Prayers of the Faithful for a Golden Wedding Anniversary: 7 Sets

Fifty years of marriage is a gift worth celebrating at the altar. Here are seven sets of prayers of the faithful for a golden wedding anniversary Mass. Each set gives thanks for the couple by name, prays for their children and grandchildren, for married couples facing particular struggles, and for the parish community.

Replace (Names) with the couple’s first names. Each set has a slightly different focus, noted in its heading, so you can choose the one that fits the family best.

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.”
Invite a grandchild to read. It is a lovely way to involve the younger generations the couple has raised.

Option 1: Prayers of the Faithful for a Golden Wedding Anniversary

For the universal Church, that she may continue to uphold the sanctity of marriage and be a source of guidance and support for couples, let us pray to the Lord.
For our beloved couple (Names), as they celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary, that God may bless them with renewed love, faith, and the strength to continue their journey together, let us pray to the Lord.
For couples facing challenges related to infertility or the loss of a child, that they may find solace in their faith, and the love and support of their communities, let us pray to the Lord.
For marriages blessed with children, that parents may be guided by the wisdom and grace of God in raising their families and instilling in them the values of love, respect, and service, let us pray to the Lord.
For our local community, that we may create opportunities for couples to share their stories, wisdom, and experiences, fostering a spirit of understanding, support, and celebration of the gift of marriage, let us pray to the Lord.

Option 2: For All Married Couples

For the holy Catholic Church, that she may continue to uphold the sanctity of marriage and be a source of strength and guidance for couples, let us pray to the Lord.
For our beloved couple (Names), as they celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary, that God may bless them with continued love, joy, and faithfulness in their marriage, let us pray to the Lord.
For all married couples, that they may find inspiration in the enduring love and commitment of (Names), and strive to nurture their own marriages with patience, understanding, and the grace of God, let us pray to the Lord.
For couples struggling in their marriages, that they may seek the wisdom and guidance of the Church, and find the courage to work through their challenges with open hearts and minds, let us pray to the Lord.
For our community, that we may celebrate and honor the gift of marriage, and support couples in their journey through all seasons of life, let us pray to the Lord.

Option 3: For Couples Preparing for Marriage

For the Church, that she may continue to be a beacon of light, guiding couples in their journey of love and commitment, let us pray to the Lord.
For our beloved couple (Names), as they celebrate their golden anniversary, that God may bless them with good health, peace, and the joy of witnessing the growth and success of their family, let us pray to the Lord.
For couples preparing for marriage, that they may be inspired by the example of (Names) and build their unions on the foundations of faith, trust, and unconditional love, let us pray to the Lord.
For marriages facing difficulties, that they may find strength in their faith, seek wise counsel, and rediscover the love that brought them together, let us pray to the Lord.
For our parish family, that we may create opportunities to celebrate and support couples in all stages of their marriages, fostering a spirit of love, understanding, and commitment, let us pray to the Lord.

Option 4: For Children and Grandchildren

For the Church, that she may continue to be a beacon of hope and a source of strength for couples, upholding the sanctity of marriage and the family, let us pray to the Lord.
For our beloved couple (Names), as they celebrate their golden wedding anniversary, that God may bless them with renewed love, faith, and the joy of witnessing the growth and success of their family, let us pray to the Lord.
For couples facing challenges related to infertility or the loss of a child, that they may find solace in their faith, and the love and support of their communities, let us pray to the Lord.
For marriages blessed with children and grandchildren, that families may be guided by the wisdom and grace of God in nurturing strong bonds of love, respect, and unity, let us pray to the Lord.
For our parish family, that we may create opportunities to celebrate and support couples in all stages of their marriages, fostering a spirit of love, understanding, and commitment, let us pray to the Lord.

Option 5: For Couples Struggling with Communication and Trust

For the Holy Father, bishops, priests, and all ministers of the Church, that they may continue to uphold the sanctity of marriage and guide couples in their journey of love and commitment, let us pray to the Lord.
For our beloved couple (Names), as they celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary, that God may bless them with renewed love, faith, and the strength to continue their journey together, let us pray to the Lord.
For couples facing challenges related to communication, trust, or compatibility, that they may seek wise counsel, practice forgiveness, and rediscover the love that brought them together, let us pray to the Lord.
For marriages blessed with the gift of children, that parents may be guided by the wisdom and grace of God in raising their families and instilling in them the values of love, respect, and service, let us pray to the Lord.
For our local community, that we may create opportunities for couples to share their stories, wisdom, and experiences, fostering a spirit of understanding, support, and celebration of the gift of marriage, let us pray to the Lord.

Option 6: For Families Facing Financial Hardship

For the Church, that she may continue to be a source of strength and guidance for couples, upholding the sanctity of marriage and the family, let us pray to the Lord.
For our beloved couple (Names), as they celebrate their golden wedding anniversary, that God may bless them with renewed love, faith, and the joy of witnessing the growth and success of their family, let us pray to the Lord.
For couples facing challenges related to financial hardships or job loss, that they may find the support and resources they need to weather these difficulties with grace and resilience, let us pray to the Lord.
For marriages blessed with the gift of children and grandchildren, that families may be guided by the wisdom and grace of God in nurturing strong bonds of love, respect, and unity, let us pray to the Lord.
For our parish family, that we may create opportunities to celebrate and support couples in all stages of their marriages, fostering a spirit of love, understanding, and commitment, let us pray to the Lord.

Option 7: For Marriages Wounded by Addiction or Abuse

For the universal Church, that she may continue to uphold the sanctity of marriage and be a source of guidance and support for couples, let us pray to the Lord.
For our beloved couple (Names), as they celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary, that God may bless them with renewed love, faith, and the strength to continue their journey together, let us pray to the Lord.
For couples facing challenges related to addiction, abuse, or infidelity, that they may seek the help they need, find the courage to heal, and rediscover the love that brought them together, let us pray to the Lord.
For marriages blessed with the gift of children and grandchildren, that families may be guided by the wisdom and grace of God in nurturing strong bonds of love, respect, and unity, let us pray to the Lord.
For our local community, that we may create opportunities for couples to share their stories, wisdom, and experiences, fostering a spirit of understanding, support, and celebration of the gift of marriage, 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:

With grateful hearts we celebrate fifty years of faithful love. Let us bring our prayers to God, the author of every good marriage.

Concluding prayer:

Faithful God, for fifty years you have blessed (Names) with your love. Hear our prayers, keep them close to you and to each other in the years ahead, and bring them at last to the wedding feast of heaven. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Frequently asked questions

Can a couple renew their vows at an anniversary Mass?

Yes. Many parishes offer a simple renewal of marriage promises and a blessing for couples celebrating an anniversary. Ask your priest; the intercessions are prayed before it.

Who reads the intentions?

A child, grandchild or friend of the couple. Choose someone who reads clearly.

Is there a special blessing for a 50th anniversary?

The Church’s Book of Blessings includes an order for blessing a married couple on their anniversary. Your priest can use it after the homily or at the end of Mass.

Related prayers

Sources

General Instruction of the Roman Missal, 69–71.
Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1638–1642 (the effects of the sacrament of Matrimony).

Prayers of the Faithful for a Golden Wedding Anniversary: 7 Sets for 50 Years of Marriage