“Will you marry me?”, he said
“I will.”, she said.
That seemingly simple dialogue served as the germ for what will culminate after months of preparation as your “wedding day.” Some times, couples plan their wedding day with little interference from outside forces. More often, however, brides and grooms are making decisions that please family members more than themselves. Because of this, the beauty of the wedding day and the mystery of the sacrament of marriage are sometimes lost or, worse, rendered angst-filled.
Your wedding ceremony – either Mass or Service -- celebrates the calling together of a man and woman in the holy bond of marriage. The bride and groom celebrate a sacrament; they marry each other. The church’s minister officiates and witnesses the celebration of the sacrament by the happy couple.
The celebration of the sacraments are meant for public celebration. Because of this, music has always played an important and vital role in the wedding liturgy. Music during the wedding liturgy is not mere background noise, but represents the Church’s joy for this celebration. Music provides the couple with an opportunity to speak to each other and to speak to their families and their friends about the importance of the sacrament celebrated and the commitment made on your wedding day.
To assist couples in the process of choosing music for your liturgical celebration, the Office of Music and Worship offers informational seminars for our couples. This seminar outlines basic guidelines regarding music for your wedding. These guidelines are based on existing policy for the Universal Church, for this diocese and for our parish community. At the seminar, couples have the opportunity to also hear the music selections that are offered.
A list of the selections offered in the current liturgical year is available on the website. Should you wish to hear the music for these selections before attending a seminar, you may be able to avail yourself of the Internet (Google, for example).
Michael Anthony Amantia, Esq.
Director of Music and Worship
Our Lady of Sorrows- Saint Anthony Parish