On Holy Thursday (Maundy Thursday) evening, the Church celebrates the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, which opens the sacred Triduum. In 2027 Holy Thursday is March 25. We remember the institution of the Eucharist and of the priesthood, and Jesus washing his disciples’ feet and giving the new commandment of love. The readings are the same every year: the Passover meal (Exodus 12), “This is my body” (1 Corinthians 11) and the washing of the feet (John 13). Below are four complete sets of Prayers of the Faithful for Holy Thursday.
Response: Lord, hear our prayer.
How to use these intercessions
After the homily and the washing of the feet, the Universal Prayer follows; the Creed is not said. The priest introduces the prayer and concludes it; a deacon or reader announces the intentions (GIRM 69–71).
Set 1: The Eucharist and the priesthood
Priest: On this holy night, when Jesus gave us his Body and Blood, let us pray with grateful hearts.
- For the Church, that she may always draw her life from the Eucharist and become what she receives, let us pray to the Lord.
- For the Pope, our bishop and all priests, on the day Christ gave the Church the gift of the priesthood, that they may serve God’s people with holiness and joy, let us pray to the Lord.
- For young men who are called to the priesthood, that they may answer with generosity, let us pray to the Lord.
- For those who cannot receive Communion, the sick, the imprisoned and Christians who live without a priest, that they may be united with Christ in spirit, let us pray to the Lord.
- For our parish, that we may keep watch with the Lord tonight and love one another as he has loved us, let us pray to the Lord.
- For our beloved dead, that they may share in the banquet of the Lamb in heaven, let us pray to the Lord.
Priest: Lord Jesus, on the night before you suffered you gave us the sacrament of your love. Hear our prayers, and make us one in your Body. You live and reign for ever and ever. Amen.
Set 2: Service and the washing of the feet
- That following the example of Jesus, who washed his disciples’ feet, the Church may serve the poor and the forgotten, let us pray to the Lord.
- That those in authority may see their power as a call to serve, let us pray to the Lord.
- That caregivers, nurses and all who care for the sick and the elderly may be blessed in their humble service, let us pray to the Lord.
- That we may wash one another’s feet in our families, our work and our parish, let us pray to the Lord.
Set 3: Unity and the new commandment
- That all Christians may be one, as Jesus prayed at the Last Supper, let us pray to the Lord.
- That divided families and communities may find reconciliation around the table of the Lord, let us pray to the Lord.
- That the hungry may be fed, and that we may share our bread with them, let us pray to the Lord.
- That we may love one another as Jesus has loved us, let us pray to the Lord.
Set 4: For children
- Thank you, Jesus, for giving us yourself in Holy Communion. Lord, hear our prayer.
- Help us to serve others, as you washed the feet of your friends. Lord, hear our prayer.
- Bless our priests, who give us your Body and Blood. Lord, hear our prayer.
- Help children who are preparing for their First Communion. Lord, hear our prayer.
Frequently asked questions
When is Holy Thursday in 2027?
Thursday, March 25, 2027. The Mass of the Lord’s Supper is celebrated in the evening.
Why is it called Maundy Thursday?
From the Latin mandatum, “commandment,” for the new commandment Jesus gave at the Last Supper: “that you love one another.”