John and Vicky Werner, married at St. Francis de Sales Church in Lake Geneva last September, took an active role in planning their wedding liturgy. “We really did understand our role in the wedding liturgy,” said John. (Catholic Herald photo by Karen Mahoney)
When reflecting on weddings attended, the focus often swathes the aesthetic signs rather than the spiritual significance. Perhaps it is the color of the dresses. Or it could be the modern songs, glittering decorations or the reception.
Unfortunately, the most important aspect of the wedding often receives the least amount of attention. Despite the Catholic Church’s concentration on the spiritual significance of the day — it’s the drive of consumerism that often outshines the mysticism of the sacrament.
Since the Second Vatican Council, the church has supported couples in personalizing their ceremony with Scripture readings and music of their choosing. In fact, the church’s rite of marriage presents the couple as ministers of the sacrament of marriage and invites their participation in the preparation of the wedding liturgy.
As a sacrament of vocation and commitment, the marriage ritual requires much preparation, especially in comprehending that marriage is a lifelong covenant. In pre-Cana or marriage instruction, the church assists couples in understanding and appreciating the responsibilities of that covenant.
