* The norm is that an ordained deacon officiates at a Rite of Marriage outside of Mass (Liturgy of the Word with no Holy Communion).
* Since a non-Catholic bride/groom and guests do not receive Holy Communion, we celebrate what unites, and not what separates .
To prepare for the Sacred Liturgy, you will be given a book that outlines all your choices for the prayers and scripture readings. Your selection of lectors are to be comfortable with reading in public. Practicing Catholics and/or practicing baptized, non-Catholics may read the first and second readings or a person of the Jewish faith may read the Old Testament reading.
With the Rite of Marriage during Mass, you are to choose two (2) practicing Catholics to present the gifts of bread and wine. Since we as Catholics believe these gifts will become the Body and Blood of Christ, it would be inappropriate to ask a non-Catholic to present these gifts when his/her faith tradition does not believe in the real presence of the Eucharist as we do.