Prayers of the Faithful for a Wedding Anniversary Mass: 5 Complete Sets

Here are five complete sets of prayers of the faithful for a wedding anniversary Mass, for any anniversary from the first to the sixtieth. Each set gives thanks for the couple, asks God to strengthen their love, prays for their family and for all married couples, and remembers those in need.

For a fiftieth anniversary, see also our golden wedding anniversary sets.

Also reach out to me if you want personalized Prayers of the Faithful for your Special Mass.

How to use these prayers

• Choose one set and adapt it; you may swap in an intention from another set.
• Keep it short. Four to six intentions are enough; the Church asks that intentions be “sober” and “succinct” (GIRM 71).
• Fill in names where you see N. or (Names).
• Give the reader a printed copy and agree on the response, usually “Lord, hear our prayer.”

Option 1: Prayers of the Faithful for a Wedding Anniversary

1. Lector: For the Church throughout the world: that it may continue to uphold and strengthen the sanctity of marriage, guiding all married couples in their vocation of love, we pray to the Lord: All: Lord, hear our prayer.
2. Lector: For peace and justice in our world: that the compassion and compromise learned in marriage may inspire our leaders and communities, we pray to the Lord: All: Lord, hear our prayer.
3. Lector: For [Name] and [Name], celebrating this special anniversary: that their love may continue to grow in wisdom, kindness, and grace, we pray to the Lord: All: Lord, hear our prayer.
4. Lector: For all married couples here today: that their lives together may be a testimony to the faithfulness and love that God calls us to share, we pray to the Lord: All: Lord, hear our prayer.
5. Lector: For families struggling with relationship difficulties: that they find in the Church a source of healing and reconciliation, we pray to the Lord: All: Lord, hear our prayer.
6. Lector: For the sick and homebound: that they may feel the comforting presence of Christ through the support of their families and friends, we pray to the Lord: All: Lord, hear our prayer.

Option 2: For a Marriage That Shows Christ’s Love

1. Lector: For the Church: that it may be a sign of Christ’s love to the world, nurturing the bonds of all married couples under its care, we pray to the Lord: All: Lord, hear our prayer.
2. Lector: For our community and its leaders: that they work towards creating an environment where families can thrive in stability and love, we pray to the Lord: All: Lord, hear our prayer.
3. Lector: For [Name] and [Name], as they celebrate their anniversary: that they may be blessed with health, happiness, and many more years of shared joy, we pray to the Lord: All: Lord, hear our prayer.
4. Lector: For all here gathered in celebration: that our fellowship may strengthen our own commitments and renew our love for one another, we pray to the Lord: All: Lord, hear our prayer.
5. Lector: For young couples preparing for marriage: that they may build their relationship on the foundation of faith and unconditional love, we pray to the Lord: All: Lord, hear our prayer.

Option 3: For Couples at Every Stage of Marriage

1. Lector: For the Holy Church: that it may always provide guidance and support to married couples at every stage of their journey together, we pray to the Lord: All: Lord, hear our prayer.
2. Lector: For leaders around the world: that they promote the welfare and dignity of all families, ensuring support for their spiritual and material needs, we pray to the Lord: All: Lord, hear our prayer.
3. Lector: For [Name] and [Name] on this joyful occasion: that their love may be a beacon of hope and strength to others, reflecting the love of Christ, we pray to the Lord: All: Lord, hear our prayer.
4. Lector: For those who have suffered the loss of a spouse: that they may be comforted in their grief and supported by our community, we pray to the Lord: All: Lord, hear our prayer.
5. Lector: For all couples facing trials and hardships: that they may be fortified by grace and overcome their challenges together, we pray to the Lord: All: Lord, hear our prayer.

Option 4: For Growth in Love and Faithfulness

1. Lector: For the Church’s leaders: that their teachings and life may always encourage couples to grow in love and fidelity, we pray to the Lord: All: Lord, hear our prayer.
2. Lector: For our nation and its government: that the laws and policies enacted may support the sanctity and stability of family life, we pray to the Lord: All: Lord, hear our prayer.
3. Lector: For [Name] and [Name], celebrating this milestone: that their journey together may continue to be filled with mutual support, deep respect, and enduring love, we pray to the Lord: All: Lord, hear our prayer.
4. Lector: For all married couples who are separated by distance or circumstance: that they may soon be reunited in joy and peace, we pray to the Lord: All: Lord, hear our prayer.
5. Lector: For deceased family members and friends: that they may rest in the peace of Christ and remain in our hearts forever, we pray to the Lord: All: Lord, hear our prayer.

Option 5: For Families and the Wider Community

1. Lector: For the pastoral leaders of our Church: that their guidance may always reflect Christ’s love and wisdom, helping married couples to flourish, we pray to the Lord: All: Lord, hear our prayer.
2. Lector: For global harmony: that the love which binds all marriages may inspire unity and peace among all nations, we pray to the Lord: All: Lord, hear our prayer.
3. Lector: For [Name] and [Name], whose love we honor today: that their relationship may continue to inspire both the young and old around them, we pray to the Lord: All: Lord, hear our prayer.
4. Lector: For all who offer support to married couples: counselors, mentors, and spiritual guides, that their work may bear fruit in lasting, joyful unions, we pray to the Lord: All: Lord, hear our prayer.
5. Lector: For all those struggling with loneliness or isolation: that they may find hope and community in the fellowship of the Church, we pray to the Lord: All: Lord, hear our prayer.
6. Lector: For the faithful departed, especially our loved ones, that God who is all merciful may forgive them their sins and admit them into his heavenly kingdom, we pray to the Lord: All: Lord, hear our prayer.

A sample introduction and closing prayer

The priest introduces and concludes the intentions (GIRM 71). These samples were written for this guide; the celebrant may use his own words.

Introduction:

Concluding prayer:

Frequently asked questions

Can we have a Mass offered for our anniversary?

Yes. You can request a Mass intention for your anniversary at your parish, and many couples attend that Mass together. See Mass intentions.

Who reads the intentions?

A child, grandchild, member of the wedding party or friend of the couple.

How many intentions should there be?

Five or six. Each set on this page is ready to use as it is.

Related prayers

• Prayers of the Faithful for a golden wedding anniversary
• Prayers of the Faithful for married couples
• Prayers of the Faithful for a Catholic wedding
• Mass intentions
• Mass intention examples

Sources

• General Instruction of the Roman Missal, 69–71.
• Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1638–1642.