WEDDING WORSHIP AID (program) &
MUSICIAN REQUEST FORM Use the linkable form above to submit your program of music
and request for musicians. (Click on the wedding ring) SCROLL DOWN THE PAGE TO FIND AVAILABLE SONG LEADERS AND MUSIC SAMPLE AUDIO |
A WORD ON APPROPRIATE MUSIC FOR WEDDINGS…
The marriage liturgy is unique among the festivities of a wedding. This gathering of the Church speaks of marriage in ways other than a civil ceremony or social reception. The couple exchanges their vows in the context of an act of worship; they commit themselves in the presence of the Church. The prayers, the readings, the processions, the giving and receiving of rings, the nuptial blessing are all simple and profound expressions of faith in God and in each other. According to the teaching of the Church, music “should be considered a normal and ordinary part of [this] liturgical celebration” (Liturgical Music Today, #13). The music, along with all the other gestures and rites of the wedding liturgy, is to establish a spirit of prayer and celebration and to strengthen the expression of faith. The couple will want their relatives and friends to look at the profound meaning of uniting two human lives and to reflect on their own lives |
Music is not an incidental part of the liturgy, nor is it “filler music” to fit between the words of the wedding. Music is a heightened language that, like the rites and symbols and words of the wedding liturgy, can express in a manner deeper than words can express the hopes, feelings and understandings of the couple; it enables all gathered to celebrate the union of the couple as witnessed by the Christian community, in the presence of God. Thus, selections should consider the ability of your guests to engage and participate as well as the beauty of the selections themselves. Your gathered assembly is an extension of the Divine Mercy community; therefore your family and friends present are encouraged to participate in both word and song in the way to which Divine Mercy is accustomed. The full and active participation by all the people is the aim to be considered before all else and your worship aid is designed to do that. The parish director of music prepares this with you.
All music chosen for your wedding should reflect the dignity and the reverence of the occasion and must work hand-in-hand with the liturgy to express the Christian nature of love, faith and marriage.
Particular decisions about choice and placement of wedding music should be based on the three music and liturgical judgments given to us by the Church for all Masses and ceremonies of public worship: 1) the liturgical judgment, 2) the pastoral judgment, and 3) the musical judgment.
All three of these judgments must be taken into account, since they are aspects of a single judgment. Additionally, music should reflect the truth that all the sacraments celebrate the Paschal Mystery of Christ.
Secular music, even though it may emphasize the love of the spouses for one another, is not appropriate for the Sacred Liturgy. Songs that are chosen for the liturgy should be appropriate for the celebration and express the faith of the Church.
If vocal soloists are to be employed in the celebration of the sacrament, they should be instructed on the nature of the Liturgy and trained in the unique aspects of singing in a liturgical context. Either the soloist should be trained to carry out the ministry of psalmist and song leader, or else another singer should be secured for this liturgically important role. In all cases, soloists should be aware that their talents are offered at the service of the Liturgy. Vocalists may sing alone during the Preparation of the Gifts or after Communion, provided the music and their manner of singing does not call attention to themselves but rather assists in the contemplation of the sacred mysteries being celebrated. Soloists should not usurp parts of the Mass designated for congregational participation.
from Sing to the Lord, Music in in Divine Liturgy, United States Conference of Bishops.
LITURGICAL ELEMENTS
If the Rite of Matrimony is celebrated within Mass, the norms for music within Mass, as on Sundays, apply.
The entrance procession—consisting of the ministers, attendants, witnesses, bride, and groom—is accompanied by a suitable song or instrumental music.
The Liturgy of the Word proceeds as usual with a Responsorial Psalm, which may be sung and usually is as it was intended by biblical composers. Following the homily, the sacrament is celebrated with the exchange of consent and the Church’s reception of consent. After the blessing and exchanging of rings, a song or hymn of praise may be sung. Depending on the local custom and the culture of the families, after the exchange of rings, the veiling of the bride and groom and other customary actions may be added, during which an appropriate psalm or song may be sung.
When, for pastoral reasons, the sacrament is celebrated outside of Mass, the Liturgy should begin with an entrance song or instrumental piece. If instrumental music is played, the assembly may join in a song once all have taken their places. The Liturgy of the Word takes place in the usual manner, with the possibility of singing a Responsorial Psalm. Following the homily, the sacrament is celebrated with the exchange of consent and the Church’s reception of consent. After the blessing and exchanging of rings, a song or hymn of praise may be sung.
When the sacrament is celebrated outside of Mass but Communion is distributed, a chant or song may accompany the distribution of the sacrament, as well as the period of thanksgiving after Communion is distributed.
Finally, music in the following categories should not be used:
1. Any music that is purely secular in nature, and as such, neglects the sacred union of the couple.
2. Popular musical favorites which merely recall sentimental, personal associations; such music should be reserved for the wedding reception.
3. Songs that do not have an obvious relation to prayer.
In the case of music being requested that is not on our list, the final decision as to the appropriateness of the piece of music will belong to the music director in agreement with the pastor of Divine Mercy. The couple may be required to purchase such music for the use in the liturgy.
Ceremonies celebrating marriage outside of Mass are still celebrations of the wedding sacrament. Therefore, the above principles still apply.
All music chosen for your wedding should reflect the dignity and the reverence of the occasion and must work hand-in-hand with the liturgy to express the Christian nature of love, faith and marriage.
Particular decisions about choice and placement of wedding music should be based on the three music and liturgical judgments given to us by the Church for all Masses and ceremonies of public worship: 1) the liturgical judgment, 2) the pastoral judgment, and 3) the musical judgment.
All three of these judgments must be taken into account, since they are aspects of a single judgment. Additionally, music should reflect the truth that all the sacraments celebrate the Paschal Mystery of Christ.
Secular music, even though it may emphasize the love of the spouses for one another, is not appropriate for the Sacred Liturgy. Songs that are chosen for the liturgy should be appropriate for the celebration and express the faith of the Church.
If vocal soloists are to be employed in the celebration of the sacrament, they should be instructed on the nature of the Liturgy and trained in the unique aspects of singing in a liturgical context. Either the soloist should be trained to carry out the ministry of psalmist and song leader, or else another singer should be secured for this liturgically important role. In all cases, soloists should be aware that their talents are offered at the service of the Liturgy. Vocalists may sing alone during the Preparation of the Gifts or after Communion, provided the music and their manner of singing does not call attention to themselves but rather assists in the contemplation of the sacred mysteries being celebrated. Soloists should not usurp parts of the Mass designated for congregational participation.
from Sing to the Lord, Music in in Divine Liturgy, United States Conference of Bishops.
LITURGICAL ELEMENTS
If the Rite of Matrimony is celebrated within Mass, the norms for music within Mass, as on Sundays, apply.
The entrance procession—consisting of the ministers, attendants, witnesses, bride, and groom—is accompanied by a suitable song or instrumental music.
The Liturgy of the Word proceeds as usual with a Responsorial Psalm, which may be sung and usually is as it was intended by biblical composers. Following the homily, the sacrament is celebrated with the exchange of consent and the Church’s reception of consent. After the blessing and exchanging of rings, a song or hymn of praise may be sung. Depending on the local custom and the culture of the families, after the exchange of rings, the veiling of the bride and groom and other customary actions may be added, during which an appropriate psalm or song may be sung.
When, for pastoral reasons, the sacrament is celebrated outside of Mass, the Liturgy should begin with an entrance song or instrumental piece. If instrumental music is played, the assembly may join in a song once all have taken their places. The Liturgy of the Word takes place in the usual manner, with the possibility of singing a Responsorial Psalm. Following the homily, the sacrament is celebrated with the exchange of consent and the Church’s reception of consent. After the blessing and exchanging of rings, a song or hymn of praise may be sung.
When the sacrament is celebrated outside of Mass but Communion is distributed, a chant or song may accompany the distribution of the sacrament, as well as the period of thanksgiving after Communion is distributed.
Finally, music in the following categories should not be used:
1. Any music that is purely secular in nature, and as such, neglects the sacred union of the couple.
2. Popular musical favorites which merely recall sentimental, personal associations; such music should be reserved for the wedding reception.
3. Songs that do not have an obvious relation to prayer.
In the case of music being requested that is not on our list, the final decision as to the appropriateness of the piece of music will belong to the music director in agreement with the pastor of Divine Mercy. The couple may be required to purchase such music for the use in the liturgy.
Ceremonies celebrating marriage outside of Mass are still celebrations of the wedding sacrament. Therefore, the above principles still apply.
The Wedding Worship Aid
Since the celebration of marriage is a communal celebration, worship aids (often mistakenly called "programs") are provided to the congregation so that they might follow the ritual with understanding. This, in turn, allows them to have full and active participation in the celebration. Worship aids should include especially those elements of the Liturgy unique to the marriage rite, as well as translations of any songs not sung in English. Such participation aids should also include proper copyright notices for permission to use copyrighted music in the program. The director of music will prepare the worship aid with you. You are responsible for having it printed, in appropriate quantity, and bring them with you to the wedding rehearsal for distribution the next day.
The parish director of liturgy and music will complete the required worship aid for your celebration.
The parish director of liturgy and music will complete the required worship aid for your celebration.
Musical Elements of the Wedding
Whether you have either a Mass or a Ceremony, all weddings begin the same musically.
Typically at five minutes before the scheduled start time music begins playing to the tell the worshipers to be seated and prepare themselves for the celebration.
There may be (it is not required liturgically) music for the seating of grandparents and mothers of the couple.
Then there is the procession of the bridal party which begins with the cross and ministers, followed by your honored people, and finally the best people, if you are including them.
Typically at five minutes before the scheduled start time music begins playing to the tell the worshipers to be seated and prepare themselves for the celebration.
There may be (it is not required liturgically) music for the seating of grandparents and mothers of the couple.
Then there is the procession of the bridal party which begins with the cross and ministers, followed by your honored people, and finally the best people, if you are including them.
Required Liturgical Music
The Responsorial Psalm is sacred scripture, typically taken from the Book of Psalms in the Bible's Old Testament.
This follows the first reading.
This follows the first reading.
The Gospel Acclamation follows the Second Reading. The Celtic Alleluia works best with verse GA-4, page 60 of United in Christ. Again, the composer may alter the text a bit to to fit the musical needs. If you would prefer a traditional/chant style setting of the Responsorial Psalm, please let the director of music know.
Choice of Mass Settings
The Eucharistic Acclamations (Mass only) follow the Preparation of the Gifts. This includes the Holy, Mystery of Faith, Amen and the Lamb of God. If you have no preference the Mass of St. Ann is typically used.
Presently at Divine Mercy we use the following Mass settings for weddings.
You may click on the name and follow the link to hear them. After you decide, please let the music director know.
Mass of Creation (either piano or organ)
Mass of Christ the Savior (either piano or organ)
Missa Pacem (either piano or organ)
Mass of St. Ann (piano only)
You may click on the name and follow the link to hear them. After you decide, please let the music director know.
Mass of Creation (either piano or organ)
Mass of Christ the Savior (either piano or organ)
Missa Pacem (either piano or organ)
Mass of St. Ann (piano only)
Instrumentalists
Instrumentalists add much to the celebration. If you wish to add trumpet, violin, flute, harp or any combination of instrumentalists please discuss this with the director of music who maintains a list of qualified musicians in the area. All instrumentalists must be approved before music is sent to them.
To fulfill the needs of a Roman Catholic liturgical celebration, all weddings must have at least a pianist/organist and a song leader (vocalist) as musicians for each wedding; but you have the opportunity to listen and select your top several choices from our excellent song leaders. From there we can add on as many other instruments as you would like! We encourage hiring at least 3-4 extra instrumentalists to give a fuller and richer sound in the church. Some popular combinations include, but are not limited to:
To fulfill the needs of a Roman Catholic liturgical celebration, all weddings must have at least a pianist/organist and a song leader (vocalist) as musicians for each wedding; but you have the opportunity to listen and select your top several choices from our excellent song leaders. From there we can add on as many other instruments as you would like! We encourage hiring at least 3-4 extra instrumentalists to give a fuller and richer sound in the church. Some popular combinations include, but are not limited to:
- Piano, cantor, violin, flute, cello, trumpet
- Piano, cantor, string quartet (4 players), possible addition of oboe or flute
- Piano, cantor, flute, cello, harp
A Choir at your wedding
A choir is never required for liturgy. However, some couples would like to have one. That's not a problem.
Please talk with the director of music about your idea.
Please talk with the director of music about your idea.
Wedding Song Leaders
The Song Leader is the minister of music that leads the assembly in sung prayer during your Mass or ceremony. The Song Leader of your choice is always welcome at Divine Mercy.
Song Leaders listed here are each trained in this ministry and their voices offer an inviting spirit of prayer.
A guarantee of the availability of any particular song leader for your wedding day cannot be made until either he or she responds to the music director's request. Please keep in mind that while our leaders of sung prayer are gifted artists and skilled professionals, they also have full time jobs and families. Please list at least 2 or preferably 3 preferred song leaders on the Musician Request Form. If you are requesting a male-female duet, please list at least 2 possibilities of each. Song Leader fee is $150 per singer.
Please let the director of music know your choice (and if you have a second choice as well) and he will contact the Song Leader to schedule.
Song Leaders listed here are each trained in this ministry and their voices offer an inviting spirit of prayer.
A guarantee of the availability of any particular song leader for your wedding day cannot be made until either he or she responds to the music director's request. Please keep in mind that while our leaders of sung prayer are gifted artists and skilled professionals, they also have full time jobs and families. Please list at least 2 or preferably 3 preferred song leaders on the Musician Request Form. If you are requesting a male-female duet, please list at least 2 possibilities of each. Song Leader fee is $150 per singer.
Please let the director of music know your choice (and if you have a second choice as well) and he will contact the Song Leader to schedule.
Guest Musicians...
are always welcome at Divine Mercy. Additional rehearsal fees may apply due to extra rehearsal requirements. Feel free to discuss this with the music director.
are always welcome at Divine Mercy. Additional rehearsal fees may apply due to extra rehearsal requirements. Feel free to discuss this with the music director.
Wedding Music Cancellation Policy
We look forward to securing professional song leaders and instrumentalists for your wedding and also to providing peace of mind to both you and them. Once received, song leaders and instrumentalists are quickly booked and will reserve the date and time for your wedding if available.
To honor their commitment to our wedding ministry, once booked, changes which cause one of our professionals to cancel a booking will require a $50 fee if requested between 8 and 12 weeks from the wedding date. If the change is within 8 weeks, you will be responsible for paying the full quoted fee.
Changes to the musical selections or requests to add incremental song leaders or instrumentalists can be made at any time with no fee.
We look forward to securing professional song leaders and instrumentalists for your wedding and also to providing peace of mind to both you and them. Once received, song leaders and instrumentalists are quickly booked and will reserve the date and time for your wedding if available.
To honor their commitment to our wedding ministry, once booked, changes which cause one of our professionals to cancel a booking will require a $50 fee if requested between 8 and 12 weeks from the wedding date. If the change is within 8 weeks, you will be responsible for paying the full quoted fee.
Changes to the musical selections or requests to add incremental song leaders or instrumentalists can be made at any time with no fee.
