Prayers of the Faithful for a Graduation Mass: 7 Complete Sets

Here are seven complete sets of prayers of the faithful for a graduation Mass, whether for a high school, college or Catholic school baccalaureate Mass. Each set prays for the Church, for the graduate or graduates, for the families and teachers who supported them, for all graduates beginning a new chapter, and for the community’s commitment to education.

Where you see “graduate(s),” choose the singular or plural for your celebration.

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 graduates to read. A baccalaureate Mass is a natural moment for graduating students to lead the intentions.

Option 1: Prayers of the Faithful for a Graduation Mass

For the holy Church of God, that she may continue to be a light guiding all people to the truth, let us pray to the Lord.
For the graduate(s), that the knowledge and skills they have acquired may be used for the greater glory of God and the service of others, let us pray to the Lord.
For those who guided and supported the graduate(s) through their studies, may God reward their sacrifices and generosity, let us pray to the Lord.
For all graduates, that they may have the courage to use their talents and education to build a more just and humane world, let us pray to the Lord.
For our community, that we may uphold the value of education and create opportunities for all to learn and grow, let us pray to the Lord.

Option 2: For a Joyful Milestone

For the Church, that she may form minds and hearts in the pursuit of wisdom and truth, let us pray to the Lord.
For the graduate(s) celebrating this joyful milestone, that they may remain hungry for knowledge and committed to lifelong learning, let us pray to the Lord.
For families, teachers, and mentors who supported the graduate(s), that their labor of love may bear abundant fruit, let us pray to the Lord.
For all graduates, that their achievements may be used not just for personal gain but for the good of society, let us pray to the Lord.
For our community, that we may take pride in this graduation and nurture an environment where education can flourish, let us pray to the Lord.

Option 3: For Families Who Sacrificed

For the Church, the source of truth and wisdom, that she may continue forming faithful disciples, let us pray to the Lord.
For the graduate(s), that their time of study may have instilled in them a thirst for justice and a passion for truth, let us pray to the Lord.
For parents and families who made sacrifices to support the graduate(s), that they may experience the joy of this accomplishment, let us pray to the Lord.
For all graduates, that they may use their knowledge and skills to find ethical solutions to the world’s problems, let us pray to the Lord.
For our community, that we may value education as a means to build a society of peace, opportunity, and human flourishing, let us pray to the Lord.

Option 4: For a New Chapter

For the holy Church of God, the teacher of truth and promoter of the integral development of the human person, let us pray to the Lord.
For the graduate(s), that the formation they received may bear fruit in lives of service, integrity and compassion, let us pray to the Lord.
For those who guided the graduate(s), including teachers, mentors and parents, that they may experience the joy of seeing their efforts blossom, let us pray to the Lord.
For all graduates beginning a new chapter, that they may use their gifts to better the world around them, let us pray to the Lord.
For our community, that we may nurture a love of learning and create spaces where all can grow in wisdom and understanding, let us pray to the Lord.

Option 5: For Graduates Who Inspire Others

For the Church, that she may continue to uphold the dignity of the human person through education and formation, let us pray to the Lord.
For the graduate(s) celebrating this milestone, that they may have the humility to serve others with the knowledge they have gained, let us pray to the Lord.
For the parents, families and communities who supported the graduate(s), that they may be blessed for their selfless love, let us pray to the Lord.
For all graduates, that their accomplishments may inspire the next generation to pursue learning with passion, let us pray to the Lord.
For our community, that we may provide quality education and create opportunities for all to develop their potential fully, let us pray to the Lord.

Option 6: For Graduates Guided by Faith

For the holy Church of God, that she may be a beacon of truth illuminating minds and inflaming hearts, let us pray to the Lord.
For the graduate(s), that the light of faith may guide them in putting their education at the service of the common good, let us pray to the Lord.
For teachers who imparted knowledge and wisdom to the graduate(s), that the Lord may reward their selfless efforts, let us pray to the Lord.
For all graduates beginning a new journey, that they may use their gifts to build a more just, ethical and humane society, let us pray to the Lord.
For our community, that we may uphold the value of quality education accessible to all as a path to human flourishing, let us pray to the Lord.

Option 7: For Beacons of Hope

For the Church, ever ancient yet ever new, that she may continue forming the human person through intellectual and spiritual truth, let us pray to the Lord.
For the graduate(s), that their education may be oriented towards uncovering the transcendent meaning and purpose of life, let us pray to the Lord.
For families who nurtured and sacrificed for the graduate(s), that they may experience the joy of this accomplishment, let us pray to the Lord.
For all graduates, that they may become beacons of hope, working to create a more just, ethical and sustainable world, let us pray to the Lord.
For our community, that we may foster a love of learning and create environments where every person can grow in wisdom, 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:

We give thanks today for these graduates and for all who helped them reach this day. Let us bring our prayers for them to the Father.

Concluding prayer:

God of wisdom, you have guided these graduates through their years of study. Hear our prayers, go with them into the future, and help them to use their gifts for your glory and the good of others. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Frequently asked questions

What is a baccalaureate Mass?

A Mass celebrated for graduating students, usually shortly before commencement, to give thanks and ask God’s blessing on the next stage of life.

Who should read the intentions?

Graduating students, a parent or a teacher. Assign one intention to each reader.

Can we add an intention for a classmate who has died?

Yes. Add it near the end, for example: “For N., our classmate who has died, that he (she) may rejoice in the presence of God, let us pray to the Lord.”

Related prayers

Sources

General Instruction of the Roman Missal, 69–71.