Prayers of the Faithful for a Youth Mass: 8 Sets

Here are eight sets of prayers of the faithful for a youth Mass: a Mass with a youth group, a school or college chaplaincy, a retreat, a confirmation class, or the Sunday Mass that the young people of the parish prepare. Each set prays for the Church and for those who govern, and then for what young people are living through: pressure at school, loneliness, questions of identity and worth, addiction, the search for work. Every set ends with two optional intentions, for a local need and for the dead.

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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.”
Let young people read, and help to write. Invite the group to replace one intention with a need of their own, in the same form.
Choose the set that fits the group: exams and work, mental health, family trouble, faith.
For World Youth Day, kept in each diocese on Christ the King Sunday, see the World Youth Day sets.

Option 1: For Young People’s Mental Health, Work and Local Youth Programs

For the holy Catholic Church, that she may continue to inspire and guide young people in their faith journey, let us pray to the Lord.
For young people struggling with mental health challenges, that they may find hope, support, and healing, let us pray to the Lord.
For civil authorities, that they may create policies that support youth education and opportunities, let us pray to the Lord.
For young people facing unemployment and economic challenges, that they may find meaningful work and purpose, let us pray to the Lord.
For our local youth programs and initiatives, that they may provide guidance and support, let us pray to the Lord.

I. For youth struggling with addiction, that they may find strength and path to recovery, let us pray to the Lord.

II. That those who have died may find eternal peace in God’s loving embrace, let us pray to the Lord.

Option 2: For Those Who Are Bullied, Questions of Identity and an End to Youth Violence

For the universal Church, that she may be a beacon of hope and support for young people, let us pray to the Lord.
For young people experiencing bullying and social challenges, that they may find courage and resilience, let us pray to the Lord.
For government leaders, that they may prioritize youth mental health and well-being, let us pray to the Lord.
For young people struggling with identity and self-worth, that they may find acceptance and love, let us pray to the Lord.
For communities working to prevent youth violence and crime, let us pray to the Lord.

I. For our local youth support programs, that they may provide meaningful guidance, let us pray to the Lord.

II. That those who have passed away may rest in God’s eternal peace, let us pray to the Lord.

Option 3: For Recovery from Addiction, Those Who Care for Young Minds and the Unemployed

For the Church’s mission to support and empower young people, let us pray to the Lord.
For young people facing challenges of drug addiction, that they may find hope and support for recovery, let us pray to the Lord.
For healthcare workers supporting youth mental health, that they may be blessed with compassion and understanding, let us pray to the Lord.
For young people struggling with anxiety and depression, that they may find comfort and healing, let us pray to the Lord.
For communities working to address youth unemployment, let us pray to the Lord.

I. For our local efforts to support youth education and personal growth, let us pray to the Lord.

II. That those who have died may find peace in God’s loving presence, let us pray to the Lord.

Option 4: For Teachers and Mentors, Troubled Families, Homeless Youth and Care for Creation

For the holy Catholic Church, that she may continue to provide spiritual guidance for young people, let us pray to the Lord.
For teachers and mentors, that they may inspire and support youth in their personal and academic journeys, let us pray to the Lord.
For young people facing challenges in their families, that they may find strength and support, let us pray to the Lord.
For communities working to prevent youth homelessness and poverty, let us pray to the Lord.
For young people struggling with climate change and environmental concerns, that they may find hope and motivation, let us pray to the Lord.

I. For our sick, bereaved, etc., special projects or events, let us pray to the Lord.

II. That those who have passed away may find eternal rest, let us pray to the Lord.

Option 5: For the Lonely, Families Facing Mental Illness and Safer Communities

For the universal Church, that she may be a source of hope and inspiration for young people, let us pray to the Lord.
For civil authorities, that they may create policies supporting youth mental health and well-being, let us pray to the Lord.
For young people experiencing social isolation and loneliness, that they may find connection and support, let us pray to the Lord.
For families dealing with youth mental health challenges, that they may find understanding and healing, let us pray to the Lord.
For communities working to address youth violent crime, let us pray to the Lord.

I. For our local efforts to support youth personal growth and development, let us pray to the Lord.

II. That those who have died may rest in God’s eternal love, let us pray to the Lord.

Option 6: For Parents and Guardians, an End to Gun Violence and Young People with Disabilities

For the Church’s mission to guide and support young people in their faith journey, let us pray to the Lord.
For young people struggling with addiction and substance abuse, that they may find strength and path to recovery, let us pray to the Lord.
For parents and guardians, that they may provide loving support and understanding, let us pray to the Lord.
For communities working to prevent youth gun violence, let us pray to the Lord.
For young people with disabilities, that they may receive full inclusion and support, let us pray to the Lord.

I. For our local youth support and empowerment programs, let us pray to the Lord.

II. That those who have passed away may find peace in God’s embrace, let us pray to the Lord.

Option 7: For Moral Courage, Self-Worth and Young People in Underserved Places

For the holy Catholic Church, that she may continue to be a beacon of hope for young people, let us pray to the Lord.
For government leaders, that they may prioritize youth education and opportunities, let us pray to the Lord.
For young people facing challenges of moral values and societal pressures, that they may find guidance and strength, let us pray to the Lord.
For youth struggling with self-esteem and personal identity, that they may find love and acceptance, let us pray to the Lord.
For communities working to support youth in underserved areas, let us pray to the Lord.

I. For our local commitment to youth mental health and well-being, let us pray to the Lord.

II. That those who have died may find eternal rest, let us pray to the Lord.

Option 8: For Educators, Young People Without Work and the Prevention of Suicide

For the universal Church, that she may provide spiritual guidance and support for young people, let us pray to the Lord.
For educators and mentors, that they may inspire and guide youth with wisdom and compassion, let us pray to the Lord.
For young people experiencing economic challenges and unemployment, that they may find hope and opportunity, let us pray to the Lord.
For communities working to address youth mental health and suicide prevention, let us pray to the Lord.
For young people struggling with learning difficulties, that they may receive understanding and support, let us pray to the Lord.

I. For our sick, bereaved, etc., special projects or events, let us pray to the Lord.

II. That those who have passed away may find peace in God’s loving presence, 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:

Friends, the Lord calls the young and sends them. Let us pray with confidence for the Church, for the world and for one another.

Concluding prayer:

Lord God, you are the strength of the young and the hope of all who seek you. Hear our prayers, and keep the young people of your Church close to you in all that they face. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Frequently asked questions

What is a youth Mass?

An ordinary Mass in which young people take the parts open to lay people: they read, sing, bring up the gifts and help prepare the prayers of the faithful. The texts of the Mass itself do not change.

Can young people write their own intentions?

Yes, with a leader’s help. Keep the Missal’s order (the Church, the world, people in need, the local community) and the form “For…, that…, let us pray to the Lord.” See how to write Prayers of the Faithful.

Who are the patron saints of young people?

St. Aloysius Gonzaga (June 21), St. John Bosco (January 31), and two saints canonized together in 2025: St. Carlo Acutis (October 12) and St. Pier Giorgio Frassati (July 4).

How many young people should read?

One is enough; one for each intention also works well. Practice at the microphone before Mass.

Related prayers

Click here to find your Patron Saint

Sources

General Instruction of the Roman Missal, 69–71.