Similarities and Differences Between a Church of England and a Roman Catholic Marriage

860 Words2 Pages

Similarities and Differences Between a Church of England and a Roman Catholic Marriage

Church of England:

The couple do not have to be a regular churchgoers to get married in

the Church of England, neither must they have been baptised. The

Church welcomes the opportunity for them to make their solemn promises

to each other not just in front of their family and friends but also

in the sight of God and with God's blessing. There are four ways of

getting married in accordance with the rites of the Church of England:

by publication of banns, by common licence by special licence issued

by the Archbishop of Canterbury, by the authority of a superintendent

registrar's certificate without licence.

The parish priest or vicar will guide the couple as to the most

suitable method according to your particular circumstances although

publication of banns is the traditional and preferred method for most

couples. Publication of the banns of marriage means the public

announcement by a minister or priest during Divine service that two

people wish to marry, and an invitation to anybody who knows just

cause or impediment to the union to declare it. Banns are usually read

out in the parish church (or churches) on three consecutive Sundays

during the three months prior to the marriage. On the day, the ushers

should be the first to arrive at the church, about forty-five minutes

before the ceremony. They should be informed in advance of how to seat

the guests as they arrive. The ushers may also have the job of

organising where the guests may park their cars, making sure that

everyone has an order of service, prayer and hymn books. The front

right-hand pew is reserved for the groom and the best man. The groom's

close family sit in the second pew behind the groom. The front

left-hand pew is reserved for the bride's parents and her attendants.

The groom and best man are next to arrive at the church at least 30

minutes before the ceremony. Guests usually arrive at the church

Open Document