Prayers of the Faithful for Foundation Day: 7 Complete Sets

Here are seven complete sets of prayers of the faithful for a Foundation Day Mass. They were written for a university community and work equally well for a school, a college, a parish, a hospital or a religious congregation: change “our university community” to the name of your own. Each set prays for the Church, for leaders, for people who suffer, for the community that celebrates its foundation and honors its founders, and for families and neighbors.

After each intention the reader says “Let us pray to the Lord” and all answer “Lord, hear our prayer.”

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.”
Change the name. Replace “our university community” with your school, parish or congregation.
Name the founders and the anniversary: “on the seventy-fifth anniversary of our foundation.”
Remember the dead. Add an intention for founders, staff, former students and benefactors who have died.

Option 1: For Those in Poverty and a Community Inspired by Its Founders’ Vision

For the holy Church of God, that she may continue to be a beacon of hope and a source of spiritual nourishment for all people, let us pray to the Lord.
For our leaders and those in authority, that they may govern with wisdom, justice, and compassion, promoting the common good and protecting the vulnerable, let us pray to the Lord.
For all those who are suffering from poverty, hunger, or oppression, that their cries may be heard and their dignity upheld, let us pray to the Lord.
For our university community, that we may be inspired by the vision of our founders and work together to create a more just and equitable society, let us pray to the Lord.
For our families and loved ones, that they may experience the love and blessings of God in their lives, let us pray to the Lord.

Option 2: For Christian Unity, the Sick and the Founders’ Legacy

For the unity of the Church, that all Christians may overcome divisions and work together in proclaiming the Gospel of love and peace, let us pray to the Lord.
For the leaders of nations, that they may pursue policies that promote peace, respect for human rights, and the protection of the environment, let us pray to the Lord.
For those who are sick, suffering, or in any kind of distress, that they may find comfort and healing in the compassionate embrace of our loving God, let us pray to the Lord.
For our university community, that we may be inspired by the legacy of our founders to pursue knowledge with integrity, and to use it for the betterment of humanity, let us pray to the Lord.
For our local community, that we may be witnesses of Christ’s love and agents of positive change in our neighborhoods and cities, let us pray to the Lord.

Option 3: For Justice and Peace, the Persecuted and the Founders’ Sacrifices

For the Holy Father, our bishops, and all ministers of the Church, that they may lead with courage, humility, and faithfulness to the Gospel, let us pray to the Lord.
For those who work to promote justice, peace, and respect for human dignity around the world, that their efforts may bear fruit and inspire others to join in this noble cause, let us pray to the Lord.
For those who are persecuted for their faith, that they may find strength in the Lord and that their persecutors may have a change of heart, let us pray to the Lord.
For our university community, that we may honor the sacrifices of our founders by embracing a spirit of service and using our talents and resources to uplift those in need, let us pray to the Lord.
For our local community, that we may be a source of hope and a witness to the love of Christ, especially for those who are marginalized or forgotten, let us pray to the Lord.

Option 4: For Those Who Have Lost Hope and the Vision of the Founders

For the Church, that she may continue to be a voice for the voiceless and a source of comfort for the afflicted, let us pray to the Lord.
For world leaders, that they may work together to address pressing global issues such as poverty, climate change, and human trafficking, let us pray to the Lord.
For those who have lost hope or are struggling with depression, addiction, or mental illness, that they may find the strength and support they need to overcome their challenges, let us pray to the Lord.
For our university community, that we may honor the vision of our founders by fostering an environment of academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, and ethical integrity, let us pray to the Lord.
For our families, friends, and loved ones, that they may experience the peace and joy of the Lord in their lives, let us pray to the Lord.

Option 5: For Care of Creation and Victims of Violence and Trafficking

For the Church, that she may be a true instrument of God’s love and mercy, welcoming all people with open arms, let us pray to the Lord.
For those who work tirelessly to protect the environment and promote sustainable living, that their efforts may bear fruit and inspire others to join in caring for our common home, let us pray to the Lord.
For those who are victims of violence, abuse, or human trafficking, that they may find healing, justice, and freedom from their oppressors, let us pray to the Lord.
For our university community, that we may be inspired by the example of our founders to use our knowledge and resources to serve the greater good and make a positive difference in the world, let us pray to the Lord.
For our local community, that we may be a source of strength and support for one another, especially in times of need or crisis, let us pray to the Lord.

Option 6: For Dialogue Between Religions and Those Denied Their Rights

For the Church, that she may be a beacon of hope and a source of comfort for those who are lost or struggling, let us pray to the Lord.
For those who work to promote interfaith dialogue and understanding, that their efforts may bear fruit and help to build a more peaceful and harmonious world, let us pray to the Lord.
For those who are imprisoned or denied their basic human rights, that they may find justice and be treated with dignity and respect, let us pray to the Lord.
For our university community, that we may honor the legacy of our founders by fostering an environment of intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and a commitment to the pursuit of truth, let us pray to the Lord.
For our local community, that we may be a source of inspiration and a force for positive change, working together to build a more just and equitable society, let us pray to the Lord.

Option 7: For Peace and Reconciliation and the Homeless

For the Church, that she may continue to be a beacon of hope and a source of spiritual nourishment for all people, let us pray to the Lord.
For those who work to promote peace and reconciliation in areas of conflict, that their efforts may bear fruit and help to heal wounds and build bridges of understanding, let us pray to the Lord.
For those who are homeless or struggling with poverty, that they may find the resources and support they need to live with dignity and hope, let us pray to the Lord.
For our university community, that we may be inspired by the vision of our founders to pursue knowledge with integrity and to use it for the betterment of humanity, let us pray to the Lord.
For our local community, that we may be a source of love, compassion, and support for one another, working together to build a society that reflects the values of the Gospel, 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, on this day we give thanks for those who went before us and for all that God has built through them. Let us pray to the Father for our community and for the whole world.

Concluding prayer:

God our Father, unless you build the house, the builders labor in vain. We thank you for our founders and for all who have carried on their work. Keep us faithful to the mission you have given us. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Frequently asked questions

What is a Foundation Day Mass?

A yearly Mass of thanksgiving on the anniversary of the founding of a school, university, parish or religious community. It is also called Founders’ Day or Charter Day, and is often kept on the feast of the patron saint.

Which Mass is celebrated?

The Mass of the day, or, on days when it is allowed, the Mass of the patron saint or a Mass of thanksgiving. A religious congregation celebrates the Mass of its founder.

Who reads the intentions?

It works well to give one intention each to a student, a member of staff, a former student and a member of the founding community.

Which readings suit a Foundation Day?

1 Corinthians 3:9-11 (Christ the foundation), Ephesians 2:19-22, Sirach 44:1-15 (praise of the ancestors), Psalm 127 and Matthew 7:24-27 (the house built on rock), where the Mass of the day allows a choice.

Related prayers

Sources

General Instruction of the Roman Missal, 69–71.

Prayers of the Faithful for Foundation Day: 7 Sets for a School, University or Parish Anniversary