Music Planning Guide for Wedding Masses at the Church of the Nativity at Saint Joseph’s
_______________, 20__ – Wedding Mass for _________________________________
(Month and Day)
(Year)
(Name)
This planning guide will assist you in selecting music for the Wedding Mass. Everything about the wedding
ceremony should witness to all those present your understanding that you are entering a sacred and holy
union—a Sacrament. Therefore, everything about the service, including the music, calls for careful planning
that will contribute to this understanding. Everyone present at your wedding should be led by the dignity
and beauty of the liturgy to a deeper understanding of Christian marriage and, consequently, to a greater
commitment to it. In a sense, your wedding is your gift to your family and friends. It is your invitation for
them to enter into and share your faith, your love, and your prayer.
When we think of weddings, we automatically think of the bride and the groom and their love for one
another. But most importantly, there is God who is the source of your love and whose love for you is
reflected in your love for one another. That is why your decision to share your lives and to grow together in
Christian love calls for a special celebration in and with the Church.
Because you have chosen to invite Christ to make your love a sacrament, the music you choose for your
wedding must express this unique and distinct encounter. Just as you would not expect to pronounce your
wedding vows in ordinary language, so you would not expect to hear “everyday”, secular love songs within a
ceremony celebrating sacramental married love. Certainly your favorite love song will have a place later in
the day’s festivities; but during the wedding liturgy itself the emphasis should be God’s love for you, your
love for God, and how these support and confirm your love for each other. The lyrics of songs chosen for
the wedding liturgy should express the Christian concept of love, rather than one that is purely secular. The
liturgy of marriage celebrates not only the human love between two persons but also their relation to God
who is love. The texts must therefore always be in conformity with Catholic doctrine; indeed they should
be drawn chiefly from Holy Scripture and from liturgical sources.1
The Church encourages the celebration of the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony to take place within the
context of Mass whenever possible. Whenever Marriage is celebrated during Mass, the Ritual Mass for the
Celebration of Marriage is used. However, on those days listed in numbers 1 through 4 of the Table of
Liturgical Days, the Mass of the day is used, retaining the Nuptial Blessing in the Mass and, if appropriate,
the proper formula for the final blessing. If, however, during Christmastide and Ordinary Time, the parish
community participates in a Sunday Mass during which Marriage is celebrated, the Mass of the Sunday is
used. General guidelines for music in Eucharistic celebrations apply equally to the Wedding Liturgy. The
full and active participation of the assembly affirms the value of praying for the couple through song and
word and gives strength and support to them. The specific music of the Mass is described individually in
each of the following sections in order to assist in the selection of music. You may click on links in this
document to hear recordings of some of the songs. If you are unfamiliar with a certain song, you are
encouraged to look it up on the World Wide Web through a site such as www.YouTube.com. You may also
request that the Director of Music assist you in planning the music of the Wedding Mass.
Each list of songs is followed by a line on which you may enter your own song selection. A song or hymn
not in the lists must be a sacred one that is appropriate for the liturgical action and speaks of God’s love for
us, thanksgiving to God, or Christian love. Recommended song choices, particularly those suggested by the
Graduale Romanum or Roman Missal, are marked with an asterisk (*).
Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy (Sacrosanctum Concilium) Solemnly Promulgated by His Holiness Pope Paul VI on December 4,
1963; Item 121.3.
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Music Planning Guide for Wedding Masses at the Church of the Nativity at Saint Joseph’s
Prelude(s)
The arrival of your wedding guests may be accompanied by instrumental music, a vocal solo, or choir
pieces. The music selected should be in keeping with the event to follow. The time before Mass is a period
of prayerful preparation and joyful anticipation.
Prelude(s):
Select two to four songs from this list:
___ “Andante Tranquillo” from Sonata III (Felix Mendelssohn)
___ “Air” from Water Music (George Frideric Handel)
___ “Allein Gott in Der Höh Sei Her” (Georg Böhm)
___ “Aria” from Concerto Number XII for Strings (George Frideric Handel)
___ “Canon in D” (Johann Pachelbel)
___ “Con Moto Maestoso” [measures 1-24] and “Adagio Tranquillo” from Sonata
III (Felix Mendelssohn)
___ “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” (Johann Sebastian Bach)
___ “Nun danket alle Gott” (Georg Friedrich Kaufmann)
___ “Prière à Notre-Dame” from Suite Gotique (Louis Boëllman)
___ “Verset” (Léon Boëllmann)
___ “Voluntary” (George Frideric Handel)
If you would like to select Prelude music not in the list, please write it on the
following line.
_________________________________________________________
Introductory Rites
Entrance Antiphon
The Mass begins with the Entrance Antiphon, a short, chanted passage from the Book of Psalms. The
purpose of this chant is to open the celebration, foster the unity of those who have been gathered, and
introduce their thoughts to the mystery of the liturgical festivity.2 The cantor or choir will sing this
antiphon.
Entrance Antiphon:
Select one antiphon from this list:
___ Tobias 7:15; 8:19; Psalm 128(127):1
Graduale Romanum (1961)
“DEUS Israel conjungat vos, et ipse sit vobiscum, qui misertus est duobus
unicis: et nunc, Domine, fac eos plenius benedicere te (T.P. Alleluia, alleluia).
Ps. Beati omnes qui timent Dominum: qui ambulant in viis ejus. Doxology
Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto, Sicut erat in principio, et nunc, et
semper, et in saecula saeculorum. Amen.”
___ Tobias 7:15; 8:19; Psalm 128(127):1
Graduale Romanum (1961)
“MAY the God of Israel join you together; and may he be with you, who took
pity upon two only children: and now, O Lord, make them bless thee more
fully (E.T. Alleluia, alleluia). Ps. Blessed are all they that fear the Lord; that
walk in his ways. Doxology Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the
General Instruction of the Roman Missal including Adaptations for Dioceses in the United States of America (Institutio Generalis
Missale Romanum) confirmed by the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments on March 17, 2003;
Item 47.2.
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Music Planning Guide for Wedding Masses at the Church of the Nativity at Saint Joseph’s
Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.”
___ Psalm 68(67):6, 7, 36 and 2
Graduale Romanum (1974)
“DEUS in loco sancto suo: Deus, qui inhabitare facit unanimes in domo: ipse
dabit virtutem et fortitudinem plebi suae (T.P. Alleluia, alleluia). Ps. Exsurgat
Deus, et dissipentur inimici eius: et fugiant, qui oderunt eum, a faci e eius.
Doxology Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto, Sicut erat in principio, et
nunc, et semper, et in saecula saeculorum. Amen.”
___ Psalm 68(67):6, 7, 36 and 2
Graduale Romanum (1974)
“GOD is in his holy place, God who unites those who dwell in his house; he
himself gives might and strength to his people (E.T. Alleluia, alleluia). Ps. Let
God arise, and let his enemies be scattered: and let them that hate him flee
from before his face. Doxology Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the
Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.”
___ Psalm 90(89):1; 2
Graduale Romanum (1974)
“DOMINE refugium factus es nobis a generatione et progenie: a saeculo, et in
saeculum tu es (T.P. Alleluia, alleluia). Ps. Priusquam montes fierent, aut
formaretur terra et orbis: a saeculo, et usque in saeculum tu es Deus.
Doxology Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto, Sicut erat in principio, et
nunc, et semper, et in saecula saeculorum. Amen.”
___ Psalm 90(89):1; 2
Graduale Romanum (1974)
“LORD, thou hast been our refuge from generation to generation (E.T.
Alleluia, alleluia). Ps. Before the mountains were made, or the earth and the
world was formed; from eternity and to eternity thou art God. Doxology Glory
to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the
beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.”
___ Psalm 34(33):10, 11 and 2
Graduale Romanum (1974)
“TIMETE Dominum omnes sancti eius, quoniam nihil deest timentibus eum:
divites eguerunt, et esurierunt: inquirentes autem Dominum non deficient
omni bono (T.P. Alleluia, alleluia). Ps. Benedicam Dominum in omni
tempore: semper laus eius in ore meo. Doxology Gloria Patri, et Filio, et
Spiritui Sancto, Sicut erat in principio, et nunc, et semper, et in saecula
saeculorum. Amen.”
___ Psalm 34(33):10, 11 and 2
Graduale Romanum (1974)
“FEAR the Lord, all ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him.
“The rich have wanted, and have suffered hunger: but they that seek the Lord
shall not be deprived of any good (E.T. Alleluia, alleluia). Ps. I will bless the
Lord in all times: his praise be always in my mouth. Doxology Glory to the
Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is
now, and will be for ever. Amen.”
___ Psalm 20(19):3,5
Roman Missal (2011)
“MITTAT vobis Dominus auxilium de sancto, et de Sion tueatur vos. Tribuat
vobis secundum cor vestrum, et omne consilium vestrum confirmet (T.P.
alleluia).”
___ Psalm 20(19):3,5
Roman Missal (2011)
“MAY the Lord send you help from the holy place and give you support from
Sion. May he grant you your hearts’ desire and fulfill every one of your
designs (E.T. alleluia).”
___ See Psalm 90(89):14,17
Roman Missal (2011)
Music Planning Guide for Wedding Masses at the Church of the Nativity at Saint Joseph’s
“REPLETI sumus mane, Domine, misericordia tua, et exsultavimus et delectati
sumus omnibus diebus nostris. Sit splendor Domini super nos et super opera
manuum nostrarum (T.P. alleluia).”
___ See Psalm 90(89):14,17
Roman Missal (2011)
“AT dawn, O Lord, fill us with your merciful love, and we shall exult and
rejoice all our days. Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us and upon
the work of our hands (E.T. alleluia).”
___ Psalm 145(144):2,9
Roman Missal (2011)
“PER singulos dies benedicam tibi, Domine, et laudabo nomen tuum in
saeculum sreculi, quia suavis es universis, et miserationes ture super omnia
opera tua (T.P. alleluia).”
___ Psalm 145(144):2,9
Roman Missal (2011)
“I will bless you day after day, O Lord, and praise your name for ever and
ever, for you are kind to all and compassionate to all your creatures (E.T.
alleluia).”
Entrance Processional or Song
The Entrance Processional music accompanies the procession into the church. The procession is a liturgical
action described in the Rite of Marriage during Mass as the ritual entrance of the ministers for the liturgy.
The couple, as ministers of the sacrament of marriage, is included in the procession. This also reflects the
Church’s understanding that the bride and groom are complementary in marriage.
The actual order of the procession may be planned with the presiding priest or deacon and led by an altar
server or crossbearer and a reader carrying the Book of the Gospels, but equal attention should be given to
members of both families. Other variations on the Wedding Mass entrance procession frequently occur.
The procession and the music accompanying it should reflect the joyous dignity of the moment. Many
appropriate selections were originally composed for royal, state, or religious occasions.3 At Sunday Mass,
the entrance hymn usually acts as the processional music. An entrance hymn can accompany a wedding
procession as well. Generally, however, wedding processions are accompanied by instrumental music
(organ, brass, strings, etc.) or vocal music (solo or choir).
Entrance Processional: Select one instrumental processional song. Select a song that you have already not
already selected as Prelude music:
___ “Air” from Water Music (George Frideric Handel)
___ “Allegro Maestoso” from Water Music (Parts IX and XVII) (George Frideric
Handel)
___ “Canon in D” (Johann Pachelbel)
___ “Con Moto Maestoso” [measures 1-24]
___ “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” (Johann Sebastian Bach)
___ “Overture” from Royal Fireworks Suite” (George Frideric Handel)
The “Bridal Chorus” (commonly known as “Here Comes the Bride”) from Wilhelm Richard Wagner’s opera, Lohengrin, is not
to be used in Catholic Mass. It is a theater piece that has nothing to do with the Sacred Liturgy. In Lohengrin, the “Bridal
Chorus” actually accompanies the couple to the bedroom, not the altar. More importantly, it has been used to accompany
weddings in countless movies and television shows. The majority of images this piece conjures in the minds of the congregation
may have a lot to do with sentimentality but very little to do with worship. Because of this, even though it is frequently used in
the United States in Protestant churches or non-religious wedding settings, it is considered to be a use in poor taste. There are
numerous other compositions from which to choose, thus adding to the dignity and uniqueness of your wedding liturgy.
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Music Planning Guide for Wedding Masses at the Church of the Nativity at Saint Joseph’s
___ “Processional” from The Saint Anthony Chorale (Franz Joseph Haydn)
___ “The Prince of Denmark’s March” also known as “Trumpet Voluntary”
(Jeremiah Clarke)
___ “Rondeau” from Premier Suite” (Jean-Joseph Mouret)
___ “Trumpet Tune” (Jeremiah Clarke)
___ “Trumpet Voluntary” (John Stanley)
___ “Voluntary” (George Frideric Handel)
You may select one of the following as an Entrance Song if you would prefer the
singing of a hymn to instrumental processional music:
___ Psalm 100: “All the Earth” (Lucien Deiss)
___ “All Creatures of Our God and King” (LASST UNS EFREUEN)
___ “All People That on Earth do Dwell” (OLD HUNDREDTH)
___ “For the Beauty of the Earth” (DIX)
___ “For the Beauty of the Earth” (John Rutter)
___ “God, Who Created Hearts to Love” (LASST UNS ERFREUEN)
___ “God, Whose Love Is Reigning O’er Us” (LAUDA ANIMA)
___ “Hear Us Now, Our God and Father” (HYFRYDOL)
___ “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee” (HYMN TO JOY)
___ “Love Divine, All Love Excelling” (HYFRYDOL)
___ “O Father, All-Creating” (AURELIA)
___ “O God, Our Help in Ages Past” (SAINT ANNE)
___ “Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow” (OLD HUNDREDTH)
___ “Praise the Lord, Ye Heavens” (HYMN TO JOY)
___ “Praise to the Lord” (LOBE DEN HERREN)
___ “Sing, O Sing” (Dan Schutte)
If you would like to select an Entrance Processional or Song not in the list, please
write it on the following line.
_________________________________________________________
Greeting
Penitential Act and Kyrie
The Penitential Act and Kyrie are omitted unless the parish community participates in a Sunday Mass during
which Marriage is celebrated or unless the Marriage is celebrated on those days listed in numbers 1 through
4 of the Table of Liturgical Days. If it is sung, a simple setting of the Kyrie Eleison (Greek for “Lord, Have
Mercy”) is appropriate for the wedding liturgy. The Kyrie from Missa XVI (Mass XVI) is a simple setting
that has a short refrain for the congregation to repeat after the cantor intones it.
Kyrie:
Missa XVI (Graduale Romanum)
Music Planning Guide for Wedding Masses at the Church of the Nativity at Saint Joseph’s
Glory to God (Gloria)
The Gloria (“Glory to God in the highest…”) is sung during the Ritual Mass for the Celebration of
Marriage. If the Marriage is celebrated on those days listed in numbers 1 through 4 of the Table of
Liturgical Days, the Gloria is sung only if called for in the Mass of the Day.
Gloria:
Heritage Mass (Owen Alstott)
Collect Prayer
The Liturgy of the Word
First Reading
The First Reading is taken from the Old Testament.
First Reading:
___ Genesis 1:26-28,31a
___ Genesis 2:18-24
___ Genesis 24:48-51, 58-67
___ Tobit 7:6-14
___ Tobit 8:4b-8
___ Proverbs 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31
___ Song of Songs 2:8-10, 14, 16a, 8:6-7a
___ Sirach 26:1-4, 13-16
___ Jeremiah 31:31-32a, 33-34a
Responsorial Psalm
Following the First Reading, the Responsorial Psalm is sung. The style of the Psalm is responsorial; the
cantor or choir sings the verses with the assembly joining in the Psalm response. As an integral part of the
Liturgy of the Word, the Psalm is to be proclaimed from the ambo and its text may not be a paraphrase of
Holy Scripture. If a song that paraphrases a Psalm is desired, such a song may be sung as the Entrance,
Offertory, or Communion Song. The Rite of Marriage provides for the selection of one of the following
Psalm responses. A setting of Psalm 34 or Psalm 128 is perhaps the most appropriate selection as these are
also recommended by the Graduale Romanum, the Church’s official book of chant. Your copy of
“Together for Life” by Rev. Joseph M. Champlin will provide the full text of these Psalms to aid in your
decision, as well as the options for the First Reading, Second Reading, and Gospel.
Responsorial Psalm:
Select one Psalm from this list:
___ Psalm 33:12 and 18,20-21,22 “The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.”
___ * Psalm 34:2-3,4-5,6-7,8-9 “I will bless the Lord at all times.”
___ * Psalm 34:2-3,4-5,6-7,8-9 “Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.”
___ Psalm 103:1-2,8 and 13,17-18a “The Lord is kind and merciful.”
___ Psalm 103:1-2,8 and 13,17-18a “The Lord’s kindness is everlasting to those
who fear him.”
___ Psalm 112:12,3-4,5-7a,7bc-8,9 “Happy are those who do what the Lord
commands.”
___ Psalm 112:12,3-4,5-7a,7bc-8,9 “Alleluia.”
___ * Psalm 128:1-2,3,4-5 “Happy are those who fear the Lord.”
___ * Psalm 128:1-2,3,4-5 “See how the Lord blesses those who fear him.”
Music Planning Guide for Wedding Masses at the Church of the Nativity at Saint Joseph’s
___ * Psalm 128:1-2,3,4-5 “Blessed are those who fear the Lord.”
___ * Psalm 128:1-2,3,4-5 “Happy are those who fear the Lord and walk in his
ways.”
___ * Psalm 128:1-2,3,4-5,6 “May the Lord bless us all the days of our lives.”
___ Psalm 145:8-9,10 and 15,17-18 “The Lord is compassionate to all his
creatures.”
___ Psalm 148:1-2,3-4,9-10,11-12ab,12c-14 “Let all praise the name of the Lord.”
___ Psalm 148:1-2,3-4,9-10,11-12ab,12c-14 “Alleluia.”
Gradual
A Gradual Psalm may replace the Responsorial Psalm if desired.
Gradual:
___ Psalm 128(127):3
Graduale Romanum (1974)
“UXOR tua sicut viis abundans in lateribus domus tuae. Verse. Filii tui sicut
novella olivarum in circuitu mensae tuae.”
___ Psalm 128(127):3
Graduale Romanum (1974)
“THY wife shall be as a fruitful vine on the sides of thy house. Verse. Thy
children as olive plants round about thy table.”
___ Psalm 34(33):10; 11b
Graduale Romanum (1974)
“TIMETE Dominum omnes sancti eius: quoniam nihil deest timentibus eum.
Verse. Inquirentes autem Dominum non deficient omni bono.”
___ Psalm 34(33):10; 11b
Graduale Romanum (1974)
“FEAR the Lord, all ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him.
Verse. They that seek the Lord shall not be deprived of any good.”
Second Reading
The Second Reading is taken from the Epistles of the New Testament.
Music Planning Guide for Wedding Masses at the Church of the Nativity at Saint Joseph’s
Second Reading
___ Romans 8:31b-35,37-39
___ Romans 12:1-2,9-18 or Romans 12:1-2,9-13
___ Romans 15:1b-3a,5-7,13
___ I Corinthians 6:13c-15a,17-20
___ I Corinthians 12:31—13:8a
___ Ephesians 5:2a,21-33 or Ephesians 5:2a,25-32
___ Philippians 4:4-9
___ Colossians 3:12-17
___ Hebrews 13:1-4a,5-6b
___ I Peter 3:1-9
___ I John 3:18-24
___ I John 4:7-12
___ Revelation 19:1,5-9a
Alleluia (or Gospel Acclamation) and Gospel Verse
Following the Second Reading, the Alleluia is sung to introduce the proclamation of the Gospel. The style
of the Alleluia or Gospel Acclamation is responsorial; the cantor or choir sings the Gospel Verse with the
assembly joining in the response. During the seasons of Advent, Christmas, Easter, and Ordinary Time, the
same Alleluia sung at the Great Vigil of Easter is sung at the Wedding Mass.
Alleluia:
Easter Vigil Communion Antiphon (Chant, Mode VI)
During the season of Lent, when we may not sing “Alleluia”, the Gospel Acclamation (“Praise to you, Lord
Jesus Christ, king of endless glory.”) is sung instead.
Gospel Acclamation:
“Laus tibi, Christe…”/“Praise to you, Lord…” (Chant, Mode I)
The Rite of Marriage provides for the selection of one of the following Alleluia or Gospel Verses.
Alleluia Verse:
___ Psalm 20(19):3
Graduale Romanum (1974)
“ALLELUIA, alleluia. Mittat vobi Dominus auxilium de sancto: et de Sion
tueatur vos. Alleluia.”
___ Psalm 20(19):3
Graduale Romanum (1974)
“ALLELUIA, alleluia. May the Lord send you help from the sanctuary, and
defend you out of Sion. Alleluia.”
Gospel Verse:
Select one verse from this list:
___ I John 4:8 and 11 “God is love; let us love one another as he has loved us.”
___ I John 4:12 “If we love one another God will live in us in perfect love.”
___ I John 4:16 “He who lives in love, lives in God, and God in him.”
___ I John 4:7b “Everyone who loves is born of God and knows him.”
Gospel
The Gospel reading is taken from the Gospel of Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John.
Music Planning Guide for Wedding Masses at the Church of the Nativity at Saint Joseph’s
Gospel
___ Matthew 5:1-12a
___ Matthew 5:13-16
___ Matthew 7:21,24-29 or Matthew 7:21,24-25
___ Matthew 19:3-6
___ Matthew 22:35-40
___ Mark 10:6-9
___ John 2:1-11
___ John 15:9-12
___ John 15:12-16
___ John 17:20-26 or John 17:20-23
The Rite of Marriage
The actual Rite of Marriage does not call for any specific music, but a short acclamation of praise such as an
alleluia refrain can be sung by the congregation after the exchange of vows and again after the exchange of
rings.
Questions before Consent
Consent
Blessing of Rings
Universal Prayer (Prayer of the Faithful)
The Liturgy of the Eucharist and Communion Rite
Presentation and Preparation of the Gifts
Offertory Antiphon or Song
Following the Rite of Marriage, the Offertory Song accompanies the Preparation of the Altar and the Gifts
at the beginning of the Liturgy of the Eucharist. An instrumental or vocal selection or a congregational
hymn may accompany the presentation and preparation of the gifts. The music used here should not
prolong this part of the liturgy. If a congregational hymn is chosen, it should follow the same criteria stated
for the processional hymn. The Offertory Song may also be a sacred composition sung only by the cantor
or choir such as “Ave Maria”. If a vocal solo is sung, it should reflect God’s love for you and his blessing
on your marriage. When choosing an Offertory Song, consider that the members of the congregation may
be more likely to sing a familiar song or one with an easily learned and repeatable refrain. Another way to
encourage congregational participation at this time is to choose a responsorial setting of a Psalm from the
following list. The Graduale Romanum recommends a setting of Psalm 34.
Music Planning Guide for Wedding Masses at the Church of the Nativity at Saint Joseph’s
Offertory Antiphon:
___ Psalm 34(33):8, 9
Graduale Romanum (1974)
“IMMITTET angelus Domini in circuitu timentium eum, et eripiet eos: gustate
et videte, quoniam suavis est Dominus (T.P. alleluia).”
___ Psalm 34(33):8, 9
Graduale Romanum (1974)
“THE Angel of the Lord shall encamp round about those who fear him and
shall deliver them; taste and see how good the Lord is (E.T. alleluia).”
___ Psalm 31(30):15, 16
Graduale Romanum (1974)
“IN te sperávi, Dómine: dixi: Tu es Deus meus: in minibus tuis témpora
mea (T.P. alleluia).”
___ Psalm 31(30):15, 16
Graduale Romanum (1974)
“IN you I have put my trust, O Lord; I said: ‘You are my God, my destiny is
in your hands’ (E.T. alleluia).” or “IN thee, O Lord, have I hoped: I said, thou
art my God, my times are in thy hands (E.T. alleluia).”
Offertory Song:
Select one song from this list:
___ Psalm 16: “The Path of Life” (Scott Soper)
___ * Psalm 34: “Taste and See” (Stephen Dean)
___ * Psalm 34: “Taste and See” (James E. Moore, Jr.)
___ “Ave Maria” (Chant, Mode I)
___ “Ave Maria” (Johann Sebastian Bach, Charles Gounod)
___ “Ave Maria” (Franz Schubert)
___ “For the Beauty of the Earth” (John Rutter)
___ “Lord of All Hopefulness” (SLANE)
___ “Prayer of Saint Francis” (Sebastian Temple)
___ “Ubi Caritas” (Bob Hurd) [Verses 1, 2, 5]
___ “When Love Is Found” (O WALY WALY)
___ “Where Love Is Found” (Dan Schutte)
___ “Where There Is Love” (David Haas)
If you would like to select an Offertory Song not in the list, please write it on the
following line.
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Offertory Prayer (Prayer over the Offerings)
Preface
Holy (Sanctus)
The Sanctus (“Holy, holy, holy, Lord, God of power and might…”) is an acclamation based on the Book of
Isaiah, Chapter 6, Verse 3, and the Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 21, Verse 9. It is sung at the conclusion of
the Preface of the Eucharistic Prayer.
Music Planning Guide for Wedding Masses at the Church of the Nativity at Saint Joseph’s
Eucharistic Prayer
Mystery of Faith
The Mystery of Faith is an acclamation sung by the congregation after the priest’s invitation. Three forms
exist:
___ “We proclaim your Death, O Lord, and profess your Resurrection until you come again.”
___ “When we eat this Bread and drink this Cup, we proclaim your Death, O Lord, until you come again.”
___ “Save us, Savior of the world, for by your Cross and Resurrection you have set us free.”
Eucharistic Prayer continues
Doxology and Amen
The Amen, which means “so be it”, is sung by the people in response to the Doxology of the Eucharistic
Prayer (“Through him, with him, in him…for ever and ever.”).
Our Father (Pater Noster)
The Pater Noster is better known in English as the “Lord’s Prayer” or the “Our Father”. Generally it is
spoken, but may be sung if the majority will be familiar with the setting. The Lord’s Prayer is the
congregation’s common prayer, and the people should be able to participate. A solo version such as the
setting by Albert Hay Malotte is not appropriate for Catholic Mass. Sacramentary Tone B is the English
chant known by most Catholic Christians in the United States. Tonus Orationis Dominicæ A is appropriate
if the singing of the Lord’s Prayer in Latin is desired.
Nuptial Blessing
After the Our Father, the prayer “Deliver us…” is omitted. The Priest, standing and facing the bride and
bridegroom, invokes upon them God’s blessing, and this is never omitted. In the invitation, if one or both
of the spouses will not be receiving Communion, the words in parentheses are omitted. In the prayer, the
words in parentheses may be omitted if it seems that circumstances suggest it, for example, if the bride and
bridegroom are advanced in years. The bride and bridegroom approach the altar or, if appropriate, they
remain at their place and kneel.
Lamb of God (Agnus Dei)
The Agnus Dei (“Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world: have mercy on us…”) is a threefold
invocation to Christ based on the Gospel of John, Chapter 1, Verse 29. It accompanies the Fraction Rite, in
which the priest breaks the consecrated host prior to the distribution of communion. The third and final
invocation ends with the words “dona nobis pacem” or “grant us peace”.
Communion Antiphon or Song
The Communion Song accompanies the reception of Holy Communion by the members of the
congregation. Congregational singing is appropriate here because it gives expression to our unity in the
Body of Christ. When choosing a Communion Song, consider that the Faithful are likely to be processing
to receive communion and may not be able to carry hymnals with them. They may be more likely to sing a
Music Planning Guide for Wedding Masses at the Church of the Nativity at Saint Joseph’s
familiar song or one with an easily learned and repeatable refrain. A song with a Eucharistic text or text
based on the Gospel reading is most appropriate as a Communion Song. A way to encourage
congregational participation at this time is to choose a setting of a Psalm from the following list. The
Communion Song may also be a sacred composition sung only by the cantor or choir such as “Panis
Angelicus” or a chant such as “Ave Verum Corpus”. The Graduale Romanum recommends a setting of
Psalm 34; Matthew 5:8,9,10; or Matthew 6:33. The Missale Romanum recommends a setting of John 13:34.
Music Planning Guide for Wedding Masses at the Church of the Nativity at Saint Joseph’s
Communion Antiphon: ___ Psalm 128(127):4, 6
Graduale Romanum (1961)
“Ecce sic benedicetur omnis homo, qui timet Dominum: et videas filios
filiorum tuorum: pax super Israel (T.P. alleluia).”
___ Psalm 128(127):4, 6
Graduale Romanum (1961)
“BEHOLD, thus shall every man be blessed that feareth the Lord; and mayest
thou see thy children’s children: peace upon Israel (E.T. alleluia).”
___ Matthew 5:8,9,10; Psalm 34(33) Graduale Romanum (1974)
“BEATI mundo corde, quoniam ipsi Deum videbunt: beati pacifici, quoniam
filii Dei vocabuntur: beati qui persecutionem patiuntur propter iustitiam,
quoniam ipsorum est regnum caelorum (T.P. alleluia).”
___ Matthew 5:8,9,10; Psalm 34(33) Graduale Romanum (1974)
“BLESSED are the clean of heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the
peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God. Blessed are they who
are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of
heaven (E.T. alleluia).”
___ Matthew 6:33; Psalm 37(36):1, 3, 16, 18, 19, 23, 27, 28ab, 28cd, 29, 34ab
Graduale Romanum (1974)
“PRIMUM quaerite regnum Dei, et omnia adicientur vobis, dicit Dominus
(T.P. alleluia).”
___ Matthew 6:33; Psalm 37(36):1, 3, 16, 18, 19, 23, 27, 28ab, 28cd, 29, 34ab
Graduale Romanum (1974)
“SEEK first the kingdom of God, and all the rest will be given to you in
addition, says the Lord (E.T. alleluia).”
___ Cf. Ephesians 5:25, 27
Roman Missal (2011)
“CHRISTUS dilexit Ecclesiam et seipsum tradidit pro ea, ut exhiberet sibi
uxorem sanctam et immaculatam (T.P. alleluia).”
___ Cf. Ephesians 5:25, 27
Roman Missal (2011)
“CHRIST loved the Church and handed himself over for her, to present her as
a holy and spotless bride for himself (E.T. alleluia).”
___ John 13:34
Roman Missal (2011)
“MANDATUM novum do vobis, ut diligatis invicem, sicut dilexi vos, dicit
Dominus (T.P. alleluia).”
___ John 13:34
Roman Missal (2011)
“I give you a new commandment, that you love one another as I have loved
you, says the Lord (E.T. alleluia).”
___ Psalm 34(33):2, 9 (1, 9)
Roman Missal (2011)
“BENEDICAM Dominum in omni tempore, semper laus eius in ore meo.
Gustate et videte quoniam suavis est Dominus; beatus vir, qui sperat in eo
(T.P. alleluia).”
___ Psalm 34(33):2, 9 (1, 9)
Roman Missal (2011)
“I will bless the Lord at all times, praise of him is always in my mouth. Taste
and see that the Lord is good; blessed the man who seeks refuge in him (E.T.
alleluia).”
Communion Song:
Select one song from this list:
___ * Psalm 34: “Taste and See” (Stephen Dean)
___ * Psalm 34: “Taste and See” (James E. Moore, Jr.)
___ * Matthew 5: “Blest Are They” (David Haas)
Music Planning Guide for Wedding Masses at the Church of the Nativity at Saint Joseph’s
___ * Matthew 6:33 “Seek Ye First” (Karen Lafferty)
___ * John 13:34 “Love One Another” (Bob Dufford)
___ “Ave Verum Corpus” (Chant, Mode VI)
___ “Eat This Bread” (Jacques Berthier, Taizé Community)
___ “Gift of Finest Wheat” (BICENTENNIAL)
___ “I Am the Bread of Life” (Suzanne Toolan)
___ “Panis Angelicus” (César Franck)
___ “Panis Angelicus (Holy and Living Bread)” (SACRIS SOLEMNIS)
___ “Whatsoever You Do” (Willard F. Jabusch)
If you would like to select a Communion Song not in the list, please write it on the
following line.
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Prayer after Communion
Greeting, Solemn Blessing at the End of Mass, and Dismissal
Processional Song and Postludes
A festive instrumental postlude is most effective as accompaniment to the procession out of the church
following Mass.4
Postlude:
Select one song from this list. Select a song that you have already not already
selected as Prelude or Entrance Processional music:
___ “Allegro Maestoso” from Water Music (Parts IX and XVII) (George Frideric
Handel)
___ “Fanfare” (Jacques Lemmens)
___ “Hornpipe” from Water Music (Parts IX and XVII) (George Frideric Handel)
___ “Hymn to Joy” from Symphony IX (Ludwig von Beethoven)
___ “Le Réjouissance” (George Frideric Handel)
___ “Overture” from Royal Fireworks Suite” (George Frideric Handel)
___ “Prelude and Fugue in F Major” from Eight Little Preludes and Fugues
(Johann Sebastian Bach / Johann Tobias Krebs)
___ “The Prince of Denmark’s March” also known as “Trumpet Voluntary”
(Jeremiah Clarke)
___ “Rigaudon” (André Campra)
___ “Rondeau” from Premier Suite” (Jean-Joseph Mouret)
___ “Trumpet Tune” (Jeremiah Clarke)
___ “Voluntary” (George Frideric Handel)
Felix Mendelssohn’s “Wedding March” is incidental music written for William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. It is
not to be used in Catholic Mass. Like Wagner’s “Bridal Chorus”, it is a theater piece that has nothing to do with the Sacred
Liturgy. “Wedding March” accompanies a farcical wedding (the play is a comedy), and it, too, is considered to be a use in poor
taste. There are numerous other compositions from which to choose, thus adding to the dignity and uniqueness of your wedding
liturgy.
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Music Planning Guide for Wedding Masses at the Church of the Nativity at Saint Joseph’s
If you would like to select a Postlude not in the list, please write it on the following
line.
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