The Candle Lord, for this food and for the grace to eat it together. May we all feast with you one day at the Why? Why Not? banquet of eternal life.

We ask this of you, Lord , Since the wedding candle, sometimes referred to as the who lives and reigns for ever unity candle, is not part of the Church s rite, it is and ever. Amen. regarded by many as an intrusion into the ceremony. Moreover, when its use is accompanied by words of Immediately following the bless explanation, it overburdens the ceremony (especially the ing, one of the attendants contin ues the prayer while the lighting Mass) and overshadows the primary symbols, namely of the wedding candle takes the exchange of consent (vows) and the exchange of rings place saying: which should stand out above all else. These are the Church s symbols of unity. We continue to ask God s bless ing upon N. and N. as we cele brate their commitment to each LIGHTING THE WEDDING CANDLE other in the sacrament of matri Because of its overpowering WITH TABLE PRAYER AT THE mony. presence, however, some couples RECEPTION think that the wedding candle is As a sign of their marriage, they an integral part of the marriage The wedding candle, two side light the wedding candle from rite, when in reality, it is frowned candles, matches and tapers for the two candles which represent upon by some priests and lighing are set up at the table their individal lives. even forbidden by others. where the newly married couple Nevertheless, it has become a will be seated. Just before the Lighting their tapers from the popular visible symbol. You may entrance of the bridal party, the two side candles, the and want to consider using it as part parents (or family representa groom join the two flames and of the table prayer at your recep tives) light the two side candles. light the wedding candle. As tion, rather than adding it to the The bridal party enters the recep they do so the attendant contin church ceremony. tion hall according to custom. ues:

Once all are in place a designated As the two flames become one, Here is a table grace which may person may offer a blessing for symbolizing their union with be used before the wedding ban the meal using the following or each other in the Lord, we ask quet. It incorporates a ceremony similar words: God to bless their marriage and of lighting the wedding candle. keep N. and N. close in the Why not consider giving it a try? Lord Jesus, be present among years ahead. You and your guests might be us as you were present at Cana surprised at the effect it will in Galilee. Come with abundant May they always turn to God in have. Used at the wedding ban gifts for N. and N. May their times of joy and in times of quet, rather than during the union in marriage truly image need. We pray this through liturgy, it can be an effective your love for your Church. Christ our Lord. Amen. reminder of what happened in church. It may help those who Bless all of us, too, who have The two side candles are extin attend only the reception to con come to join with them in joyful guished. A toast may be offered nect with the marriage ceremony. celebration. We thank you, and the reception continues. Prepared by the Office of Divine Worship, Archdiocese of Newark