Prayers of the Faithful for Corpus Christi: 5 Sets for the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ

Here are five complete sets of prayers of the faithful for Corpus Christi, the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. Each set prays for the Church as the Body of Christ, for civil leaders, for those who hunger, for the sick and homebound who cannot come to Mass, and for the parish gathered at the altar. Two optional intentions follow: I for a local need and II for the dead.

The solemnity falls on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday. Where it is not a holy day of obligation, as in the United States, it is kept on the following Sunday. In 2027 that is Thursday, May 27, or Sunday, May 30.

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.”
• Remember the homebound. Corpus Christi is a good day to pray for parishioners who receive Communion at home, and for the ministers who bring it to them.
• Mention the First Communicants if children of the parish received their First Communion this season.
• If there is a procession, keep the intentions short. The procession with the Blessed Sacrament follows the Prayer after Communion.

Option 1: For Unity, Religious Freedom and Those Who Doubt the Real Presence

1. For the Church, the Body of Christ, that it may be a visible sign of unity and love in the world, let us pray to the Lord.
2. That civil leaders may ensure religious freedom for all, let us pray to the Lord.
3. For those struggling with doubt about Christ’s Real Presence in the Eucharist, that their faith may be strengthened, let us pray to the Lord.
4. For our local parish, that our celebration of the Eucharist may deepen our Faith in Jesus, let us pray to the Lord.
5. For our sick and homebound, that they may be spiritually nourished by the Bread of Life, let us pray to the Lord.

I. (For our sick, bereaved, parish project, events, etc., let us pray to the Lord.)

II. For the faithful departed, especially N., that they may be welcomed into the heavenly banquet, let us pray to the Lord.

Option 2: For Courage, Those Who Have Fallen Away and the Persecuted

1. That the Church may have the courage to proclaim unchanging truths in the face of opposition or persecution, let us pray to the Lord.
2. That government leaders may not impede Eucharistic processions or liturgical celebrations, especially today, let us pray to the Lord.
3. For fallen away Catholics, that encountering Christ’s Real Presence may lead them home, let us pray to the Lord.
4. For those persecuted for defending the truth about the Eucharist, and for all those persecuted for their faith, let us pray to the Lord.

I. (For our sick, bereaved, parish project, events, etc., let us pray to the Lord.)

II. For our deceased loved ones, especially N., that they may enjoy eternal rest in the presence of the Lord, let us pray to the Lord.

Option 3: For Ministers at the Altar, the Hungry and Those Unable to Attend Mass

1. For the Church, the Body of Christ, that it may be a visible sign of unity and love in the world, let us pray to the Lord.
2. For all who minister at the altar, that their service may be a true reflection of Christ’s love, let us pray to the Lord.
3. For those who are hungry and in need, that they may experience Christ’s love through our acts of charity, let us pray to the Lord.
4. For our parish community, that our participation in the Eucharist may deepen our faith and commitment to Christ, let us pray to the Lord.
5. For those who are unable to attend Mass, that they may experience the presence of Christ through spiritual communion, let us pray to the Lord.

I. (For our sick, bereaved, parish project, events, etc., let us pray to the Lord.)

II. For our deceased loved ones, especially N., that they may enjoy eternal rest in the presence of the Lord, let us pray to the Lord.

Option 4: For Holiness, the Homeless and the Sick

1. For the universal Church, that she may grow in holiness and unity, let us pray to the Lord.
2. For our Holy Father, bishops, and priests, that they may be strengthened in their ministry, let us pray to the Lord.
3. For those who are hungry and homeless, that they may find sustenance and support, let us pray to the Lord.
4. For those who are sick and suffering, that the healing power of Christ present in the Eucharist may bring them comfort, let us pray to the Lord.
5. For our local community, that our celebration of the Eucharist may inspire us to serve one another in love, let us pray to the Lord.

I. (For our sick, bereaved, parish project, events, etc., let us pray to the Lord.)

II. For the faithful departed, especially N., that they may partake in the heavenly banquet, let us pray to the Lord.

Option 5: For Bishops and Priests, the Hungry and the Suffering

1. For bishops and priests, that they may be strengthened by the Eucharist in their vocation to serve the Church, let us pray to the Lord.
2. For those who are hungry and in need, that they may experience Christ’s love through our acts of charity, let us pray to the Lord.
3. For those who are ill or suffering, that they may find solace and strength in the Eucharistic presence of Christ, let us pray to the Lord.
4. For our local parish, that our celebration of the Eucharist may deepen our sense of community and service, let us pray to the Lord.

I. (For our sick, bereaved, parish project, events, etc., let us pray to the Lord.)

II. For all the faithful departed, especially N., that they may share in the glory of the resurrection, 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:

Concluding prayer:

Frequently asked questions

When is Corpus Christi in 2027 and 2028?

In 2027: Thursday, May 27, or Sunday, May 30 where it is transferred, as in the United States. In 2028: Thursday, June 15, or Sunday, June 18. See Corpus Christi.

What are the readings for Corpus Christi in 2027?

In Year B: Exodus 24:3-8, the blood of the covenant; Hebrews 9:11-15; and Mark 14:12-16, 22-26, the Last Supper.

Is there a procession on Corpus Christi?

The Church recommends a procession with the Blessed Sacrament through the streets on this day, as a public witness of faith in the Eucharist (Code of Canon Law, canon 944). It ends with Benediction.

What is the Sequence sung before the Gospel?

The Lauda Sion, written by Saint Thomas Aquinas for this feast. It is optional and may be sung in full or in its shorter form.

Related prayers

• Corpus Christi: date, meaning and customs
• Tantum Ergo
• Lauda Sion
• Panis Angelicus
• Eucharistic adoration prayers
• Spiritual Communion prayer
• Prayers of the Faithful for First Communion
• Prayers of the Faithful for Trinity Sunday
• Prayers of the Faithful for this Sunday

Sources

• General Instruction of the Roman Missal, 69–71.
• Code of Canon Law, canon 944 (Eucharistic processions).
• Lectionary for Mass, no. 168 (The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, Year B).