Catholic Wedding Responsorial Psalms
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As you thoughtfully select the readings for your Catholic Wedding Mass, you'll encounter a beautiful moment in the liturgy known as the Responsorial Psalm. Think of the Psalms as ancient songs, filled with prayers, praises, and reflections on life and faith. While they were originally composed to be sung, don't worry if you don't have a cantor or a designated song leader for your ceremony! The Responsorial Psalm can absolutely be read aloud, with the same powerful impact.
This particular part of the Mass is unique because it's meant to be the assembly's heartfelt response to the Word of God that they've just heard. So, how does it work? Typically, a reader or cantor will share the verses of the Psalm, and then lead everyone present – your friends, family, and loved ones – in saying or singing a unified response. You'll notice that the title of each psalm listed below is that very response the assembly will share.
I'm excited to present you with seven (7) wonderful options for your Responsorial Psalm, each offering its own comforting and inspiring message. I've included the complete text for all of them right here in this blog post. As you and your fiancé go through these psalms, consider which one truly resonates with your shared love story, your faith, and your hopes and dreams for your Christian marriage. Choosing this psalm is a lovely way to invite your community to actively participate and affirm the spiritual journey you're beginning together.
{getToc} $title={Table of Contents} $count={Boolean} $expanded={Boolean}Psalm 33:12 and 18, 20-21, 22
Response: (5b) The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.
Blessed the nation whose God is the Lord,
the people he has chosen as his heritage.
Yes, the Lord’s eyes are upon those who fear him,
who hope in his merciful love. (R)
Our soul is waiting for the Lord,
He is our help and our shield,
in him do our hearts find joy.
We trust in his holy name. (R)
May your merciful love be upon us,
as we hope in you, O Lord. (R)
Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9
Response: (2a) I will bless the Lord at all times.
OR:
Response: (9a) Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.
I will bless the Lord at all times;
praise of him is always in my mouth.
In the Lord my soul shall makes its boast;
the humble shall hear and be glad. (R)
Glorify the Lord with me,
together let us praise his name.
I sought the Lord, and he answered me
from all my terrors he set me free. (R)
Look toward him and be radiant;
let your faces not be abashed.
This lowly one called; the Lord heard,
and rescued him from all his distress. (R)
The angel of the Lord is encamped
around those who fear him, to rescue them.
Taste and see that the Lord is good.
Blessed the man who seeks refuge in him. (R)
Psalm 103:1-2, 8 and 13, 17-18a
Response: (8a) The Lord is kind and merciful.
OR:
Response: (see 17) The Lord’s kindness is everlasting to those who fear him.
Bless the Lord, O my soul;
and all within me, his holy name.
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and never forget all his benefits. (R)
The Lord is compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger and rich in mercy.
As a father has compassion on his children,
so the Lord’s compassion is on those who fear him. (R)
But the mercy of the Lord is everlasting
upon those who hold him in fear,
upon children’s children his righteousness,
for those who keep his covenant. (R)
Psalm 112:1bc-2, 3-4, 5-7a, 7b-8, 9
Response: (see 1) Blessed the man who greatly delights in the Lord’s commands.
OR:
Response: Alleluia.
Blessed the man who fears the Lord,
who takes great delight in his commandments.
His descendants shall be powerful on earth;
the generation of the upright will be blest. (R)
Riches and wealth are in his house;
his righteousness stands firm forever.
A light rises in the darkness for the upright;
he is generous, merciful, and righteous. (R)
It goes well for the man who deals generously and lends,
who conducts his affairs with justice.
He will never be moved;
forever shall the righteous be remembered.
He has no fear of evil news. (R)
With a firm heart, he trusts in the Lord.
With a steadfast heart he will not fear;
he will see the downfall of his foes. (R)
Openhanded, he gives to the poor;
his righteousness stands firm forever.
His might shall be exalted in glory. (R)
Psalm 128:1-2, 3, 4-5
Response: (see 1a) Blessed are those who fear the Lord.
OR:
Response: (4) See how the Lord blesses those who fear him.
Blessed are all who fear the Lord,
and walk in his ways!
By the labor of your hands you shall eat.
You will be blessed and prosper. (R)
Your wife like a fruitful vine
in the heart of your house;
Your children like shoots of the olive.
around your table. (R)
Indeed thus shall be blessed
the man who fears the Lord.
May the Lord bless you from Zion:
all the days of your life!
May you see your children’s children. (R)
Psalm 145:8-9, 10 and 15, 17-18
Response: (9a) How good is the Lord to all.
The Lord is kind and full of compassion,
slow to anger, abounding in mercy.
How good is the Lord to all,
compassionate to all his creatures. (R)
All your works shall thank you, O Lord,
and all your faithful ones bless you.
The eyes of all look to you
and you give them their food in due season. (R)
The Lord is righteous in all his ways
and holy in all his deeds.
The Lord is close to all who call him,
who call on him in truth. (R)
Psalm 148:1-2, 3-4, 9-10, 11-13a, 13c-14a
Response: (13a) Let all praise the name of the Lord.OR:
Response: Alleluia.
Praise the Lord from the heavens,
praise him in the heights;
Praise him, all you his angels,
praise him, all you his hosts. (R)
Praise him, sun and moon;
praise him, all you shining stars.
Praise him, you highest heavens,
and you waters above the heavens. (R)
Mountains and all hills,
fruit trees and all cedars;
beasts, both wild and tame,
creeping things and birds on the wing. (R)
Kings of the earth and all peoples,
princes and all judges of the earth,
young men and maidens as well,
the old and the young together.
Let them praise the name of the Lord,
for his name alone is exalted. (R)
His splendor above earth and heaven.
He exalts the strength of his people. (R)
- For Your Marriage. (2010, March 16). Responsorial psalms [Blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.foryourmarriage.org/responsorial-psalms/.
- Saint Mary’s Catholic Church, Hexham. (2018, October 31). Scripture readings for catholic weddings [PDF]. Retrieved from https://www.stmaryshexham.org.uk/media/1564/scripture-readings-for-your-wedding-v2-oct18.pdf.
