Rite of Engagement Service

Rite of Engagement Service

The Officiating Priest gives a brief introduction

Introductory Prayer: Lord Jesus/ we believe that you are present here among us,/ for You have said that where two or three are gathered together in Your Name,/ You will be present in their midst / We are indeed, gathered here in Your name / because we believe that human love, when blessed by you / can achieve new power, depth and beauty./ We ask You to pour out Your abundant blessings on _____________ & ______________ / so that their mutual love may become powerful, deep & beautiful / as You alone can make it./ Grant to them a true, adult, mature love. Grant that in knowing each other, they may come to love You more deeply,/ for You alone are the Alpha and Omega/ the beginning and the end. Amen.

Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 13: 1 – 7
A reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians.

If we have all the eloquence of men or of angels, but speak without love, we are simply gongs booming or cymbals clashing. If we have the gift of prophecy, understanding all the mysteries there are and knowing everything and if we have faith in all its fullness to move mountains, but without love, then we are nothing at all. If we give away all that we possess, piece by piece, and if we even let them take our bodies to burn them, but are without love, it will do us no good whatever. Love is always patient, and kind, it is never jealous; love is never boastful or conceited; it is never rude or selfish, it does not take offense and is not resentful. Love takes no pleasure in other peoples sins but delights in the truth; it is always ready to excuse, to trust, to hope and to endure whatever comes.

The word of the Lord.

Response: Thanks be to God.

Blessing of Engagement Rings:

Almighty God, who love to bless all the details of our lives, bless + these rings which _______ & _______ give to each other as tokens of their mutual love. Let these rings blessed by you, remind them that it is You who have brought them together and may they help each other always to love and serve You faithfully. You who are God living and reigning forever and ever.    Amen.

Exchange of Rings:

Bridegroom:  …………., accept this ring as a sign of my love, and of my promise to make you my wife, according to the rites of Holy Mother Church, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Bride : ……………. accept this ring as a sign of my love and of my promise to accept you as my husband according to the rites of Holy Mother the Church, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit Amen.

Intercessory Prayer follows:

Your Response : Hear Thy people O Lord.