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Catholic Wedding Music

Catholic Wedding Mass - Vocal and Instrumental Musical Walkthrough

If you are getting married in a Catholic Church, your vocalist will play a key role in creating a beautiful ceremony. Here, more then in any other setting, it is necessary to have someone who is extremely knowledgeable and well versed in the Catholic Mass. As dictated by the Liturgy, there are a number of moments throughout the Mass where songs and prayers will be performed by the singer. With my many years of experience, I will be able to guide you as to which hymns and songs to select , and the appropriate time within the ceremony to have them sung.

Below is a sample of a Catholic Mass. The songs have all been placed in the appropriate order. Please bear in mind that the order of the songs and the songs themselves are only suggestions. There are no set rules about the number of songs needed.

Each song will be accompanied by a different combination of instruments. (They are listed next to the title, in parenthesis.) Bear in mind that even though the Wedding Song, as exampled, below is played on the guitar, my musicians and I could also perform this song with a beautiful arrangement for harp, flute, cello, or simply sung with organ. I will work with you to decide what instruments you would like and what songs could be arranged for that combination.

Prelude Music is the instrumental music played for approximately 20 minutes prior to the start of your ceremony. This music not only provides your guest with their first impression of your wedding, it also sets the tone for the entire day. It has been my experience that it not necessary for the Bride to chose all of the specific pieces for the prelude. Rather, the client and I will discuss their preferred style of music as well as any special requests. My musicians are all highly proficient in timing the prelude music so that it flows seamlessly into the processional music.

Prelude Song:

Wedding Song (There is Love) - Paul Stokey (guitar)

Processional Music for Bridesmaid:

Canon in D - Johann Pachelbel (violin, cello; flute)
Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring - J. S. Bach (harp, clarinet, bass; oboe)

Processional Music for the Bride and Groom:

The Bridal Chorus - Richard Wagner (flute, harp, bass; oboe)
Trumpet Voluntary - Jeremiah Clarke (trumpet)

Responsorial Psalm:

I Have Loved You - Michael Joncas (harp, violin; cello)
Lord of all Hopefulness – Traditional Hymn (guitar)
Wherever You Go - Gregory Norbert (harp, violin; flute)

Offertory Song:

Grow Old Along with Me - John Lennon (guitar)
One Hand, One Heart - Leonard Bernstein (harp, flute; cello)

Communion Song:

We Come to Your Feast – Michael Joncas (guitar)
The Gift of Love - Traditional (guitar, flute, cello; violin)

Communion Mediation:

Ave Maria - Franz Schubert (harp, cello; violin)

Recessional Music for the Bride and the Groom:

The Wedding March - Felix Mendelssohn (flute, cello; violin)

Additional Hymns that I love:

Responsorial Psalms:

You are Mine - David Hass
The Lord is Kind and Merciful - David Haas

Communion or Offertory Songs:

The Prayer - Sager/Foster
I Dreamed of You - Ann Hampton Callaway
Let There Be Peace on Earth – Miller/Jackson
How Great Thou Art – Stuart K. Hine
Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring - J. S. Bach
Panis Angelicus – Ceasar Frank
The Convent Hymn- Gary Daigle