This practical and down-to-earth booklet for engaged couples offers four foundation stones upon which couples can design a beautiful, prayerful and personal wedding ceremony. "It has been my consistent experience," writes the author, "That couples who spend time and effort planning the wedding ceremony-the 'in church' part of the day-find their time and effort well spent." The four principles are:
1. You Do the Marrying. The bride and groom are the active agents, not passive spectators to something the priest or deacon is doing for or to them.
2. Your Wedding Is a Symbolic Action. A wedding is a public, symbolic action. The words, the joining hands, the exchange of rings, a kiss-all convey meaning to the couple, to their friends, to the Church community and to God.
3. The Heart of the Ceremony is Prayer. Prayer is the focus of the wedding ceremony. Weddings should help people pray and avoid anything that inhibits prayer.
4. A Catholic Ceremony Is a Liturgical F.vent. Those elements which make a good liturgy are the same which make a good wedding.