Prayers of the Faithful for First Communion: 7 Complete Sets

Here are seven complete sets of prayers of the faithful for a First Holy Communion Mass. Each set has five intentions, for the Church, for the children receiving Jesus for the first time, for their parents and families, for the parish and for all of us, each ending with “let us pray to the Lord.”

First Communion Masses are full of nervous children and proud families, so these intentions are written to be clear and easy to read. Many parishes ask First Communicants, older siblings or parents to read them.

Tips for choosing and reading the intentions

Choose one set and adapt it to your parish. You can borrow an intention from another set, for example for catechists (Option 2) or for those who have fallen away from the faith (Option 3).
Use five readers if you want to involve more children or families, one intention each.
Practice in the church during the rehearsal, at the ambo, with the microphone.
Speak slowly and pause before “let us pray to the Lord,” so everyone can answer “Lord, hear our prayer.”
Add a local intention if your parish wishes, for a sick classmate or a family member who has died, but keep the total to five or six.

Option 1: Prayers of the Faithful for First Communion

For the holy Catholic Church, that it may continue to nourish the faith of believers through the Sacraments, especially the Eucharist, let us pray to the Lord.
For the children receiving their First Communion today, that this sacred encounter with Christ may fill their hearts with joy and strengthen their love for the Lord, let us pray to the Lord.
For the parents and families of the First Communicants, that through their example and guidance, they may nurture the seeds of faith planted in their children’s hearts, let us pray to the Lord.
For our parish community, that we may welcome and support these young disciples of Christ with open arms and encouraging words, let us pray to the Lord.
For all of us gathered here, that the celebration of First Communion may renew our appreciation for the gift of the Eucharist, let us pray to the Lord.

Option 2: With a Prayer for Catechists and Teachers

For the Church, that it may be a faithful teacher of the truth about the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist, let us pray to the Lord.
For the First Communicants, that receiving the Body and Blood of Christ may fill them with a deep and lasting love for the Lord, let us pray to the Lord.
For the catechists and teachers who have prepared these children, that their efforts may bear abundant fruit in the lives of their students, let us pray to the Lord.
For the families of the First Communicants, that their homes may be true domestic churches where the faith is lived and celebrated, let us pray to the Lord.
For our community, that we may be living witnesses to the transformative power of the Eucharist, let us pray to the Lord.

Option 3: With a Prayer for Those Who Have Fallen Away

For the Church, that it may always reverence and uphold the sacred mystery of the Eucharist, let us pray to the Lord.
For the First Communicants, that this encounter with the Bread of Life may awaken in them a deep hunger for Christ and His teachings, let us pray to the Lord.
For those who have fallen away from the practice of their faith, that the joy of these First Communicants may inspire them to return to the Lord’s table, let us pray to the Lord.
For the parents and godparents of the First Communicants, that they may continue to nurture the gift of faith in their children and godchildren, let us pray to the Lord.
For our parish family, that we may be a welcoming and supportive community for these young disciples of Christ, let us pray to the Lord.

Option 4: For the Example of the First Communicants

For the Catholic Church, that it may continue to faithfully celebrate and share the gift of the Eucharist with the world, let us pray to the Lord.
For the First Communicants, that receiving the Body and Blood of Christ may fill them with a deep and lasting love for the Lord and His Church, let us pray to the Lord.
For the families of the First Communicants, that their homes may be sanctuaries of faith, love, and devotion to the Eucharistic Lord, let us pray to the Lord.
For all Catholics, that the example of these young believers may inspire us to renew our love and reverence for the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar, let us pray to the Lord.
For our community, that we may be a living witness to the transformative power of the Eucharist in our words and deeds, let us pray to the Lord.

Option 5: For Parents, Godparents and Families

For the Church, that it may continue to proclaim the truth and beauty of the Eucharistic mystery, let us pray to the Lord.
For the First Communicants, that this sacred encounter with the Bread of Life may strengthen their faith and draw them ever closer to Christ, let us pray to the Lord.
For the parents, godparents, and families of the First Communicants, that they may be living examples of faith, love, and devotion to the Eucharistic Lord, let us pray to the Lord.
For our parish community, that we may be a welcoming and supportive home for these young disciples of Christ, let us pray to the Lord.
For all of us, that the joy and enthusiasm of these First Communicants may renew our appreciation for the precious gift of the Eucharist, let us pray to the Lord.

Option 6: For a Parish Celebrating First Communion

For the Church, that it may be a beacon of hope and a source of spiritual nourishment for all who seek the Bread of Life, let us pray to the Lord.
For the First Communicants, that this sacred encounter with Christ in the Eucharist may fill their hearts with a lasting peace and joy, let us pray to the Lord.
For the families of the First Communicants, that their homes may be true domestic churches where the faith is celebrated and lived with passion, let us pray to the Lord.
For our parish community, that we may be a living witness to the power of the Eucharist to transform lives and build a civilization of love, let us pray to the Lord.
For all Catholics, that the innocence and enthusiasm of these First Communicants may inspire us to renew our love and reverence for the Most Blessed Sacrament, let us pray to the Lord.

Option 7: For Joy and Reverence

For the holy Catholic Church, that it may continue to faithfully celebrate and share the gift of the Eucharist with the world, let us pray to the Lord.
For the First Communicants, that this sacred encounter with the Bread of Life may nurture in them a deep and lasting love for Christ and His Church, let us pray to the Lord.
For the parents, godparents, and families of the First Communicants, that through their example, they may foster a living faith in these young disciples, let us pray to the Lord.
For our parish community, that we may be a spiritual home for these children, supporting and encouraging them in their journey of faith, let us pray to the Lord.
For all of us, that the joy and reverence of these First Communicants may inspire us to renew our love and devotion to the Most Holy Eucharist, 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.

Introduction:

Today these children receive the Body of Christ for the first time. With joy and thanksgiving, let us pray for them, for their families and for the whole Church.

Concluding prayer:

Lord Jesus, you said, “Suffer the little children to come unto me.” Bless these children who welcome you today in the Holy Eucharist, keep them always close to your Heart, and hear the prayers we offer with faith. You live and reign for ever and ever. Amen.

Helping children prepare for First Communion

First Communion is the second sacrament of Christian initiation after Baptism. The Catechism teaches that in the Eucharist Christ is present “body and blood, together with the soul and divinity” (CCC 1374), and that “anyone conscious of a grave sin must receive the sacrament of Reconciliation before coming to communion” (CCC 1385). That is why children make their First Confession before their First Communion.

Simple prayers children can learn for the day:

The Sign of the Cross and the Our Father
A prayer after Communion, such as the Anima Christi or a few words of thanks in their own words
The Act of Contrition for First Confession, and the examination of conscience for children

Frequently asked questions

Who reads the prayers of the faithful at First Communion?

Often the First Communicants themselves, an older sibling, or a parent. The General Instruction of the Roman Missal allows the intentions to be announced by “one of the lay faithful” (GIRM 71).

How many intentions should there be?

Five is typical. Ask your parish’s First Communion coordinator for their preference.

Should the intentions mention the children by name?

Usually not, because a large class makes the list long. A single intention “for the children receiving their First Communion today” includes them all.

More prayers for the sacraments

Sources

General Instruction of the Roman Missal, 69–71.
Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1374 and 1385.
Mark 10:14, Douay-Rheims Bible.