Because an interfaith wedding is by definition a mingling of different traditions, there is no definitive interfaith ceremony. However, we provide an example of one interfaith ceremony to suggest how including symbolic elements of both faiths can create an interfaith ceremony.
The wedding of a Jewish person and a Catholic person has two rich and beautiful traditions to draw upon. In such a ceremony, a couple might wish to have both a Rabbi and a Priest officiate. However, not every celebrant will be willing to perform an interfaith ceremony. You may have to search a while to find those open to officiating an interfaith wedding ceremony. If you wish to have a ceremony that combines traditions, begin your effort to locate the celebrant or celebrants as soon as possible.
A ceremony that combines Jewish and Catholic traditions might be performed by a Priest and a Rabbi and include the following:
An Opening Statement by Rabbi and Priest -- in which the two religious leaders welcome the guests and declare the bride and groom's desire to celebrate the faiths of their families and the roots of their shared religious beliefs.
The Ceremonial Lighting of Candles and Statement of Support by Parents -- in which the parents of the bride and groom participate in a candle-lighting ceremony and express their love and support for the union of their children. Since some people fear that an interfaith marriage will mean conflict between families, an immediate gesture of mutual support by both sets of parents sets a positive tone for the proceedings. The candles that are lit might be used by the couple later in the ceremony to light a Unity Candle.
Readings -- from both faiths, probably from the Torah or Old Testament, and from the New Testament.
Homily or Sermon -- which may be delivered by the Priest or the Rabbi, or the two of them together.
The Vows -- which may be led by either religious leader, but which might most meaningfully be led by the Priest, since the declaration of vows signifies the moment that a bride and groom are officially wed in the Christian tradition.
The Blessing and Exchange of Rings -- which may be led by either religious leader, but which might most meaningfully be led by the Rabbi, since it is the bride's acceptance of the groom's ring that officially weds the couples in the Jewish tradition.
Lighting of the Unity Candle by the Couple -- in which the bride and groom together light a Unity Candle, each using the candle lit by the parents earlier in the ceremony.
Prayers of the Faithful -- in which the religious leaders alternately lead the people in unison prayers.
The Seven Wedding Blessings -- in which the Rabbi recites the traditional blessings, or Sheva Berachot. For each blessing, the Rabbi might first say them in Hebrew, then in English.
Sign of Peace -- in which the Priest prompts the congregation to exchange gestures of friendship and peace and leads them in prayer.
The Final Prayers -- in which the bride and groom take turns reciting the Sh'ma and the Lord's Prayer. If the couple wishes, each may opt to recite the essential prayer for their partner's faith. Alternatively, they may recite their own faith's prayer.
The Breaking of the Glass -- in which the Rabbi prompts the groom in the traditional breaking of the glass.
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