GUIDELINES FOR THE PARISH WEDDING MINISTRY TEAM

I. IDENTITY

The Parish Wedding Ministry Team (PWMT) is the one responsible for the preparation of the couple intending to receive the Sacrament of Matrimony from the onset of their application up to the day of their wedding.

II. COMPOSITION

The Parish Wedding Ministry Team (PWMT) is composed of the following members:

1. Parish Secretary2. Parish Commission on Liturgy and Popular Religiosity (CLPR) Head or

Representative3. Parish Commission on the Family (COF) Head or Representative4. Parish Commission on Catechesis and Religious Education (COMCARE)

Head or Representative5. The Chief Sacristan or MBG or Representative6. Parish Ministry of Ushers, Greeters and Collectors (MUGC) Head or

Representative7. Parish Music Ministry (MM) Head or Representative

III. FUNCTIONS

1. Assists the couple in the preparation of all requirements, namely:1.1 Canonical1.2 Material1.3 Spiritual 1.4 Liturgical

2. Ensures that all pertinent documents are completed and submitted to the parish office for proper recording and compilation within a specified period of time.

3. Coordinates and makes arrangements regarding the liturgical requirements, namely:3.1 The celebration of the Eucharist and Marriage Rites3.2 The materials needed for the celebration3.3 The assignment of ministers needed to assist in the celebration

Diocese of ParañaqueCOMMISSION ON LITURGY AND POPULAR RELIGIOSITY

Diocesan Center for Evangelization

3.4 The requirements of the liturgical environment (decorations, flowers, etc.)

4. Assists the couple in the pre-sacramental catechesis5. Assists the couple in the spiritual and moral preparation (e.g.

Responsible Parenthood, Pre-Cana Seminar, etc.)

IV. MEMBERS’ RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Parish Secretary (Over-all Coordinator)1.1 Conducts the initial interview of the couple intending to receive

the Sacrament of Matrimony1.2 Informs the couple of all required documents, including the

period needed to complete them, as well as other pertinent details regarding the marriage preparation

1.3 Endorses the couple to the other members of the PWMT regarding the process of their preparation

1.4 Compiles a record of all submitted documents.

2. CLPR Head or Representative2.1 After the couple is endorsed to the Team, the CLPR Head or a

representative presents the entire structure of the preparation and celebration of the couple’s wedding.

2.2 Coordinates with the lay liturgical ministers who will assist in the preparation and celebration of the Mass and Marriage Rites (i.e. the Commentator and Lectors, Altar Servers, MBG, MUGC, EMHC, Choir).

3. COMCARE Head or Representative3.1 Assesses the knowledge of the couple regarding the Catholic

Faith.3.2 Assists the couple in the Pre-Sacramental Catechesis, namely:

3.2.1 The importance of the Sacrament of Matrimony 3.2.2 Its relationship with the other sacraments 3.2.3 The meaning and importance of signs and symbols

3.3 Assists the couple in choosing the prayers and readings for the Mass and Wedding Rites.

4. COF Head or Representative4.1 Assists the couple in their spiritual and moral preparation,

namely:4.1.1 Pre-Cana Seminar4.1.2 Responsible Christian Parenthood 4.1.3 Natural Family Planning

4.2 Coordinates with the couple regarding the dates, venues and requirements for these seminars.

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5. MBG Head or Representative or Chief Sacristan5.1 Coordinates with the couple regarding the material requirements,

namely:

5.1.1 The appropriate attire 5.1.2 The material symbolic elements (wedding rings, arrhae,

veil and cord, candles, etc.)

5.2 Coordinates with the couple regarding the liturgical environment, namely:5.2.1 The flowers and decorations (depending on the liturgical

season)5.2.2 Other embellishments which are allowed or prohibited

6. MUGC Head or Representative6.1 Coordinates with the couple if there is any need for a rehearsal of

the entourage, the wedding march, etc. 6.2 May arrange a meeting with photographers or videographers

regarding the proper decorum during the celebration of the Marriage Rites.

7. Music Ministry (MM) Head or Representative7.1 Presents to the couple a list of duly approved songs, which may

be used for the celebration of the Mass and Wedding Rites7.2 Instructs any musicians, singers, or choir appointed by the

couple to assist during the Mass and Wedding Rites.

V. PROCESSES

A. Remote Preparations

1. The Canonical Requirements (to be filled up by the Chancery office).

2. The Rite of Marriage: The remote preparation involving the PWMT begins after the couple has completed all the necessary canonical requirements for the celebration of the Marriage Rites. As soon as a date is definitely established, the couple will proceed to meet with the PWMT.

The following items are to be discussed:

2.1 The parish shall provide the couple with the duly approved Catholic Marriage Rites in the Dioceses of the Philippines. If the couple intends to utilize Marriage Rites provided through other sources, such as previous weddings they have attended, or rites which they have obtained from dioceses other than those of the

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Philippines, these must be submitted for proper review, editing, and approval.

2.2 The following elements of the Marriage Rites may depend on the choice of the couple as provided in the Ritual Mass and official liturgical books:2.2.1 The language of the Mass and Rite of Marriage (English or

Filipino)2.2.2 The Scriptural Readings and Responsorial Psalm

2.2.2.1 Non-Scriptural readings must not be used to replace the Liturgy of the Word.

2.2.2.2 The readings are to be proclaimed using the Lectionary, which is the official liturgial book for the Liturgy of the Word.

2.2.3 The Presidential Prayers (Collect, Prayer Over the Gifts, Preface, Post-Communion Prayer, Nuptial Blessing)

2.2.4 The Songs for the Mass and Marriage Rites 2.2.4.1 It must be noted that only songs approved for use

in the liturgy are to be used. Secular music may be used for the couple’s reception.

2.2.4.2 The couple must submit the musical repertoire for the Mass and Wedding Rites, in case they have preferences. This will be reviewed and duly approved.

2.2.5 The General Intercessions2.2.6 The form of the Matrimonial Consent

3. The Ministers involved

3.1 The Commentator and Lectors: In order to maintain the dignity of the proclamation of the Word of God, only duly commissioned Lectors of the parish are to proclaim the Readings, chant the Responsorial Psalm, announce the intentions of the Prayer of the Faithful.

3.2 The Choir or Instrumentalist3.2.1 Choirs must submit their musical repertoire prior to the

date of the wedding for review and approval.3.2.2 As mentioned, only songs approved for liturgical use may

be sung during the celebration of the Mass and Wedding Rites. Secular music may be reserved for the wedding reception.

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4. From the onset of the remote preparations, it must be strictly noted by the couple that the PWMT will take charge of the preparations for the Wedding Rites and not their own wedding coordinator.

B. Immediate Preparations

The members of the PWMT will work together not only with the remote preparations, but with the immediate preparations before the celebration of the Mass and Wedding Rites.

1. The Chief Sacristan1.1 Prepares the Books to be used, namely: the Roman Ritual (or a

dignified and well-prepared ritual book), the Roman Missal, the Lectionary

2. Ministry of Ushers, Greeters and Collectors (MUGC)2.1 If required or requested by the couple, the MUGC may assist the

rehearsal of the wedding rites.

3. Mother Butler Guild (MBG) / Ministry of Sacristans (MS)3.1 They are tasked to make the necessary preparations in terms of

design and floral arrangements of the Church for the Mass and Wedding Rites.

3.2 They are to take charge of all the liturgical materials to be used for the Mass and Wedding Rites.

3.3 They must consider the particular liturgical season when the Wedding Rites are held. 3.3.1 During Advent and Lent, the decorations must be

respectively subdued so as to correspond to the disposition of sobriety of these seasons.

3.4 They must always be guided by the liturgical principle of noble simplicity in the decoration of the altar and the Church during the wedding ceremony.

C. At the Celebration of the Mass and Wedding Rites

1. The Parish Wedding Ministry Team (PWMT)

1.1 The PWMT, led by the Coordinator and/or his/her assistant is to take charge of the celebration of the Mass and Wedding Rites from the preparation and entrance of the members of the entourage until the Final Blessing.

1.2 The couple’s personal wedding coordinator may perform his/her duties before the start of the Mass and only after the Final

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Blessing has been given and the faithful are dismissed by the presiding celebrant. 1.2.1 He/she must not interfere in the directions, or instructions

given by the celebrant or the members of the PWMT within the Mass and Wedding Rites.

1.3 Strict regulations are to be implemented in the various parts of the Mass and Wedding Rites, such as the entrance of the bride, the exchange of matrimonial consent, the choice of songs, and the direction of the various ministers. This is to prevent the proliferation of mundane, drama-inspired, or non-Catholic elements within the celebration. (e.g. the use of butterflies, fog, balloons in the entrance of the bride, the use of the “unity candle,” etc.)

2. The Ministers

2.1 Duly Commissioned Lectors and Commentators2.1.1 The Commentator may lead the congregation, especially if

it is noticeably unfamiliar with the responses, and prayers of the Mass.

2.1.2 The Commentator may also give instructions to the congregation regarding the postures and gestures, the movements required for the Wedding Rites, such as the lighting of the candles, the placement of the veil and cord, etc.

2.1.3 The Lector must proclaim the Readings from the Ambo using the Lectionary, and the Prayer of the Faithful using the appropriate ritual book.

2.2 The Choir2.2.1 As mentioned above, the choir must abide by the

appropriate principles of liturgical music in the choice of songs, as well as musical instruments.

2.2.2 Only duly approved songs for use in the liturgy must be selected for the Mass and Wedding Rites. Secular music is best for the wedding reception.

2.3 The Ministry of Ushers, Greeters and Collectors (MUGC)2.3.1 Members of the MUGC are to be placed in-charge of

arranging the entrance of the wedding entourage, as well as in guiding them to their proper places.

2.3.2 They are to guide and direct the various roles to be taken by some of the members of the entourage, such as the candle, veil, and cord sponsors.

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2.3.3 They are to guide and direct the faithful who will present the gifts at the start of the Liturgy of the Eucharist, as well as the queueing of the faithful for holy communion.

2.3.4 They are to guide and regulate the movement of photographers and videographers who are covering the Mass and wedding ceremony. (This may be assigned to the chief sacristan or altar servers, especially when they approach the sanctuary.)

2.4 Altar Servers (AS)2.4.1 Altar Servers must be duly and carefully trained while

assisting at the Mass and Wedding Rites to ensure the dignity of the celebration.

2.5 Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHC)2.5.1 EMHC may be requested to assist in case there is a large

number of the faithful attending the Mass and Marriage Rites.

3. Rites

3.1 The proper rite to be used for Marriage may be found in the book “Catholic Marriages in the Philippines.”

3.2 For renewal of Marriage Vows (Wedding Anniversaries)3.2.1 Submit a copy of the NSO registered Marriage Certificate of

Church wedding.3.2.2 Certification from the Church where the wedding was held

should be submitted, in the absence of an NSO Registered Marriage Certificate.

3.3 The specific Rite for Renewal of Marriage and NOT the Rites for Marriage should be used for the celebration of wedding anniversaries.

4. Personal Vows

4.1 There is no place for Personal Vows during the wedding rite itself.

4.2 The couple SHOULD use the Liturgical Canonical form found in the Catholic Wedding Rite.

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4.3 The signing of the Marriage Contract should not be done on the Altar Table. The Couple may sign the contracts where they are seated.

5. Place of Celebration

5.1 If the couple wished to celebrate the same within the celebration of the Mass, it must be done in an Oratory or the Parish Church.

5.2 If the couple wishes to celebrate their wedding anniversary using the Rites for Renewal of Marriage Vows Outside the Mass, this may be done in the venue where the reception shall be held.

5.3 The only exception would be for couples who are advanced in age or seriously ill.

6. Wedding Coordinators and Photographers

6.1 From the onset of the remote preparations, it must be strictly noted by the couple that the Parish Wedding Ministry Team will take charge of the preparations for the wedding rites and not their own wedding coordinator.

6.2 Photographers should be reminded to observe discretion with their movements in order not to distract the faithful and disturb the solemnity of the celebration.

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