Prayers
Prayer and Faith Formation
The primary source for the teaching and learning of prayers is the parents and family in the home. Catechists reinforce the learning of prayers that takes place in the home by incorporating these prayers into the classroom. As a faith community, we use many of these prayers when we gather in celebration.
Our Diocese has developed a general schedule for the teaching of prayers. We recognize that children learn at different rates and in different ways and that parish programs differ, so the schedule may be adjusted as needed. However, the following is the schedule we will use as we reinforce these prayers in the classroom.
Sign of the Cross
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Praise Prayer
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His mercy endures forever. Amen.
Glory Prayer
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Hail Mary
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is 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 not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Grace Before Meals
Bless us, O Lord, and these your gifts, which we are about to receive from your goodness, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayer After Meals
We give you thanks for these and all your gifts, Almighty God, who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen.
Act of Contrition
My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have sinned against you, whom I should love above all things. I firmly intend, with your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin. Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us. In his name, my God, have mercy. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed
I believe in 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 life everlasting. Amen.
Parts of the Mass
- Liturgy of the Word
- Liturgy of the Eucharist
Seven Sacraments
Sacraments of Initiation
- Baptism
- Confirmation
- Eucharist
Sacraments of Healing
- Reconciliation
- Anointing of the Sick
Sacraments of Service
- Marriage
- Holy Orders
Gifts of the Holy Spirit
- Wisdom
- Understanding
- Counsel
- Fortitude
- Knowledge
- Piety
- Fear of the Lord
Fruits of the Spirit
- Love
- Joy
- Peace
- Patience
- Self-control
- Kindness
- Goodness
- Faithfulness
- Humility
Corporal Works of Mercy
- Feed the hungry.
- Give drink to the thirsty.
- Clothe the naked.
- Visit those who are imprisoned.
- Shelter the homeless.
- Care for the sick.
- Bury the dead.
Spiritual Works of Mercy
- Share your knowledge with others.
- Give advice to those who need it.
- Comfort those who suffer.
- Be patient with others.
- Forgive those who hurt us.
- Give correction to those who need it.
- Pray for the living and the dead.
Holy Days of Obligation
January 1 — Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God
Ascension Thursday — 40 days after Easter
August 15 — Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
November 1 — All Saints Day
December 8 — Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
December 25 — Christmas
Precepts of the Church
Some of the specific duties expected of Catholic Christians as minimal obligations are:
- Celebrate Christ’s Resurrection every Sunday and on Holy Days of Obligation by participating in Mass and avoiding unnecessary work.
- Lead a sacramental life. Receive Holy Communion frequently and the Sacrament of Reconciliation regularly. Catholics must receive Holy Communion at least once a year during the Easter season. If we have committed a serious or mortal sin, we should receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation before receiving Holy Communion.
- Study Catholic teaching throughout one’s life, especially when preparing for the Sacraments.
- Observe the marriage laws of the Catholic Church and provide religious instruction for one’s children.
- Strengthen and support the Church, including one’s own parish, the worldwide Church, and the Holy Father.
- Do penance, including fasting and abstaining from meat on designated days.
- Participate in the missionary spirit and work of the Church.
Great Commandment
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.”
Luke 10:27
New Commandment
“Love one another. Such as my love has been for you, so must your love be for each other.”
John 15:12
Ten Commandments
- I, the Lord, am your God. You shall not have other gods besides me.
- You shall not take the name of the Lord, your God, in vain.
- Remember to keep holy the Sabbath day.
- Honor your father and your mother.
- You shall not kill.
- You shall not commit adultery.
- You shall not steal.
- You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
- You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife.
- You shall not covet anything that belongs to your neighbor.
The Beatitudes
The Beatitudes are important in teaching attitudes that lead to true happiness.
- Blessed are the poor in spirit; the kingdom of God is theirs.
- Blessed are the sorrowing; they shall be consoled.
- Blessed are the lowly; they shall inherit the land.
- Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for holiness; they shall have their fill.
- Blessed are they who show mercy; mercy shall be theirs.
- Blessed are the single-hearted; they shall see God.
- Blessed are the peacemakers; they shall be called children of God.
- Blessed are those persecuted for holiness’ sake; the reign of God is theirs.
Act of Faith
O God, we believe in all that Jesus has taught us about you. We place all our trust in you because of your great love for us. Amen.
Act of Love
O my God, I love you above all things because you are all good and worthy of all my love. I love my neighbor as myself for love of you. I forgive all who have injured me, and I ask pardon of all whom I have injured. Amen.
Act of Hope
O God, we never give up on your love. We have hope and will work for your Kingdom to come and for a life that lasts forever with you in heaven. Amen.
Morning Prayer
Almighty God, you have given us this day; strengthen us with your power and keep us from falling into sin, so that whatever we say or think or do may be in your service and for the sake of your kingdom. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Evening Prayer
Lord, watch over us this night. By your strength, may we rise at daybreak to rejoice in the Resurrection of Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen.
Prayer to the Holy Spirit
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created, and you will renew the face of the earth.
Lord, by the light of the Holy Spirit, you have taught the hearts of your faithful. In the same Spirit, help us to relish what is right and always rejoice in your consolation. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Mysteries of the Rosary
Joyful Mysteries
- The Annunciation — Mary is asked to be the Mother of God.
- The Visitation — Mary visits her cousin, Elizabeth.
- The Nativity — The birth of Jesus.
- The Presentation — Jesus is presented at the Temple.
- The Finding in the Temple — Jesus is found at the Temple.
Sorrowful Mysteries
- The Agony in the Garden — Jesus prays in the garden.
- The Scourging at the Pillar — Jesus is scourged at the pillar.
- The Crowning with Thorns — Jesus is crowned with thorns.
- The Carrying of the Cross — Jesus carries his cross.
- The Crucifixion — Jesus dies on the cross for our sins.
Glorious Mysteries
- The Resurrection — Jesus rises from the dead.
- The Ascension — Jesus ascends into heaven.
- The Descent of the Holy Spirit — The Holy Spirit comes to the apostles at Pentecost.
- The Assumption — Mary, Mother of Jesus, is taken into heaven.
- The Coronation — Mary is crowned Queen of Heaven.
Luminous Mysteries
- The Baptism of Christ in the Jordan
- The Wedding Feast at Cana
- The Proclamation of the Kingdom
- The Transfiguration
- The Institution of the Eucharist
Memorare
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 by this confidence, I fly unto 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.
The Angelus
The angel of the Lord declared to Mary, and she conceived by the Holy Spirit.
Hail Mary...
Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it done to me according to your word.
Hail Mary...
And the Word was made flesh and dwelled among us.
Hail Mary...
Pray for us, O holy Mother of God, that we may be worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray.
Pour forth, we beseech you, O Lord, your grace into our hearts, that we, to whom the incarnation of Christ your Son was made known by the message of an angel, may, by his Passion and Death, be brought to the glory of his Resurrection. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
A Prayer for the Church
Remember, Lord, your holy Church. Deliver us from evil. Make us perfect in your love. Gather us from the four corners of the earth, and make us holy men and women. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.
Way of the Cross (Stations of the Cross)
- Jesus is condemned to die.
- Jesus takes up his cross.
- Jesus falls the first time.
- Jesus meets his mother.
- Simon helps Jesus carry his cross.
- Veronica wipes the face of Jesus.
- Jesus falls the second time.
- Jesus meets 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 laid in the tomb.
Prayer for Peace — St. Francis of Assisi
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and 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.
Prayers to Be Learned by Each Grade
Grade 1
- Sign of the Cross
- Hail Mary
- The Lord’s Prayer
- Glory Prayer
- Meal Prayers
Grade 2
All from Grade 1, plus:
- Praise Prayer
- Act of Contrition
- Liturgy of the Word
- Liturgy of the Eucharist
Grade 3
All from Grades 1–2, plus:
- Apostles’ Creed
- Great Commandment
- Ten Commandments
- Corporal Works of Mercy
Grade 4
All from Grades 1–3, plus:
- Fruits of the Spirit
- Beatitudes
- Spiritual Works of Mercy
- Sacraments: Eucharist and Reconciliation
Grade 5
All from Grades 1–4, plus:
- Parts of the Mass
Grade 6
All from Grades 1–5, plus:
- Seven Sacraments
Grade 7
All from Grades 1–6, plus:
- Holy Days of Obligation
- Gifts of the Holy Spirit
- New Commandment
Grade 8
All from Grades 1–7, plus:
- Precepts of the Church
Additional Prayers
Grade 1
- Spontaneous Prayer
- Morning Prayer
- Evening Prayer
- Meal Prayer
Grade 2
- Spontaneous Prayer
- Morning Prayer
- Evening Prayer
- Meal Prayer
Grade 3
- Spontaneous Prayer
- Morning Prayer
- Evening Prayer
- Mass Responses
Grade 4
- Spontaneous Prayer
- Morning Prayer
- Evening Prayer
- Mass Responses
Grade 5
- Spontaneous Prayer
- Morning Prayer
- Evening Prayer
- Mass Responses
- Rosary
- Act of Faith
- Act of Love
- Stations of the Cross
Grade 6
- Spontaneous Prayer
- Morning Prayer
- Evening Prayer
- Mass Responses
- Rosary
- Act of Faith
- Act of Love
- Act of Hope
- Stations of the Cross
Grade 7
- Spontaneous Prayer
- Morning Prayer
- Evening Prayer
- Mass Responses
- Rosary
- Act of Faith
- Act of Love
- Act of Hope
- Stations of the Cross
- Prayer to the Holy Spirit
- Prayer for Peace
Grade 8
- Spontaneous Prayer
- Morning Prayer
- Evening Prayer
- Mass Responses
- Rosary
- Act of Faith
- Act of Love
- Act of Hope
- Stations of the Cross
- Prayer to the Holy Spirit
- Prayer for Peace
