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Dedicated December 2018

Programs for Catholic Ceremony (no Mass)

Johanna, on December 11, 2018 at 3:34 PM Posted in Wedding Ceremony 0 6

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I’m on one of my very last DIY projects and I’m lost!

We are getting married in the Catholic Church. If you’re familiar with the three general forms, we are having a “marriage between a Catholic and an unbaptized person.” Translation: even shorter than the “no Mass” option.

I have no idea what to include on the programs! I feel like I need to spell every single bit out because the Catholics will be confused that it’s not Mass, and the non-Catholics will be confused because it’s kinda like Mass. I was going to try to keep it to one page and just have a general outline, but now I’m second guessing myself. FH didn’t even remember that wedding have programs, so he’s no help.

Anyone have any experience? Examples? Advice?

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6 Comments

Latest activity by Future Mrs. R, on December 12, 2018 at 12:26 AM

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Alexandra · on December 11, 2018 at 3:47 PM
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This isn't uncommon, you can have a shortened program with the outline. Practicing Catholics tend to understand when there is an unbaptized person, the couple can opt to not have communion which is the difference between a full mass and a shortened mass.
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Champion October 2025
Maggie · on December 11, 2018 at 3:49 PM
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Follow your gut, Johanna! Give the basic outline of the ceremony, maybe include the names and relationships of any wedding party members and/or parents, and call it a day! I've been to one of these in-between weddings and I was a bit surprised when I saw it wasn't a full mass, but I was like, "Woohoo, getting to the party faster!" Your guests will either get it or they won't, but don't feel the need to explain everything to them. Unless part of the ceremony is going to be in a different language, then definitely explain that.
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Dedicated December 2018
Johanna · on December 11, 2018 at 3:59 PM
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Great to hear! Out of all the church wedding I've been to (a lot), only one was the shortened version. I remember they didn't have programs at all, and everybody was so surprised when the service just ended in what seemed like the middle! I think I will do a simple outline so people have an idea of what's happening when, but will skip writing out any songs or readings. Guests can figure out how to look them up if they really want to.
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Maggie · on December 11, 2018 at 4:08 PM
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I think that's a good compromise for everyone. Plus, then your guests can get to know each other at the ceremony. They can do that thing where the one has the song book open to the right page and shares it with the person trying to sneakily look at the words over their shoulders. Or am I the only one who does that?
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Master January 2019
Cassidy · on December 11, 2018 at 6:18 PM
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I did a little book (8.8” x 11” paper folded in half), we’re having a ceremony with no mass. I just typed it all out in a word document, it was easy.
Front has the wedding liturgy uniting NAMES in holy matrimony and the location and date.
Inside left has a welcome note (no photography, please) and the bridal party listed.
Inside right has the order of events and readings listed, but not written out (this was something I had a hard time with I wanted to type it all out)
the back just has a note for immediate family to stay for pictures and everyone else to head to the reception.
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Dedicated June 2019
Future Mrs. R · on December 12, 2018 at 12:26 AM
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I am Catholic and FH is Christian. We are having a Catholic mass. It is a bit similar to your situation as we are not having a full mass. I am doing a program mainly for the same reasons as you. I want the Carholics to know it's not a full mass and the non-Catholics to at least be able to follow along.

As the date gets closer (and before I print my programs) I am going to ask the priest what readings, prayers, songs, etc. he will be including for the ceremony. That is what I will include in the programs. Kind of like a mini missal. Hope this helps.
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