Matrimony is a sacrament celebrated within a wedding liturgy.  Because weddings are a part of the liturgical prayer of the whole Church and not merely a private ceremony of the couple and families, music must be selected for weddings using the same criteria as for any other liturgy.
 
Sometimes the only music familiar to the couple is a song heard at a friend’s ceremony and one not necessarily suitable to the sacrament.  Decisions about choice and placement of wedding music grow out of the three judgments proposed in the Bishop’s Committee on the Liturgy Music in Catholic Worship.
 

1. The liturgical judgment: Is the music’s text, form, placement and style congruent with the nature of liturgy?
2. The Musical Judgment: Is the music technically, aesthetically and expressively good?
3. The Pastoral Judgment: Will this music help the assembly pray? 

Please contact the Parish Organist at least two months before your wedding to discuss your music options.  At that time you will discuss parish music guidelines and what music possibilities are available in our parish. Our parish Organist/Pianist has first right of refusal for all weddings. Other arrangements need to be coordinated through the Marriage Office.  The fee for the organist/pianist is explained in the Parish Organist’s ‘Letter to the Engaged Couple’, included in booklet.
 
The proper wedding music enhances the marriage ceremony.  Wedding music, which is chosen as a reflection of the couple’s love for each other, must also be chosen with the intent of helping the couple and the wedding guests pray well.  Whatever music is used must be understood and recognized as worship of God. See Wedding Music Suggestions for options.
 
Certain traditional organ selections such as the “Bridal Chorus” from Wagner’s “Lohengrin” (occasionally referred to as “Here Comes the Bride”) and the “Wedding March” from Medndelssohn’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” are popular for weddings in the United States, mostly because of the opera and movies.  Both were composed as part of larger dramatic works.  The music of “Lohengrin” accompanies an illicit ceremony, a tragic bedroom fiasco.  Mendelssohn’s incidental music to Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” accompanies a farcical wedding.  There are much better choices for processional music.  You might consider Purcell’s “Trumpet Voluntary” or “Trumpet Tune.”  Our Organist will be happy to make other suggestions and play them for you. Whatever the style or combination of instruments, the music at weddings should be planned with as much care as any other wedding detail. 
 
Please note: Recorded music is not permitted at Holy Rosary

 

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A message from Mary Ann Lee, our Parish Organist:

Dear Engaged Couple,

At this joyous time of planning the sacramental celebration of your marriage at Holy Rosary, I offer you my warmest wishes for your happiness together.

As parish organist, I will assist you in selecting music for your wedding that reflects your reverence for sacred music and liturgy.  I am available to meet with you in person at Holy Rosary to discuss the musical elements of your ceremony.  If you prefer, after our initial phone conversation, I will present music repertoire selections on organ and piano for your consideration.  We may additionally discuss musical options to instrumentally or vocally augment your ceremony.  I will assist you in referrals for additional instrumentalists and cantors/vocalists.

 

WHAT IS INCLUDED:

 

Weddings with Mass

1.       1-hour meeting

2.       Attendance at rehearsal

3.       Music for day of wedding

4.       Cantor/Vocalist

 

Weddings without Mass

1.       ½ hour meeting

2.       Attendance at rehearsal

3.       Music for day of wedding

a.       Optional:  Cantor/Vocalist

 

I have noted your wedding date and time and look forward to speaking with you at your convenience.

 

May the music we choose enhance your ceremony to create a beautiful, spiritual blessing to celebrate your momentous day.

 

May God bless your life together,

 

Mary Ann Lee

Parish Organist

206-325-2477 (Home)

EMAIL MARY ANN