings most appropriate for use at weddings. (If your marriage preparation is done through Campus Ministry at Marquette, you will receive the book Celebrating Marriage by Paul Covino which contains the same material.) In consultation with the priest who will preside at the wedding, the engaged couple will select two or three passages from scripture.

Non-scriptural passages are never used in place of the scriptures.

Non-Catholic Ministers

Weddings at Gesu Parish are celebrated according to the worship books of the Roman Catholic Church: the Roman Missal, the Lectionary and The Rite of Marriage. Ministers of other denominations may assist during the ceremony. This requires consultation with your presiding priest or deacon.

Wedding Vows

Wedding vows are provided in the wedding liturgy. You may select one of options for vows as listed in the book Together for Life or Celebrating Marriage when you consult with your priest. The usage of vows from other sources or vows written by the bride and groom are not permitted in the Catholic Wedding Liturgy. If you wish, you may speak to the Director of Liturgy at Gesu regarding where in your liturgy a personal expression of your commitment could be offered.

Wedding Ceremony Outlines

MARRIAGE WITH MASS
(with Communion)		 MARRIAGE OUTSIDE MASS
(without Communion)
Prelude Music Prelude Music
ENTRANCE RITE
Call to Prayer
Processional
Greeting and Welcome
The Collect 		ENTRANCE RITE
Call to Prayer
Processional
Greeting and Welcome
The Collect
LITURGY OF THE WORD
First Reading
Responsorial Psalm
Second Reading
Gospel Acclamation
Gospel
Homily 		LITURGY OF THE WORD
First Reading
Responsorial Psalm
Second Reading
Gospel Acclamation
Gospel
Homily
CELEBRATING MATRIMONY
Questions before the Consent
The Consent
Reception of Consent
Blessing and Giving of Rings
Prayer of the Faithful 		CELEBRATING MATRIMONY
Questions before the Consent
The Consent
Reception of Consent
Blessing and Giving of Rings
Prayer of the Faithful
LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST
Preparation of the Gifts
Prayer Over the Gifts
Holy
Mystery of Faith
Amen
The Lord's Prayer
Nuptial Blessing
Rite of Peace
Lamb of God
Communion
Meditation Song (optional)
Prayer After Communion
CONCLUDING RITE
Final Blessing
Presentation of the Couple
Recessional 		CONCLUDING RITE
The Lord's Prayer
Nuptial Blessing
Final Blessing
Presentation of the Couple
Recessional

Sample Programs
Wedding Liturgy with Mass
Wedding Liturgy outside Mass
Bilingual Liturgy with Mass

Wedding Liturgy Planning

At Gesu, a form is used to help plan the wedding liturgy. Utilizing the different options found in Together for Life or Celebrating Marriage you can fill out this form. After your meeting with Gesu's Director of Liturgy you will need to send the director a completed copy. The form can be completed online, saved to your computer and then printed. Please bring the completed form with you. You may also email the completed form to Margi Horner.

Planning Form
using Together for Life 		Planning Form
using Celebrating Marriage
Wedding Liturgy with Mass Wedding Liturgy with Mass
Wedding Liturgy outside Mass Wedding Liturgy outside Mass