The Ascension of the Lord celebrates Christ’s return to the Father forty days after Easter, and his promise to send the Holy Spirit. In 2027 it falls on Thursday, May 6; in most dioceses of the United States, and in many other countries, it is moved to Sunday, May 9. Below are three complete sets of Prayers of the Faithful for the Ascension, echoing the readings: “You shall be witnesses unto me” (Acts 1), the hope of our calling (Ephesians), and “Go ye into the whole world and preach the gospel” (Mark 16, Year B).
Response: Lord, hear our prayer.
How to use these intercessions
The priest introduces the Universal Prayer and says the closing prayer; a deacon or reader announces the intentions (GIRM 69–71). Where the Ascension is kept on Sunday, the Seventh Sunday of Easter is not celebrated that year. In many countries the Sunday of the Ascension is also World Communications Day.
Set 1: For the parish Mass
Priest: Christ has ascended to the Father, and he remains with us always. With confidence, let us pray.
- For the Church, that she may fulfill the command of the risen Lord to proclaim the Gospel to every creature, let us pray to the Lord.
- For the leaders of nations, that they may seek the things that are above: justice, peace and the dignity of every person, let us pray to the Lord.
- For those who feel that God is far away, that they may know that Christ is with them always, until the end of the world, let us pray to the Lord.
- For the sick and the suffering, that the hope of heaven may strengthen them, let us pray to the Lord.
- For our parish, that as we wait for Pentecost we may be ready to receive the Holy Spirit, let us pray to the Lord.
- For all who have died, that they may follow Christ into the glory of heaven, let us pray to the Lord.
Priest: Father, your Son has gone before us into heaven. Hear our prayers, and keep our hearts set on the place he has prepared for us. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Set 2: The mission of the Church
- For missionaries throughout the world, that they may be faithful witnesses to Christ to the ends of the earth, let us pray to the Lord.
- For all who work in the media and communications, that they may serve truth and build up communion, let us pray to the Lord.
- For young people, that they may hear Christ’s call to be his witnesses, let us pray to the Lord.
- For Christians who are persecuted, that the Lord may confirm their witness with his strength, let us pray to the Lord.
Set 3: For a children’s Mass
- Jesus, you went up to heaven. Help us to be your friends here on earth. Lord, hear our prayer.
- Help us to tell others how much you love them. Lord, hear our prayer.
- Bless all the children who are sad or lonely. Lord, hear our prayer.
- Bring everyone who has died to be with you in heaven. Lord, hear our prayer.
Frequently asked questions
When is Ascension Thursday in 2027?
Thursday, May 6, 2027, forty days after Easter. In most U.S. dioceses it is celebrated on Sunday, May 9.
Is the Ascension a holy day of obligation?
Where it is kept on Thursday, yes; where it is moved to Sunday, the Sunday obligation applies.