Prayers of the Faithful for Grandparents Day: 7 Sets

Here are seven complete sets of prayers of the faithful for Grandparents Day. Use them at a school Mass to which grandparents are invited, on the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly (the fourth Sunday of July; July 25 in 2027), on the memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne (July 26), or on National Grandparents Day in the United States (the first Sunday after Labor Day; September 12 in 2027). Each set has five intentions: for the Church, for grandparents in a particular situation, and for the community. After each one the reader says “Let us pray to the Lord” and all answer “Lord, hear our prayer.”

Scripture honors old age. The psalm says that the just still bear fruit when they are old (Psalm 92:15), and Saint Paul reminds Timothy that his faith lived first in his grandmother Lois (2 Timothy 1:5).

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.”
At a school Mass, let grandchildren read: one intention each, practiced at the microphone. A grandparent and a grandchild can also read in turn.
Remember grandparents who have died. Some children come without a grandparent. Add an intention for grandparents who have died, and leave a moment for the children to name them in silence.
Choose by who is present. Options 2, 3 and 7 pray for grandparents who are raising their grandchildren; options 4 and 5 for grandparents who are widowed or growing frail.

Option 1: For Grandparents, Grandchildren and Families in Need of Healing

For the Church, that she may continue to uphold the sanctity of family life and the vocation of grandparents, let us pray to the Lord.
For all grandparents, that they may be blessed with good health, joy, and the grace to be witnesses of faith to their grandchildren, let us pray to the Lord.
For grandchildren, that they may cherish the wisdom and love of their grandparents, and draw strength from their example, let us pray to the Lord.
For families experiencing brokenness or estrangement, that the love and prayers of grandparents may help heal wounds and restore unity, let us pray to the Lord.
For our community, that we may honor and support grandparents, recognizing their invaluable role in passing on our faith and values, let us pray to the Lord.

Option 2: For Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, the Lonely and the Sick

For the Church, the family of God, that she may continue to promote the dignity of every human life and the importance of the domestic church, let us pray to the Lord.
For grandparents who are raising their grandchildren, that they may be strengthened in their vocation and receive the support they need, let us pray to the Lord.
For grandparents who are lonely or isolated, that they may find solace in their faith and the love of their families, let us pray to the Lord.
For grandparents who are ill or suffering, that they may experience the healing presence of Christ and the compassionate care of others, let us pray to the Lord.
For our community, that we may learn from the wisdom and life experiences of our elders, and honor the gift of grandparents in our midst, let us pray to the Lord.

Option 3: For Grandparents Far from Their Grandchildren and Those Who Grieve

For the Church, the pillar and foundation of truth, that she may continue to uphold the beauty and sanctity of family life, let us pray to the Lord.
For grandparents who are the primary caregivers for their grandchildren, that they may be blessed with patience, strength, and the resources they need, let us pray to the Lord.
For grandparents who are separated from their grandchildren by distance or circumstances, that they may find ways to stay connected and share their love and wisdom, let us pray to the Lord.
For grandparents who are grieving the loss of a child or grandchild, that they may find comfort in the hope of the Resurrection, let us pray to the Lord.
For our community, that we may honor and support grandparents, recognizing their invaluable role in transmitting our faith and cultural heritage, let us pray to the Lord.

Option 4: For Retired, Immigrant and Widowed Grandparents

For the Church, the beloved family of God, that she may continue to uphold the vocation of grandparents and their vital role in the domestic church, let us pray to the Lord.
For grandparents who are retired, that they may find fulfillment in their leisure time and opportunities to share their wisdom and experience with others, let us pray to the Lord.
For grandparents who are immigrants or refugees, that they may find strength in their faith and the love of their families, and a welcoming community in their new home, let us pray to the Lord.
For grandparents who are single or widowed, that they may find solace in their faith and the support of their loved ones, let us pray to the Lord.
For our community, that we may cherish the gift of grandparents, learning from their example of faith, perseverance, and unconditional love, let us pray to the Lord.

Option 5: For Grandparents Who Hand On the Faith and Those Growing Frail

For the Church, the family of families, that she may continue to promote the beauty and sanctity of the vocation of grandparents, let us pray to the Lord.
For grandparents who are the primary educators of their grandchildren in the ways of faith, that they may be blessed with wisdom and patience, let us pray to the Lord.
For grandparents who are struggling with the challenges of aging, that they may receive the care and support they need, and find strength in their faith, let us pray to the Lord.
For grandparents who are grieving the loss of a spouse, that they may find consolation in the hope of eternal life, let us pray to the Lord.
For our community, that we may honor and learn from the lived experience and wisdom of our elders, recognizing the invaluable role of grandparents, let us pray to the Lord.

Option 6: For Grandparents Who Volunteer, Those in Hardship and Estranged Families

For the Church, the household of faith, that she may continue to uphold the vocation of grandparents and their vital role in the domestic church, let us pray to the Lord.
For grandparents who are active in volunteering and service to others, that their example may inspire us to live our faith through acts of charity and compassion, let us pray to the Lord.
For grandparents who are facing financial hardship or poverty, that they may receive the assistance they need and be treated with dignity and respect, let us pray to the Lord.
For grandparents who are estranged from their families, that hearts may be opened and reconciliation achieved through the grace of God, let us pray to the Lord.
For our community, that we may cherish the gift of grandparents, recognizing their role in passing on our faith, traditions, and values to future generations, let us pray to the Lord.

Option 7: For Storytellers, Caregivers and Grandparents Near the End of Life

For the Church, the living Body of Christ, that she may continue to uphold the sanctity of family life and the vocation of grandparents, let us pray to the Lord.
For grandparents who are the primary caregivers for their grandchildren with special needs, that they may be blessed with strength, patience, and the resources they require, let us pray to the Lord.
For grandparents who are artists, musicians, or storytellers, that their gifts may continue to enrich our lives and pass on our cultural heritage, let us pray to the Lord.
For grandparents who are facing end-of-life challenges, that they may be comforted by the love of their families and the hope of eternal life, let us pray to the Lord.
For our community, that we may honor and celebrate the gift of grandparents, recognizing their invaluable role in shaping our lives and passing on the faith, 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, God has blessed us through the faith and love of our grandparents. With grateful hearts, let us pray to the Father for them and for the needs of all his family.

Concluding prayer:

God of every generation, you gave Saints Joachim and Anne a daughter who became the mother of your Son. Bless our grandparents with health, joy and peace, and hear the prayers we offer today. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Frequently asked questions

When is Grandparents Day in 2027?

The Church’s World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly is the fourth Sunday of July: July 25, 2027. In the United States, National Grandparents Day is the first Sunday after Labor Day: September 12, 2027. Catholic schools choose their own date, often during Catholic Schools Week or in the fall.

Who are the patron saints of grandparents?

Saints Joachim and Anne, the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the grandparents of Jesus. Their memorial is July 26. Their names come from an early Christian writing, the Protoevangelium of James (second century), not from the Gospels. See the prayer to Saint Anne.

What is the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly?

A day of prayer for grandparents and older people, which Pope Francis announced on January 31, 2021. It is kept on the fourth Sunday of July, close to the memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne. The Mass is the Sunday Mass; grandparents are remembered in the homily and the Prayer of the Faithful.

Which readings suit a Grandparents Day Mass?

Where the Mass of the day allows a choice: Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14, Psalm 71, Psalm 92, 2 Timothy 1:3-7 (the faith of Lois and Eunice) and Luke 2:22-38 (Simeon and Anna). On the memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne the readings are Sirach 44:1, 10-15 and Matthew 13:16-17.

Can a grandparent read the intentions?

Yes. The intentions are announced by the deacon, a cantor, a reader or one of the lay faithful (GIRM 71), so a grandparent may read them, or share them with a grandchild.

Related prayers

Sources

General Instruction of the Roman Missal, 69–71.
Pope Francis, Angelus of January 31, 2021 (announcement of the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly).
Lectionary for Mass, no. 606 (Saints Joachim and Anne, July 26).

Prayers of the Faithful for Grandparents Day: 7 Sets for School and Parish Masses