There is nothing more touching than being invited to the wedding of a friend, and this may be why you are seeking advice on attending a Catholic wedding. It may be the first time you have ever been invited to a traditional Catholic wedding, so you want to know more about the ceremony, the reception, and just Catholic traditions in general. As a non-Catholic, there are some points that may differ from weddings of other faiths, but for the most part, it would be safe to say that the only thing different is really the sacramentality of the nuptial vows.
Catholic Wedding Gift Ideas
Actually, this becomes a very important aspect within traditional Catholic weddings. According to the Church, marriage is one of the 7 sacraments and is literally unbreakable except by special dispensation by a tribunal. A sacrament is a sacrament for life and once bestowed, cannot be given back easily without that special release or exemption. Therefore, you might want to choose from Catholic wedding gift ideas that have special sacramental significance. Perhaps an artist’s rendition of the miracle at the Wedding of Cana in which Jesus changed water into wine as a blessing for the newlywed couple at His mother’s request.
Why the Wedding at Cana Symbolizes the Sacrament of Matrimony
The first thing a picture like that portrays is a miracle. Jesus, as the son of God, transforms the water into wine but there are layers of theology wrapped into this one Biblical passage. To begin with, His mother Mary told Jesus there was no wine. He then asks her what this has to do with Him. Instead of answering Jesus directly, the Bible has her turning to the servants and telling them to do whatever Jesus asks of them. Here you have Jesus as the obedient son of woman and the faithful Son of God. The wedding is sacramental in nature because God is brought into the equation as is the water transformed into wine.
Your Attendance Signifies a Sign of Respect
Sadly, too many people refuse to respect the religious beliefs of others. Many times, they actually refuse to attend a celebration outside their own religious traditions and that can be very hurtful to the newlywed couple. You don’t need to espouse the Catholic faith to attend a nuptial Mass but there is one thing you should be aware of. When it comes time for Holy Communion, the Eucharist, you are not supposed to receive either species unless you are a baptized Catholic who has made their First Holy Communion, one of the three rites of initiation.
Other than that, you can happily attend the wedding at church and the following reception wherever it is being held with no worries. It is a sign of respect that you attend because you have been given the respect of being invited. Have fun and enjoy the festive atmosphere. Along with everyone else in attendance, you are the witness to this sacrament. What God the Father has joined, let no man put asunder – and they mean that in a very sacramental, lifelong way.
