Sacraments - Musical Considerations for Marriage
Sometimes couples want to include popular songs or theatrical instrumental works in a Wedding Liturgy. Music composed for social entertainment is not congruent with the nature of the liturgy. That you might have heard such songs at other churches is not sufficient, if the music does not have Church approval.
Marriage is a sacrament and the music at the ceremony reflects the dignity and mystery of such a union. The Constitution on Sacred Liturgy (the Church document that guides all music used in Mass) states that “The texts intended to be sung must always be in conformity with Catholic doctrine; indeed, they should be drawn chiefly from holy scripture and from liturgical sources."
We are celebrating God’s love for the Church, that forms the foundation for the love shared by man and woman. Many popular songs are more apt for social entertainment at the reception that follows the service, than for the sacredness of the marriage ceremony. There are a number of music pieces that you can choose from.
Before printing programs or scheduling any vocalists or extra instrumentalists, you must contact the Music Director, David Tidyman.
The list below contains some suggestions for music that can be used:
Processionals
1. Johann Pachelbel Canon in D
2. Franz Joseph Haydn St. Anthony Chorale
3. Felix Mendelssohn Adagio from Sonata III
4. Johann Sebastian Bach Sheep May Safely Graze from Cantata 141
5. Jeremiah Clarke Trumpet Voluntary
6. Benedetto Marcello Rigaudon
Preparation of the Gifts (Offertory)
1. Franz Schubert Ave Maria (vocal or instrumental)
2. J.S. Bach/Gounod Ave Maria (vocal or instrumental)
3. Ralph Vaughan Williams The Call from Five Mystical Songs (vocal only)
4. Hal Hopson The Gift of Love (vocal only)
5. J.S. Bach Be Thou With Them
The Communion Procession
1. Cesar Franck Panis Angelicus
2. Johann Sebastian Bach Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring
3. K. Lee Scott Set Me As a Seal Upon Your Heart
Recessionals
1. G.F. Handel Hornpipe from Water Music
2. Siegried Karg-Elert Now Thank We All Our God
3. J.S. Bach Now Thank We All Our God
4. Charles-Marie Widor Toccata from Symphony V
5. Felix Mendelssohn Allegro from Sonata III
6. Mendelssohn Wedding March