Michael Brooks
A Catholic wedding ceremony typically consists of three readings: a first reading from the Old Testament, a responsorial psalm, and a reading from one of the four Gospels. The responsorial psalm is sung by the song leader, who sings the chosen scripture, while the assembly sings the verse in response. There are nine options for the first reading from the Old Testament, thirteen options for the second reading from the New Testament, and ten choices for the Gospel. The couple chooses one from each category.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of readings | 3 |
| First reading | Old Testament |
| Responsorial psalm | Sung by the cantor while the assembly responds |
| Second reading | New Testament |
| Gospel reading | Last reading at the ceremony |
| Options for first reading | 9 |
| Options for second reading | 13 |
| Options for gospel reading | 10 |
| Options for responsorial psalm | 7 |
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What You'll Learn
A Catholic wedding typically consists of three readings
A Catholic wedding is a sacrament, and the readings during the ceremony play a significant role in ensuring the validity of the marriage. Typically, a Catholic wedding consists of three readings, which are chosen from different parts of the scriptures and cover concepts like faith, righteousness, commitment, and hope in the context of marriage.
The first reading is selected from the Old Testament, with nine options available, including Genesis 1:26-28, where God creates man and woman in his image, and Genesis 2:18-24, which speaks of leaving one's family to join with a spouse. The Responsorial Psalm follows, and while it is not read but sung, the couple still has seven options to choose from. These psalms speak of God's goodness, mercy, kindness, compassion, and grace.
The second reading is chosen from the New Testament, with thirteen options available. Popular choices include Colossians 3:12-17, which emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and love as a bond of perfection, and Hebrews 13:1-4a, 5-6b, which states that marriage should be honoured and the marriage bed kept pure. The Gospel reading is the last reading and is also chosen from the New Testament. There are ten choices for this reading, including John 2:1-11, which recounts the first miracle of Jesus, turning water into wine at a wedding in Cana, and John 15:9-12, where Jesus speaks of remaining in his love.
The specific scriptures chosen for a Catholic wedding are carefully selected by the couple, often with the guidance of the priest officiating the ceremony. These readings are a proclamation of God's Word and the Church's faith about marriage, and they provide a spiritual foundation for the union being celebrated.
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Readings are chosen from the Old Testament, New Testament, and Gospels
Catholic wedding readings are an important part of Catholic wedding rituals. They are a proclamation of God's Word and of the Church's faith in marriage. For this reason, they are limited to readings from the scriptures (the Bible). There are typically three readings: one from the Old Testament, one from the New Testament, and one from the Gospels.
There are nine options for the first reading from the Old Testament. The Old Testament expresses the importance of marriage and how it beautifully unites two people. For example, the creation of Eve in the Bible exemplifies the importance of having a partner by your side. The imagery of two becoming one flesh in this reading symbolizes an unbreakable bond.
The second reading is chosen from the New Testament, with thirteen options available. Finally, there are ten choices for the Gospel reading. You may choose to have the Gospel reading sung, as is traditional with the Responsorial Psalm.
You may find it helpful to reflect prayerfully on each reading and choose those that speak to your hopes and dreams for your Christian marriage. These readings can be included in your wedding program so that guests can follow along.
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Responsorial psalms are sung, not read
A Catholic wedding ceremony typically consists of three readings and a responsorial psalm. The responsorial psalm is usually sung by the cantor while the assembly responds. In other words, it is sung responsorially—the song leader sings the chosen scripture, and the congregation sings the verse in response. The responsorial psalm is not read, but sung.
The responsorial psalm is a joyous and celebratory aspect of the Catholic wedding ceremony, and its musical rendition adds to the solemnity and beauty of the occasion. The psalm is a dialogue between the leader and the congregation, with each playing an active role in the liturgy. The song leader, often a trained vocalist or member of the choir, sings the verses or responses, while the congregation joins in harmony by singing the response or refrain. This call-and-response format engages the entire assembly in the worship and creates a sense of unity and participation.
There are seven popular options for the responsorial psalm taken from the Book of Psalms, each conveying a unique message about God's goodness, mercy, kindness, compassion, and grace. These include Psalm 33:12, 18, 20-21, 22, which speaks of the earth being full of God's goodness; Psalm 103:1-2, 8, 13, 17-18, which emphasises God's mercy and forgiveness; and Psalm 145:8-9, 10, 15, 17-18, which celebrates God's compassion and graciousness.
The couple can choose the psalm that resonates with them and their faith journey, knowing that it will be sung, not read, during their wedding ceremony. This choice adds a personal and meaningful touch to the liturgy and allows them to express their beliefs and values through the powerful medium of music. The musical setting of the psalm, with its melodies and harmonies, enhances the emotional impact of the words and creates a memorable experience for the couple and their guests.
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Couples choose one scripture from each section
A Catholic wedding ceremony typically consists of three readings and a responsorial psalm. Couples choose one scripture from each section: the Old Testament, the New Testament, and the Gospels. There are nine options for the first reading from the Old Testament, thirteen options for the second reading from the New Testament, and ten choices for the Gospel.
The responsorial psalm is not read but sung by the song leader, who sings the chosen scripture, while the assembly sings the verse in response. Couples have seven options for the responsorial psalm from the Book of Psalms, including:
- Psalm 33:12, 18, 20-21, 22, which references how the earth is full of goodness from God.
- Psalm 103:1-2, 8, 13, 17-18, which speaks about God's mercy, kindness, and forgiveness.
- Psalm 145:8-9, 10, 15, 17-18, which speaks about how God is compassionate and gracious and slow to anger.
Some examples of scripture options for the three readings include:
- John 2:1-11, which recounts the first miracle performed by Jesus, turning water into wine at a wedding ceremony.
- John 15:9-12, which states that we should remain in Christ's love.
- Philippians 4:4-9, which reminds us that we should not be anxious and that the God of peace is with us.
- Colossians 3:12-17, which discusses forgiveness and love as a bond of perfection.
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Readings cover faith, righteousness, commitment, and hope
A Catholic wedding ceremony typically consists of three readings and a responsorial psalm. The first reading is from the Old Testament, followed by a responsorial psalm, then a reading from one of the four Gospels, and finally, a reading from the New Testament. These readings cover concepts like faith, righteousness, commitment, and hope pertaining to marriage.
The responsorial psalm is not read but sung by the song leader, who sings the chosen scripture, with the assembly singing the verse in response. There are seven options for the psalm from the Book of Psalms. The first option, Psalm 33:12, 18, 20-21, 22, references how the earth is full of goodness from God. The second option, Psalm 43:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9, is about praising the Lord at all times. The third option, Psalm 103:1-2, 8, 13, 17-18, speaks about God's mercy, kindness, and forgiveness. The fourth option, Psalm 112:1-2, 3-4, 5-7, 7-8, 9, talks about the blessings of obeying the Lord's commands. The fifth option, Psalm 128:1-2, 3, 4-6ac, 6a, states that those who fear the Lord are blessed. The sixth option, Psalm 145:8-9, 10, 15, 17-18, speaks about God's compassion, grace, and slowness to anger. The seventh option, Psalm 148:1-2, 3-4, 9-10, 11-13ab, 13c-14a, is about praising the name of the Lord.
There are nine options for the first reading from the Old Testament. One example is, "So they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, no human being must separate." (Gospel of the Lord). There are thirteen options for the second reading from the New Testament. One example is, "Jesus raised his eyes to heaven and said, 'I pray not only for these but also for those who will believe in me through their words... May they all be one... With me in them and you in me, may they be so completely one that the world will realize that it was you who sent me and that I have loved them as you loved me.'" (Gospel of the Lord). There are ten choices for the Gospel reading, which is the last reading of the ceremony. An example is, "This was the first of the signs given by Jesus: it was given at Cana in Galilee. He let his glory be seen, and his disciples believed in him." (Gospel of the Lord).
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Frequently asked questions
There are typically three readings at a Catholic wedding: a first reading from the Old Testament, a responsorial psalm, and a reading from one of the four Gospels.
Responsorial psalms are not read but sung. The song leader sings the chosen scripture, and the assembly sings the verse in response. There are seven options for psalms, including Psalm 33:12, 18, 20-21, 22 and Psalm 148:1-2, 3-4, 9-10, 11-13ab, 13c-14a.
Readings are taken from the Bible. The couple chooses a single scripture from the Old Testament and the New Testament, and one verse from the Book of Psalms for the responsorial psalm.
Gospel readings are taken from the New Testament. Examples include John 2:1-11, which is about the first miracle performed by Jesus, turning water into wine at a wedding ceremony, and John 15:9-12, which states that we should remain in Christ's love.
It is important to plan your readings with the priest officiating your wedding. You can also ask your wedding coordinator at your parish for help.
