Weddingbee Blog

In the most recent Pretzel recap we exchanged vows. For Catholics who choose not to have a full Mass, the wedding ceremony ends soon after vows are exchanged. However, if you are celebrating Mass you proceed to the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

The Liturgy of the Eucharist begins with the presentation of gifts.

Preparation of the gifts

Big Bro Pretzel and Pretzel nephew “the boy” brought up the gifts of bread and wine to the Priest while we sang my favorite hymn, The Summons.

I was really glad to have my brother and nephew bring up the gifts. At their home church my nephew and niece are frequently asked to bring up the gifts at Mass and I had no worries that “the boy” would do an awesome job.

Source: The Summons Written by John Bell of the Iona Community, and sung by Robert Kochis.

Our song choice here makes Mr P tear up every time he hears it because he knows that the song holds special meaning to me. Our wedding day was no exception and I get misty eyed just remembering how beautiful the song sounded.

Will you love the ‘you’ you hide

If I but call your name?

Will you quell the fear inside

And never be the same?

Will you use the faith you’ve found

To reshape the world around,

Through my sight and touch and sound

In you and you in me?

Lord, your summons echoes true

When you but call my name.

Let me turn and follow you

And never be the same.

In your company I’ll go

Where your love and footsteps show.

Thus I’ll move and live and grow

In you and you in me.

Words: John L. Bell & Graham Maule, copyright © 1987 Wild Goose Resource Group/ WGRG, Iona Community, Glasgow G2 3DH, Scotland.

Father, all-powerful and ever-living God, we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks.

You created man in love to share your divine life. We see his high destiny in the love of husband and wife, which bears the imprint of your own divine love.

Love is man’s origin, love is his constant calling, love is his fulfillment in heaven.

The love of man and woman is made holy in the sacrament of marriage, and becomes the mirror of your everlasting love.

Through Christ the choirs of angels and all the saints praise and worship your glory. May our voices blend with theirs as we join in their unending hymn:

2

Source: Lucia Palmieri Sings “The Mass of Creation” Holy Holy

Eucharistic Prayer

We knelt for the eucharistic prayer which Fr Jim sang. HE SANG! Fr Jim is an accomplished vocalist and his voice never fails to bring shivers to my spine. Yeah, he’s my favorite singing, blogging, all around techy Priest! I cannot put into words how beautiful the eucharistic prayer is when he sings it. Usually the eucharistic prayer is sung at special occasions, and during our marriage preparation meetings with him we asked if he would be willing to sign it at our wedding.

Image courtesy of wedding guest, Mrs Cherry Pie {Persimmon Images}

I was amazed that Mr P and I, who are both know for wearing our emotions on our sleeves, managed to keep a dry eye until the Eucharistic prayer. During this prayerful moment the emotions and joy of the day overtook both of us.

Through him,

with him,

in him,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

all glory and honor is yours,

almighty Father,

for ever and ever.

Together we said the Lord’s Prayer…

… then received the nuptial blessing.

Nuptial Blessing

Let us pray to our Loving God for Matthew and Amy

who come to God’s altar at the beginning of their married life

so that they may always be united in love for each other

as now they share in the body and blood of Christ.

Holy Father, you created humanity in your own image

and made man and woman to be joined as husband and wife

in union of body and heart and so fulfill their mission in this world.

To reveal the plan of your love,

you made the union of husband and wife

an image of the covenant between you and your people.

In the fulfillment of this sacrament,

the marriage of Christian man and woman

is a sign of the marriage between Christ and the church.

Gracious God, stretch out your hand, Matthew and Amy.

Loving God, grant they as they begin to live this sacrament

they may share with each other the gifts of your love

and become one in heart and mind

as witnesses to your presence in their marriage.

Help them to create a home together

and give them children to be formed by the gospel

and to have a place in your family.

Give your blessings to Amy, your daughter,

so that she may be a good wife and mother,

caring for the home,

faithful in love for her husband,

generous and kind.

Give your blessings to Matthew, your son,

so that he may be a faithful husband and a good father,

caring for the home,

generous and kind.

Gracious God,

grant that as they come together to your table on earth,

so they may one day have the joy of sharing your feast in heaven.

We ask this Christ our Lord.

AMEN.

Sign of Peace

Lord Jesus Christ, you said to your apostles,

“Peace I give you; my peace I leave you.”

Look not on our sins, but on the faith of your church,

and grant us the peace and unity of your kingdom

where you live for ever and ever.

“Amen”

At the sign of peace you turn to the people around you, extend a handshake (or hug) and wish them “peace be with you.”  Mr P and I took that opportunity to slip in a kiss too! We then went out to the pews to embrace our family and friends.

Papa Pretzel gave me a kiss on the cheek and FIL Pretzel hugged Mr P tight.

Previous two images courtesy of wedding guest, Mrs Cherry Pie {Persimmon Images}

I got hugs from Bridesmaid R and Mr P was welcomed to the family by SIL Tig.

Communion

As we received communion for the first time as husband and wife, we sang Hail Mary: Gentle woman.

Source: Hail Mary Gentle Woman sung by Angelina (EWTN)

Our friends Annie and Jay served as Eucharistic Ministers. It was very special to have friends participate in our Mass.

We’re almost done. Woot woot! Up next, the Concluding Rites.

Need to catch up?

Twisted Together, aka Pretzel recaps:

• In the last week we got a little help from our friends
• Take a closer look at our favors
• Take a closer look at our programs
• We welcomed our guests to Seattle
• We took in a ball game
• Sipping tea and bridal party pampering
• We rehearse, I stress
• Nom, Nom, Rehearsal Dinner on the beach Pt 1
• Giving Gifts, Rehearsal Dinner on the beach Pt 2
• I was Sleepless in Seattle (suburbs)
• We Primp (hair and makeup)
• We got dressed
• Old New Borrowed Blue
• At first sight - our first look
• The Quiet before the Ceremony
• Welcome to our wedding
• We walked down the aisle
• Our Mass: Liturgy of the Word
• Our Mass: Rites of Marriage