Prayers of the Faithful for Confirmation Mass: 7 Complete Sets

Here are seven complete sets of prayers of the faithful for a Confirmation Mass. Each set prays for the Church, for those being confirmed, for the newly confirmed to live as witnesses, for parents, sponsors and families, and for the whole community, asking that the gifts of the Holy Spirit bear fruit in their lives.

Confirmation completes the grace of Baptism. The Catechism teaches that it “increases the gifts of the Holy Spirit in us” and gives “a special strength of the Holy Spirit to spread and defend the faith by word and action as true witnesses of Christ” (CCC 1303). The intentions below echo those themes.

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.”
Ask a confirmand or sponsor to read. Many parishes invite those being confirmed to read the intentions.

Option 1: Prayers of the Faithful for Confirmation

For the Church, that she may be a beacon of hope and a source of strength for all believers, let us pray to the Lord…
For those receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation, that they may be empowered by the Holy Spirit to live as true disciples of Christ, let us pray to the Lord…
That the newly confirmed may have the courage to defend their faith and be witnesses of God’s love in the world, let us pray to the Lord…
For the families and communities that have nurtured those being confirmed, that they may continue to support and guide them in their faith journey, let us pray to the Lord…
That the gifts of the Holy Spirit may inspire the newly confirmed to use their talents and abilities in the service of others, let us pray to the Lord…

Option 2: For the Sevenfold Gifts of the Spirit

For the Holy Catholic Church, that she may continue to guide and nurture the faithful through the gifts of the Holy Spirit, let us pray to the Lord…
For the confirmandi, that they may be filled with the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit and remain steadfast in their faith, let us pray to the Lord…
That the newly confirmed may courageously profess their faith and bear witness to Christ in their daily lives, let us pray to the Lord…
For the parents, sponsors, and families of the confirmandi, that they may continue to support and encourage the spiritual growth of their loved ones, let us pray to the Lord…

Option 3: For Courage to Profess the Faith

For the universal Church, that she may continue to proclaim the Gospel with boldness and clarity, let us pray to the Lord…
For those being confirmed, that the outpouring of the Holy Spirit may renew and strengthen their commitment to Christ, let us pray to the Lord…
That the newly confirmed may be receptive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit and discern God’s will for their lives, let us pray to the Lord…
For the parents, sponsors, and families who have supported those being confirmed on their faith journey, let us pray to the Lord…
That the gifts of the Holy Spirit may inspire the newly confirmed to work for justice, peace, and the protection of human dignity, let us pray to the Lord…

Option 4: For Witnesses of Christ

For the Church, that she may continue to guide souls to the truth and the fullness of life in Christ, let us pray to the Lord…
For those being confirmed, that the Sacrament of Confirmation may deepen their relationship with the Holy Trinity, let us pray to the Lord…
That the newly confirmed may be filled with the courage and wisdom to share their faith with others, let us pray to the Lord…
For the parents, sponsors, and families who have nurtured those being confirmed in the faith, let us pray to the Lord…
That the gifts of the Holy Spirit may inspire the newly confirmed to live as faithful stewards of God’s creation, let us pray to the Lord…
For the bishops and priests who confer the Sacrament of Confirmation, that they may be guided by the Holy Spirit, let us pray to the Lord…

Option 5: For Ambassadors of God’s Love

For the Holy Catholic Church, that she may continue to be a source of grace and truth for all people, let us pray to the Lord…
For those being confirmed, that the outpouring of the Holy Spirit may strengthen their resolve to live as faithful disciples of Christ, let us pray to the Lord…
That the newly confirmed may be ambassadors of God’s love and agents of positive change in the world, let us pray to the Lord…
For the parents, sponsors, and families who have supported those being confirmed on their spiritual journey, let us pray to the Lord…
That the gifts of the Holy Spirit may inspire the newly confirmed to use their talents and abilities to serve the needs of others, let us pray to the Lord…

Option 6: For Confirmandi, Sponsors and Families

For the Church, that she may continue to be a beacon of hope and a source of spiritual nourishment for all believers, let us pray to the Lord…
For the confirmandi, that the Sacrament of Confirmation may deepen their commitment to living the Gospel message, let us pray to the Lord…
That the newly confirmed may be empowered by the Holy Spirit to share their faith boldly and joyfully, let us pray to the Lord…
For the parents, sponsors, and families who have nurtured the confirmandi in the faith, let us pray to the Lord…
That the gifts of the Holy Spirit may inspire the confirmandi to work for the protection of human life and the promotion of human dignity, let us pray to the Lord…
For the clergy and religious who have prepared the confirmandi for this sacrament, let us pray to the Lord…

Option 7: For Defenders of the Faith

For the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church, that she may continue to be a guiding light for all humanity, let us pray to the Lord…
For the confirmandi, that the outpouring of the Holy Spirit may ignite in them a passion for their faith, let us pray to the Lord…
That the newly confirmed may be courageous in defending the truth and standing up for the vulnerable in society, let us pray to the Lord…
For the parents, sponsors, and families who have supported the confirmandi on their faith journey, let us pray to the Lord…
That the gifts of the Holy Spirit may inspire the confirmandi to use their talents and abilities to build a more just and peaceful world, let us pray to the Lord…
For all those who have had a positive influence on the faith formation of the confirmandi, let us pray to the 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, the Holy Spirit is poured out today on these young people. Let us pray to God our Father for them, for their families and for the whole Church.

Concluding prayer:

Lord God, you have sent your Holy Spirit upon these your servants. Hear the prayers of your Church, strengthen them with your sevenfold gifts, and make them faithful witnesses to Christ, who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.

Frequently asked questions

Who reads the prayers of the faithful at Confirmation?

Often one of the confirmandi, a sponsor or a parish reader. The General Instruction of the Roman Missal allows “one of the lay faithful” to announce the intentions (GIRM 71).

Should the intentions mention the gifts of the Holy Spirit?

It is a good idea, and every set here does. For the meaning of each gift, see our guide to the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Can the bishop change the intentions?

Yes. The bishop or his master of ceremonies may have a preferred form, so send your intentions to the parish office in advance.

Related prayers

Sources

General Instruction of the Roman Missal, 69–71.
Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1303 (the effects of Confirmation).

Prayers of the Faithful for Confirmation: 7 Complete Sets for the Confirmation Mass