Here are eight sets of prayers of the faithful for the Church. Each set takes one side of the Church’s life: her ministers and members, evangelization, teaching and charity, peace and family life, the protection of life, the liturgy, Scripture and tradition, and the new evangelization. Use a full set at a Mass celebrated for the Church (a parish anniversary, the feast of the Chair of St. Peter on February 22, Saints Peter and Paul on June 29, a diocesan synod or mission), or take a single intention from any set as the first intention on a Sunday.
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.”
- On a Sunday, take one intention, not a whole set: the Missal also asks for prayers for the world, for people in need and for the local community (GIRM 70).
- Name the Pope and your bishop where an intention mentions them.
- Vary the first intention through the year. These eight sets give thirty-two different ways to pray for the Church.
Option 1: For the Pope and Clergy, All the Baptized, Those Entering the Church and Christian Unity
- For the Pope, bishops, priests, and deacons, that they may lead the Church with wisdom and compassion. Let us pray to the Lord.
- For all members of the Church, that we may grow in faith and love. Let us pray to the Lord.
- For those preparing to enter the Church, that they may be strengthened on their journey. Let us pray to the Lord.
- For unity among all Christians, that we may work together to spread the Gospel. Let us pray to the Lord.
I. For our sick, bereaved, etc., special projects or events, let us pray to the Lord.
II. For all the dead whose faith was known to God alone, that the Lord may lead them into the light of his eternal kingdom, let us pray to the Lord.
Option 2: For Evangelization, Religious, Lay Ministers and Work for Justice
- For the Church’s mission of evangelization, that we may effectively share God’s love with the world. Let us pray to the Lord.
- For religious sisters and brothers, that their witness may inspire others to deepen their faith. Let us pray to the Lord.
- For lay ministers in the Church, that their service may bear fruit. Let us pray to the Lord.
- For the Church’s efforts in promoting social justice, that they may reflect Christ’s love for the poor. Let us pray to the Lord.
I. For our sick, bereaved, etc., special projects or events, let us pray to the Lord.
II. That the Son of Man may welcome into his kingdom those who have died, especially [N], let us pray to the Lord.
Option 3: For Faithful Teaching, Vocations, Works of Charity and Catholic Education
- For the Church’s teachings, that they may guide us to live more faithfully. Let us pray to the Lord.
- For vocations to the priesthood and religious life, that many may answer God’s call. Let us pray to the Lord.
- For the Church’s charitable organizations, that they may effectively serve those in need. Let us pray to the Lord.
- For the Church’s role in education, that it may form minds and hearts in the ways of Christ. Let us pray to the Lord.
I. For our sick, bereaved, etc., special projects or events, let us pray to the Lord.
II. For all the dead whose faith was known to God alone, that the Lord may lead them into the light of his eternal kingdom, let us pray to the Lord.
Option 4: For Peace, Families, the Young and Dialogue with Other Faiths
- For the Church’s efforts in promoting peace, that they may bear fruit in our world. Let us pray to the Lord.
- For the Church’s ministry to families, that it may strengthen the domestic church. Let us pray to the Lord.
- For the Church’s outreach to youth, that it may inspire a new generation of faithful disciples. Let us pray to the Lord.
- For the Church’s dialogue with other faiths, that it may foster understanding and respect. Let us pray to the Lord.
I. For our sick, bereaved, etc., special projects or events, let us pray to the Lord.
II For our brothers and sisters who have gone before us, especially [Names], that the Lord may welcome them into paradise, we pray to you, O Lord.
Option 5: For the Protection of Life, Care for Creation, the Sick and Dying, and Reconciliation
- For the Church’s commitment to the sanctity of life, that it may be a voice for the voiceless. Let us pray to the Lord.
- For the Church’s efforts in caring for creation, that they may inspire greater stewardship of our common home. Let us pray to the Lord.
- For the Church’s ministry to the sick and dying, that it may bring comfort and hope. Let us pray to the Lord.
- For the Church’s work in promoting forgiveness and reconciliation, that it may heal divisions. Let us pray to the Lord.
I. For our sick, bereaved, etc., special projects or events, let us pray to the Lord.
II. For [Names], our deceased relatives and friends, that they may find everlasting happiness in the embrace of our merciful Father, let us pray to the Lord.
Option 6: For the Liturgy, Sacred Art and Music, Migrants and Religious Freedom
- For the Church’s liturgical life, that it may draw all people closer to God. Let us pray to the Lord.
- For the Church’s efforts in promoting sacred art and music, that they may elevate our spirits to God. Let us pray to the Lord.
- For the Church’s ministry to migrants and refugees, that it may offer welcome and support. Let us pray to the Lord.
- For the Church’s efforts in defending religious freedom, that all may worship without fear. Let us pray to the Lord.
I. For our sick, bereaved, etc., special projects or events, let us pray to the Lord.
II. For all the dead whose faith was known to God alone, that the Lord may lead them into the light of his eternal kingdom, let us pray to the Lord.
Option 7: For Love of Scripture, Prison Ministry, Discernment and Tradition
- For the Church’s commitment to Scripture study, that it may deepen our understanding of God’s Word. Let us pray to the Lord.
- For the Church’s ministry to those in prison, that it may bring hope and rehabilitation. Let us pray to the Lord.
- For the Church’s efforts in promoting vocational discernment, that all may discover God’s call in their lives. Let us pray to the Lord.
- For the Church’s work in preserving its rich traditions, that they may be passed on to future generations. Let us pray to the Lord.
I. For our sick, bereaved, etc., special projects or events, let us pray to the Lord.
II. For [Names], our deceased relatives and friends, that they may find everlasting happiness in the embrace of our merciful Father, let us pray to the Lord.
Option 8: For the New Evangelization, Human Development, Those with Addictions and Community
- For the Church’s commitment to the New Evangelization, that it may renew faith in secular societies. Let us pray to the Lord.
- For the Church’s efforts in promoting authentic human development, that they may uplift the dignity of all people. Let us pray to the Lord.
- For the Church’s ministry to those struggling with addictions, that it may offer healing and support. Let us pray to the Lord.
- For the Church’s work in fostering community, that all may find a spiritual home within its embrace. Let us pray to the Lord.
I. For our sick, bereaved, etc., special projects or events, let us pray to the Lord.
II For our brothers and sisters who have gone before us, especially [Names], that the Lord may welcome them into paradise, we pray to you, O Lord.
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:
Brothers and sisters, we are the Body of Christ, and each of us a member of it. Let us pray to the Father for his Church throughout the world.
Concluding prayer:
Lord God, you gather your Church from every nation. Hear our prayers: keep her faithful to the Gospel, one in love, and generous in serving the world. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the Church the first intention at Mass?
Because the Missal gives that order: the needs of the Church come first, then public authorities and the world, those in difficulty and the local community (GIRM 70).
Should the Pope be named?
He may be. “For Pope Leo” or “for Leo our Pope” are both used; some parishes simply pray “for our Holy Father.” The diocesan bishop is often named with him.
When is a whole set for the Church appropriate?
At a Mass celebrated for the Church or for a particular need of hers: the anniversary of a parish or of its dedication, the election of a pope or the arrival of a bishop, a synod, a mission, the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (January 18 to 25).
Are there sets for priests and for vocations?
Yes: see the related pages below.
Related prayers
- Prayers of the Faithful for priests and religious
- Prayers of the Faithful for priests
- Prayers of the Faithful for vocations
- Prayers of the Faithful for the new Pope
- Prayer for the Pope
- Patron saint of the Catholic Church
- Prayers of the Faithful examples: 50 intentions
- Prayers of the Faithful for this Sunday