Catholic Prayers

(CCC 232-237) In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. (Said at the beginning and end of prayers.

(CCC 2759-2865) Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us no into temptation, but deliver us from evil. (For the Kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and for ever). Amen.

(CCC 2676-2677) Hail Mary, full of Grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

(CCC 2639-2643) Glory to the father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

(CCC 198-1065) I believe I God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

(CCC 1814-1816, 2656) O my God, I firmly believe that you are one God in three divine Persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, I believe that your divine Son became man and died for our sins, and that he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe these and all the truths which the holy Catholic Church teaches, because you revealed them, who can neither deceive nor be deceived. Amen.

(CCC 1817-1821,2657) O my God, relying on your infinite goodness and promises, I hope to obtain pardon of my sins, the help of your grace, and life everlasting, through the merits of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Redeemer. Amen.

(CCC 1822-1829, 2658) O my God, I love you above all things, with my whole heart and soul, because you are all good and worthy of all my love. I love my neighbor as myself for the love of you. I forgive all who have injured me and I ask pardon of all whom I have injured. Amen.

Act of Contrition (CCC 1450-1460) O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended you. I detest all my sins because of your just punishments, but most of all because they offend you, my God, who are all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of your grace, to sin no more and to avoid the occasions of sin. Amen.

(CCC 2670-2672)

Come, Holy Spirit.

Response: Fill the hearts of your faithful and make the fire of your love burn within them.

Send forth your spirit and there shall be another creation.

Response: And you shall renew the face of the earth.

Let us pray: O God, you have instructed the hearts of the faithful by the light of the Holy Spirit. Grant that through the same Holy Spirit we may always be truly wise and rejoice in his consolation. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

(CCC 973, 2617) The angel of the Lord declared unto Mary.

Response: And she conceived of the Holy Spirit. (Hail Mary)

Behold the handmaid of the Lord.

Response: May it be done unto me according to your word. (Hail Mary)

And the Word was make flesh.

Response: And dwelt among us. (Hail Mary)

Pray for us, O holy Mother of God. Response: That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray: O Lord, it was through the message of an angel that we learned of the Incarnation of Christ, your son. Pour your grace into our hearts, and by his Passion and cross bring us to the glory of his Resurrection. Through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

(CCC 2698) Bless us, O Lord, and these your gifts, which we are about to receive from your bounty, through Christ, our Lord. Amen. We give thanks for all your benefits, almighty God, who lives and reigns forever. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen. (Spontaneous prayers may also be used at mealtime.)

(CCC 2673-2675, 2679)

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, or sought your intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly to you, O virgin of virgins, my Mother. To you I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in your mercy, hear and answer me. Amen.

(CCC 2302-2317) Lord, make me an instrument of your peace! Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where their is injury, let me sow pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.

(CCC 971, 1674, 2678, 2708)

The complete rosary is composed of fifteen decades, divided into three distinct parts, each containing five decades. The first part consists of five joyful events in the life of Jesus and Mary, the second part recalls five sorrowful events, and the third part considers five glorious events.

We begin by making the sign of the Cross. Then we say the Apostles’ Creed, an Our Father, three Hail Marys, and one Glory to the Father (Prayer of Praise) on the small chain.

Then recall the first mystery, say one Our Father, ten Hail Marys, and one Glory to the Father. This completes one decade. All the other decades are said in the same manner with a different mystery meditated upon during each decade. At the end of the rosary, the prayer Hail, Holy Queen may be recited. The mysteries of the rosary are scenes from the life of Jesus and Mary. By meditating on these sublime truths, we come to a better understanding of our faith: the Incarnation of the Lord, the Redemption, and the Christian life-present and future. In the following outline the words in parentheses indicate practical applications to our daily lives.

The Joyful Mysteries

The Annunciation: the Messenger of God announces to Mary that she is to be the Mother of God. (Humility)

The Visitation: Mary visits and helps her cousin Elizabeth. (Love of Neighbor)

The Nativity: Mary gives birth to Jesus in a stable in Bethlehem. (Spirit of Poverty)

The Presentation: Jesus is presented in the Temple. (Obedience to God’s Will)

The Finding in the Temple: Jesus is found in the Temple. (Fidelity to Vocation)

The Sorrowful Mysteries

The Agony in the Garden: Jesus undergoes his agony in the Garden of Gethsemane. (Spirit of prayer)

The Scourging at the Pillar: Jesus is scourged at the pillar. (Modesty and Purity)

The Crowning with Thorns: Jesus is crowned with thorns. (Courage)

The Carrying of the Cross: Jesus carries the cross to Calvary. (Patience in suffering)

The Crucifixion: Jesus dies on the cross for our sins. (Self-denial)

The Glorious Mysteries

The Resurrection: Jesus rises from the dead. (Faith)

The Ascension: Jesus ascends into heaven. (Hope)

The Descent of the Holy Spirit (Pentecost): The Holy Spirit comes to the apostles and the Blessed Mother. (Wisdom, Love, Zeal, Fortitude)

The Assumption: The Mother of Jesus is taken into heaven. (Eternal Happiness)

The Coronation of the Blessed Mother: Mary is crowned queen of heaven and earth. (Devotion to Mary and Final Perseverance)

(CCC 963-972, 2617-2622)

Hail, holy queen, mother of mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope. To you we cry, poor banished children of Eve; to you we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, O most gracious advocate, your eyes of mercy toward us, and after this our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of your us, and after this our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet virgin Mary. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God. Response: That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Let us pray: O God, whose only begotten Son, by his life, death, and Resurrection, has purchased for us the rewards of eternal life, grant, we beseech you, that meditating upon these mysteries of the most holy rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

(CCC 617, 1674)

Meditations on the Suffering and Death of Jesus

Introductory prayer (At each station, contemplate the scene and pray a brief, heartfelt prayer.)

Jesus is condemned to death on the cross.

Jesus accepts his cross.

Jesus falls the first time.

Jesus meets his sorrowful mother.

Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus carry his cross.

Veronica wipes the face of Jesus.

Jesus falls the second time.

Jesus meets and speaks to the women of Jerusalem.

Jesus falls the third time.

Jesus is stripped of his garments.

Jesus is nailed to the cross.

Jesus dies on the cross.

Jesus is taken down from the cross.

Jesus is placed in the tomb.

Closing prayer (recalling the Resurrection)

(CCC 335-336) Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom his love commits me here, ever this day (night) be at my side, to light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen

(CCC 958, 10320)

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord.

Response: And let perpetual light shine upon them.

May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Response: Amen.

Soul of Christ, sanctify me;

Body of Christ, save me;

Blood of Christ, inebriate me;

Water from the side of Christ, wash me;

Passion of Christ, strengthen me.

O good Jesus, hear me;

Within your wounds hide me;

Never permit me to be separated from you:

From the wicked enemy defend me;

In the hour of my death call me and bid me come to your side,

That with your saints I may praise you, For ever and ever.

Amen.

O Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me, a sinner! or Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us!

(Luke 1:46-55) My Being proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit finds joy in God my savior. For he has looked upon his servant in her lowliness; all ages to come shall call me blessed. God who is mighty has done great things for me, holy is his name; His mercy is from age to age on those who fear him. He has shown might with his arm; he has confused the proud in their inmost thoughts. He has deposed the mighty from their thrones and raised up the lowly to high places. The hungry he has given every good thing, while the rich he has sent empty away He has upheld Israel his servant, ever mindful of his mercy; Even as he promised our fathers, promised Abraham and his descendants forever.

Lord, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy on us.

Christ, have mercy on us.

Christ, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy on us.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us.

Holy Angels of God,

St. Joseph,

St. John the Baptizer,

St. Peter and St. Paul,

St. Andrew,

St. John,

St. Mary Magdalene,

St. Stephen,

St. Ignatius,

St. Lawrence,

St. Perpetua and St. Felicity,

St. Agnes,

St. Gregory,

St. Augustine,

St. Basil,

St. Martin,

St. Benedict,

St. Francis and St. Dominic,

St. Francis Xavier,

St. John Vianney,

St. Catherine,

St. Teresa,

(other patron saints my be added)

All you saints of God, pray for us.

Lord, be merciful,

Lord save us.

From all harm,

From every sin,

From all temptations,

From everlasting death,

By your coming among us,

By your death and rising to life,

By your gift of the Holy Spirit,

Be merciful to us sinners,

Lord hear our prayer.

Guide and protect your holy Church,

Keep our Pope and all the clergy in faithful service to your Church,

Bring all people together in trust and peace,

Strengthen us in your service.

Let us pray: From you, Lord, comes holiness in our desires, right thinking in our plans, and justice in our actions. Grant your children that peace which the world cannot give; then our hearts will be devoted to your laws, we shall be delivered from the terrors of war, and under your protection we shall be able to live in tranquility. Amen.

Lord, have mercy on us.

Lord, Have mercy on us.

Christ, have mercy on us.

Christ, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy on us.

Christ, hear us.

Christ, graciously hear us.

God, the Father of heaven: Have mercy on us.

God the Son, Redeemer of the world,

God the Holy Spirit,

Holy Trinity,one God,

Jesus, Son of the Living God,

Jesus, splendor of the Father,

Jesus, brightness of eternal light,

Jesus, King of Glory,

Jesus, Sun of Justice,

Jesus, Son of the Virgin Mary,

Jesus, most amiable,

Jesus, most admirable,

Jesus, mighty God,

Jesus, Father of the world to come,

Jesus, Angel of the great counsel,

Jesus, most powerful,

Jesus, most patient,

Jesus, most obedient,

Jesus, meek and humble of heart,

Jesus, lover of chastity,

Jesus, lover of us,

Jesus, God of Peace,

Jesus, Author of Life,

Jesus, model of virtues,

Jesus, zealous for souls,

Jesus, our God,

Jesus, our refuge,

Jesus, Father of the poor,

Jesus, treasure of the faithful,

Jesus, Good Shepherd,

Jesus, true Light,

Jesus, eternal wisdom,

Jesus, infinite goodness,

Jesus, our way and our life,

Jesus, joy of angels,

Jesus, King of Patriarchs,

Jesus, Master of the Apostles,

Jesus, teacher of the evangelist,

Jesus, strength of martyrs,

Jesus, light of confessors,

Jesus, purity of virgins,

Jesus, crown of all saints

Be merciful: spare us, O Jesus.

Be merciful: graciously hear us, O Jesus.

From all evil, Jesus, deliver us.

From all sin,

From your wrath,

From the snares of the devil,

From the spirit of fornication,

From everlasting death,

From neglect of your inspirations,

Through the mystery of your Incarnation,

Through your Nativity,

Through your infancy,

Through your most divine life,

Through your labors,

Through your agony and passion,

Through your cross and dereliction,

Through your weariness and faintness,

Through your death and burial,

Through your Resurrection,

Through your Ascension,

Through your joys, Through your glory,

Through the institution of the Blessed Sacrament, Lamb of God who take away the sins of the world

Spare us, O Jesus.

Lamb of God who take away the sins of the world, Graciously hear us, O Jesus.

Lamb of God who take away the sins of the world,

Have mercy on us, O Jesus.

Jesus, hear us. Jesus, graciously hear us.

We will praise you, O God And we will call upon your name.

Let us pray: O Lord Jesus Christ, who has said, "Ask and you shall receive; seek and you shall find; knock and it shall be opened unto you," grant, we beg you, that we may love you with a whole heart, in our words and in our work, and never cease to praise your name. Amen.

Lord, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

Christ, hear us.

Christ, graciously hear us,

God the Father of heaven, have mercy on us.

God the Son,

Redeemer of the world,

God the Holy Spirit,

Holy Trinity, one God,

Heart of Jesus, formed by the Holy Spirit in the womb of the Blessed Mother,

Heart of Jesus, substantially united in the Word of God,

Heart of Jesus, of infinite majesty,

Heart of Jesus, sacred temple of God,

Heart of Jesus, tabernacle of the Most High

Heart of Jesus, house of God and gate of heaven,

Heart of Jesus, burning furnace of charity,

Heart of Jesus, abode of justice and love,

Heart of Jesus, full of goodness and love,

Heart of Jesus, abyss of all virtues,

Heart of Jesus, most worthy of all praise,

Heart of Jesus, king and center of all hearts,

Heart of Jesus, in whom are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge,

Heart of Jesus, in whom dwells the fullness of divinity

Heart of Jesus, in whom the Father was well-pleased,

Heart of Jesus, of whose fullness we have all received,

Heart of Jesus, desire of the everlasting hills,

Heart of Jesus, patient and most merciful,

Heart of Jesus, enriching all who invoke you,

Heart of Jesus, fountain of life and holiness,

Heart of Jesus, propitiation for our sins,

Heart of Jesus, loaded down with opprobrium,

Heart of Jesus, bruised for our offenses

Heart of Jesus, obedient unto death,

Heart of Jesus, pierced with a lance,

Heart of Jesus, source of all consolation,

Heart of Jesus, our life and resurrection,

Heart of Jesus, our peace and reconciliation,

Heart of Jesus, victim for our sins,

Heart of Jesus, salvation of those who trust in you,

Heart of Jesus, hope of those who die in you,

Heart of Jesus, delight in all the saints, Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world: Spare us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world: Graciously hear us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world: Have mercy on us.

Jesus, meek and humble of Heart: Make our hearts like yours.

Let us pray: Almighty and eternal God, look upon the Heart of your beloved Son and upon the praise and satisfaction that he offers you in the name of sinners. And to those who implore your mercy, in your great goodness, grant them forgiveness in the name of the same Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you forever and ever. Amen.

Lord, have mercy,

Christ, have mercy,

Lord, have mercy,

Christ, hear us,

Christ, graciously hear us God,

the Father of heaven, have mercy on us.

God, the Son,

Redeemer of the world,Have mercy on us.

God, the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.

Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.

Holy Mary, pray for us.

Holy Mother of God,

Holy virgin or virgins,

Mother of Christ,

Mother of the Church,

Mother of divine grace,

Mother most holy,

Mother most chaste,

Mother inviolate,

Mother undefiled,

Mother most amiable,

Mother most admirable,

Mother of good counsel,

Mother of our Creator,

Mother of our Savior,

Virgin most prudent,

Virgin most venerable,

Virgin most renowned,

Virgin most powerful,

Virgin most merciful,

Virgin most faithful,

Mirror of justice,

Seat of Wisdom,

Cause of our joy,

Spiritual Vessel,

Vessel of Honor,

Singular vessel of devotion,

Mystical Rose,

Tower of David,

Tower of Ivory,

House of God,

Ark of the Covenant,

Gate of Heaven,

Morning Star,

Health of the Sick,

Refuge of sinners,

Comforter of the afflicted,

Help of Christians,

Queen of angels,

Queen of patriarchs,

Queen of prophets,

Queen of apostles,

Queen of martyrs,

Queen of confessors,

Queen of virgins,

Queen of all saints,

Queen conceived without original sin,

Queen assumed into heaven,

Queen of the holy Rosary,

Queen of Peace,

Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world, Graciously hear us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.

Pray for us, O holy Mother of God: that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray: Grant, we beg you, O Lord God, that we your servants may enjoy lasting health of mind and body, and by the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, be delivered from present sorrow and enter into the joy of eternal happiness. We ask this through the merits of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen

Blessed be God,

Blessed be his holy name.

Blessed be Jesus Christ, true God and true man.

Blessed be the name of Jesus.

Blessed be his most Sacred Heart.

Blessed be his most Precious Blood.

Blessed be Jesus in the most holy sacrament of the altar.

Blessed be the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete.

Blessed be the great Mother of God,Mary most holy.

Blessed be her holy and Immaculate Conception.

Blessed be her glorious Assumption Blessed be the name of Mary, virgin and Mother.

Blessed be St. Joseph, her most chaste spouse.

Blessed be God in his angels and in his saints.

Amen.

Glory to you, everlasting God, all times and all the ages are yours!

Father eternal, creator of days, I giver of Sabbath rest, Lord of our feasts and seasons!

You invite us to keep holy this year of the jubilee, to break the bonds that fetter, to forgive the debts that crush, to share the harvest and then let earth grow lush: Glory to you!

Son eternal, good news made flesh, messenger of glad tidings, Savior of the world, firstborn from the dead! You announce to us this year of favor, the release of captives and the conversion of the oppressor, the emptying of prisons and gladness for the poor, comfort for those who mourn and peace for those at war: Glory to you!

Spirit eternal, Holy Spirit, wind and fire, Father of the poor and giver of life! You stir up in your church around the world, and in this church of Chicago, passion for truth, compassion for others, sorrow for sin, joy in forgiveness: Glory to you!

God, you who are Father, Son and Spirit, renew us in faith, strengthen us in hope, make bolder our love! With the choruses of angels and the communion of saints, may our lives sing out this year with joy: Come and make us new!

Gracious God, you joined couples together in the Sacrament of Matrimony. Your Son, Jesus sanctified the married state by his miracle at Cana. Bless with your loving grace the married couples of this parish that they may see you in each other, raise their children to love and serve you, and in the fullness of time live forever with you in the joys of eternal life. AMEN.

Gracious God, grandparents are among the most special of your people. We ask you to bless them with peace and joy in the years of their maturity. Help us to appreciate their wisdom and to respect them as they deserve. We ask special blessings on the grandparents who have been given the task of raising their grandparents who have been given the task of raising their grandchildren. Bless them with strength and courage. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ. AMEN

Gracious God, we ask special blessings upon our young people. They are our future, our hope and the true citizens of the new millennium. Bless them with inquiring and discerning minds, loving hearts, and lively imaginations that they may see a future shaped with peace and a world that reflects values that are acceptable in your sight. We ask this in Jesus' name. AMEN

Gracious God, families come in many shapes and sizes. Some consist of a single person. Some are made up of many diverse personalities. We ask your blessing on all families. Regardless of size, families long for unity with you, their Creator, your Son Jesus, their Redeemer, and your Holy Spirit. Grant them the grace to seek you and to be found by you and to live forever in the joy of your kingdom. AMEN

Gracious God, for some among us, dreams and hopes have died. Marriages have ended. Promises and hearts have been broken. Heal those broken hearts, we pray. Help those persons whose marriages have failed to know that the one never failing love can be found in you. When they feel lonely, make them aware of your Spirit. When they feel guilty, help them to know your forgiveness. When there is anger, send them your peace. We pray for these gifts in the name of your Son, Jesus. AMEN

Gracious God, we ask your richest blessings upon our families who are anticipating parenthood. Children are among your greatest gifts. For those who look forward to this gift, whether by birth or adoption, we thank you. For those who have not yet been able to receive this blessing, we ask you to send them whatever forbearance they may need to live out your will for them. We pray in the name of Jesus, our Savior. AMEN

Dear Jesus, you stayed in the temple to learn from the great teachers of your time. Send your compassion and grace to parents as they entrust children to school. From pre-school to graduate school, students leave home to learn. Guard them from harm and guide them in the paths of truth. Grant parents peace as they go through the process of letting go, whether it is at the very beginning with pre-school or toward the end with college. Send your Spirit to strengthen families at this stressful time. AMEN

Gracious God, please comfort the sorrowful. When a loved one dies, it changes our lives so quickly. Help those who are living in grief to know your loving embrace. Teach them that the dear ones they miss are truly living in the joy and peace of your heavenly kingdom. And as the pain eases and the healing begins, give them the strength to reach out to help those who follow them. We ask this in the name of Jesus. AMEN