PRAYERS OF THE FAITHFUL – Easter (ABC)

Streamline the prayers for brevity, using your discretion on what to cut.

For Pope Leo XIV, Bearing Witness to the Anointed One

Lord, just as Peter proclaimed that You anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, we pray for Pope Leo XIV. May he, as the chief witness, be filled with that same Spirit to boldly preach that Christ went about doing good and healing all. We ask that his ministry, like Peter’s, may powerfully testify that Jesus is the one appointed by God as judge of the living and the dead. We pray to the Lord…

For Bishops, Commanded to Preach to the People

Heavenly Father, You commissioned the apostles to preach to the people and testify that Christ is the risen Lord. We pray for all Bishops, the successors to the apostles. Grant them the grace to be faithful witnesses to all that Jesus did, both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem, showing by their lives that God raised Him on the third day and granted Him to be visible. We pray to the Lord…

For Priests and Deacons, Eating and Drinking with the Risen Lord

Lord Jesus, You made Yourself visible to chosen witnesses who ate and drank with You after You rose from the dead. We pray for all priests and deacons, who regularly eat and drink with You at the table of the Eucharist. May their participation in these holy mysteries strengthen them to be true witnesses, testifying to the forgiveness of sins granted to everyone who believes in Your name. We pray to the Lord…

For Those in Religious and Consecrated Life, Clothed with Power to do Good

Lord, You sent Jesus of Nazareth to go about doing good and healing all those oppressed by the devil, because God was with Him. We pray for all those in religious and consecrated life. May they, being consecrated by the same Holy Spirit and power, become living testimonies of Your presence, dedicated to alleviating the suffering and oppression of the poor and marginalized. We pray to the Lord…

For the Laity in the Workplace, Witnesses of What He Did

Lord God, You have called the laity to be witnesses in the secular world of “all that He did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem.” We pray for the laity in their workplaces. Give them the courage to testify to Christ’s life, death, and resurrection through their integrity and justice, so that through their witness, colleagues and clients may believe and find the forgiveness of sins. We pray to the Lord…

SECOND READING

For Pope Leo XIV, Raised with Christ to Seek Things Above

Almighty God, You have raised Pope Leo XIV with Christ. We pray that he may constantly seek what is above, where Christ is seated at Your right hand. May his leadership and teaching always be directed toward heavenly realities, guiding the Church to focus its heart not on what is on earth but on the glory that will be revealed when Christ, our life, appears. We pray to the Lord…

For Bishops, Guiding Hearts to Think of What is Above

Lord, You have hidden the life of every believer with Christ in God. We pray for all Bishops. Grant them the wisdom to remind the faithful, in their words and actions, that we have died to the world and that our true life is found with You. May they lead their dioceses to “think of what is above, not of what is on earth.” We pray to the Lord…

For Priests and Deacons, Stewards of Hidden Life

Merciful Father, Your ministers are called to nourish the life of the faithful, which is “hidden with Christ in God.” We pray for all priests and deacons. Help them to lead others into a deeper spiritual communion with the risen Lord through prayer and the sacraments, so that when Christ, our life, appears, they and all their people may appear with Him in glory. We pray to the Lord…

For Those in Religious and Consecrated Life, Living Icons of the Life Above

Lord, You call consecrated men and women to a life of holiness that points to heavenly realities. We pray for all those in religious life. By their vows and their detachment from earthly worries, may they be living signs of those who “have died, and [whose] life is hidden with Christ in God,” serving as constant reminders to the Church to seek the things that are above. We pray to the Lord…

For the Laity in the Workplace, Sanctifying What is on Earth

Lord, You have called the laity to live out their baptismal call in the midst of the world. We pray for the laity in their workplaces. Even as they are engaged with “what is on earth,” may they “think of what is above,” bringing the values of the Gospel into their daily work and sanctifying their labor by doing it for Your glory, as those who have been “raised with Christ.” We pray to the Lord…

GOSPEL

For Pope Leo XIV, An Apostolic Witness to the Empty Tomb

Lord, just as Mary Magdalene and the beloved disciple ran to the tomb, we pray for Pope Leo XIV, our chief shepherd. Grant him the grace to be a faithful witness like Mary Magdalene, who “ran and went to Simon Peter,” and like Peter himself, who “went into the tomb and saw the burial cloths.” May he powerfully preach that “He had to rise from the dead.” We pray to the Lord…

For Bishops, Leaders in Faith and Understanding

Heavenly Father, You chose the apostles to be the first to see the empty tomb. We pray for all Bishops. Grant them the spiritual insight to “see and believe” that Jesus has risen, just as the beloved disciple did. Give them the wisdom to lead the Church to understand the scripture that “He had to rise from the dead,” deepening the faith of all Your people. We pray to the Lord…

For Priests and Deacons, Preachers of the Risen Lord

Lord Jesus, You made Yourself known to Your disciples through the empty tomb. We pray for all priests and deacons. As they preach the Gospel, may they, like Peter, “see the burial cloths there, and the cloth that had covered his head.” Give them the grace to help the faithful believe in the truth of Your resurrection, leading them from darkness to light. We pray to the Lord…

For Those in Religious and Consecrated Life, Running towards the Risen Lord

Lord, just as Mary Magdalene “came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark,” we pray for all those in religious and consecrated life. By their early morning prayers and their dedicated service, may they continually seek the risen Lord, running towards Him with devotion, so that their lives may be a powerful testimony that “He had to rise from the dead.” We pray to the Lord…

For the Laity in the Workplace, Seeing and Believing in Daily Life

Lord, You call the laity to live as witnesses to the resurrection in the midst of their daily duties. We pray for the laity in their workplaces. Like the beloved disciple, who “saw and believed,” may they find signs of Your presence and resurrection in the midst of their work. Give them the grace to live as people of the resurrection, transforming their work into a testimony of Your saving power. We pray to the Lord…

CHURCH UNITY

FIRST READING

Streamline the prayers for brevity, using your discretion on what to cut.

Christian Unity: Preaching the Anointed Savior

Heavenly Father, You granted chosen witnesses to eat and drink with the risen Jesus, and commanded them to preach that He is the one appointed as judge of the living and the dead. Grant to all Christians a unified voice in this essential testimony. Remove the barriers of division so that together, using the words of Peter, we may powerfully bear witness to all that Jesus did, showing that in Him, everyone who believes finds forgiveness of sins. We pray to the Lord…

Relations with Islam: Acknowledging One Judge and One God

Sovereign God, Peter proclaimed that Jesus of Nazareth is the one appointed by You to judge the living and the dead, a truth recognized also in Islam. We pray for fruitful dialogue between Christians and Muslims. May our shared belief in the final judgment, and our mutual acknowledgment that You are the ultimate Judge, lead us to work together for justice and mercy in our world, reflecting the good that Jesus did while anointed with Your Holy Spirit. We pray to the Lord…

Catholic Unity: Following the One Anointed with Power

Lord Jesus Christ, You went about doing good and healing all oppressed by the devil, because God was with You. We pray for reconciliation within Your Church between those labeled traditionalists and progressives. Help all Catholics to move beyond labels and instead focus on being Your designated witnesses of what You did. May the Holy Spirit, which anointed You, bring us into harmonious action to preach Your forgiveness to everyone, ending our internal oppressions and divisions. We pray to the Lord…

SECOND READING

Christian Unity: Seeking Together the Things That Are Above

Merciful Father, Your word reminds us that we have all died and our lives are hidden with Christ in You. We pray that all Christian traditions may turn their hearts away from the things of earth that cause division. Strengthen our common focus on seeking the things that are above, where Christ is seated at Your right hand. May this shared pursuit bring us closer together until that day when Christ, our life, appears, and we may all appear with Him in unified glory. We pray to the Lord…

Relations with Islam: Thinking of God’s Heavenly Realm

O God, who commands us to think of what is above and not of what is on earth, we lift up relations between Christians and Muslims. Inspire both communities to look beyond earthly conflicts and instead dwell upon Your divine realm, seeking Your shalom and mercy. Grant that our joint desire to honor You, the Most High, may foster mutual respect and lead us to cooperative efforts that reflect the peace of Your heavenly kingdom. We pray to the Lord…

Catholic Unity: Finding Our Life Hidden in Christ

Lord Jesus, You are the true life of the Church. We pray for unity among all Catholics, especially where theological differences create pain between conservatives and progressives. Remind us all that our common life is fundamentally hidden with You in God. Deliver us from the earthly trap of judgmental division, so that focused only on You, our life, we may live as one body, waiting with patience and charity until You appear in Your final glory.

GOSPEL

Christian Unity: Believing Together in the Risen Lord

Almighty God, Your word tells us that when the beloved disciple went into the empty tomb and saw, he believed. We pray that all separated Christian brethren may be united in this same foundational faith. Grant us the grace to see beyond our current differences and instead see and believe that the scripture is fulfilled: He had to rise from the dead. May this essential belief be the rock upon which our divisions are healed. We pray to the Lord…

Relations with Islam: Honoring the Living One

O God of Abraham, whose powerful messenger came while it was still dark, we pray for deeper understanding between Christians and Muslims. While we believe the tomb is empty because Jesus is risen, Muslims honor him as a living prophet. May this common affirmation of his life over death, and our mutual reverence for his person, create pathways for peace and collaboration, reflecting Your divine light even when shadows of mistrust seem dark. We pray to the Lord…

Catholic Unity: Meeting One Lord in the Sacramental Life

Lord Jesus, the beloved disciple saw the burial cloths and believed, a mystery we meet in the Church’s sacraments. We pray for unity within the Catholic Church, especially among those who feel separated by different understandings of liturgy or tradition. Open our eyes to see and believe that You are present among us, breaking the chains of our internal divisions just as You broke the tomb of death, making us truly one body in You. We pray to the Lord…

VOCATIONS

FIRST READING

Streamline the prayers for brevity, using your discretion on what to cut.

Vocations to the Priesthood: Anointed Witnesses

Heavenly Father, You anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and He went about doing good and healing all. We pray that You raise up holy priests in our day who, anointed with that same Spirit, will boldly preach the forgiveness of sins in Christ’s name and bear faithful witness to all that He did. We pray to the Lord…

Vocations to the Diaconate: Visible Ministers of Goodness

Lord God, Peter testified that God raised Jesus on the third day and granted Him to be visible, not to all the people, but to chosen witnesses. Call forth men to the diaconate to be visible signs of Christ’s service in the world, dedicated to doing good and caring for those oppressed, comforting all with the reality of the Resurrection. We pray to the Lord…

Vocations to Religious Life: Witnesses Appointed by God

Sovereign God, You commanded the apostles to preach to the people and testify that Jesus is the one appointed by God as judge of the living and the dead. We pray for an increase in vocations to the religious and consecrated life. May many men and women answer the call to testify by their lives to this truth, living as prophets of the coming Kingdom. We pray to the Lord…

SECOND READING

Vocations to the Priesthood: Seeking Things That Are Above

Merciful Father, Your word exhorts us to seek what is above, where Christ is seated at Your right hand. We pray for young men considering the priesthood. Grant them the grace to turn their hearts away from what is on earth and desire only to serve at Your altar, guiding Your people to that life which is hidden with Christ in God. We pray to the Lord…

Vocations to the Diaconate: Stewards of the Hidden Life

Lord Jesus, You are the life of Your Church, yet that life is often hidden from the world. We pray for men called to the permanent diaconate. Give them the wisdom and humility to nourish the hidden spiritual life of Your people through charity and service, preparing them for the day when You, our life, appears in glory. We pray to the Lord…

Vocations to Religious Life: Living as Those Raised with Christ

Almighty God, You call consecrated men and women to a life of holiness that points to heavenly realities. We pray for an increase in vocations to religious life. By their vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, may they be living signs of those who “have died,” set apart to think only of what is above, serving as constant reminders to the Church of our true home. We pray to the Lord…

GOSPEL

United Nations
Observances

Vocations to the Priesthood: Believing and Preaching the Resurrection

Lord Jesus, the beloved disciple went into the empty tomb, saw the burial cloths, and believed. We pray that You call forth many men to the priesthood who, having seen the signs of Your presence in the sacraments, believe with all their hearts. Give them the courage to preach the scripture that You had to rise from the dead. We pray to the Lord…

Vocations to the Diaconate: Servants of the Living Word

Heavenly Father, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, seeking her Lord. We pray for men called to the diaconate. Grant them the zeal to serve Your Church in the darkness of the world, proclaiming by their words and actions that Christ is not dead, but is a living presence among us. We pray to the Lord…

Vocations to Religious Life: Dedicated Searchers for Christ

Lord, Your word tells us that the disciples did not yet understand the scripture that He had to rise from the dead. We pray for an increase in vocations to religious life. May many men and women accept the call to a life of contemplative search and active service, dedicating themselves to understanding and living the profound mystery of the Resurrection. We pray to the Lord…

CHURCH WORLD NEEDS COMMUNITY

Governing Authorities and the Salvation of the World

For all the human family: that Christ’s victory over death may bring hope and a new beginning to all who suffer from war and violence, are burdened by poverty, confronted by prejudice, or live in fear

For nations in turmoil: that God will break the cycles of violence and discord, end acts of revenge, protect the innocent, and raise leaders who will establish peace and justice in areas of conflict

For greater stewardship of God’s creation: that we may work to use earth’s resources prudently and preserve them for the good of future generations

SOURCE: Sunday Website

The World

Easter Sunday

🙏 WORLDCIVIL UNRESTWORLD PEACEENVIRONMENT

WORD OF GOD (13:37) – This powerful Christian prayer is for: Hope in times of global crisis, Peace in the world, Protection during war, Comfort for families affected by conflict, Wisdom for world leaders

In these times of war and deep uncertainty, we come before You with heavy hearts, knowing that the world needs Your presence now more than ever. We see the news of conflict, destruction, and fear, and we confess that it can overwhelm us. Yet, even in the darkest moments, we cling to the belief that You are a God who hears every prayer and cares deeply for every precious life.

INFOGRAPHIC

“You know what has happened all over Judea,
beginning in Galilee after the baptism
that John preached,
how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth
with the Holy Spirit and power.
He went about doing good
and healing all those oppressed by the devil,
for God was with him.

FIRST READING

CIVIL UNREST

FIRST READING

Streamline the prayers for brevity, using your discretion on what to cut.

Political Dialogue: Breaking Impartial Ground

Heavenly Father, Peter proclaimed that “God shows no partiality” and that Jesus “went about doing good and healing all.” We pray for all political parties in our nation. May they follow this divine example of impartiality, committing themselves to constructive dialogue that seeks the common good of all citizens, moving beyond partisan divides to truly heal our communities. We pray to the Lord…

National Unity: Preaching Peace in Politics

Lord Jesus, You are the one appointed by God as judge of the living and the dead, and the scripture testifies that “everyone who believes in [You] will receive forgiveness of sins through [Your] name.” We pray for easing tensions between our political parties. Inspire them to preach peace to the people, seeking forgiveness and reconciliation rather than division, remembering that we all stand accountable before the one Judge of the nations. We pray to the Lord…

SECOND READING

Party Cooperation: Seeking What Is Above Party Line

Almighty God, Your word exhorts us to “think of what is above, not of what is on earth.” We pray that members of all political parties may raise their perspectives above narrow earthly concerns and partisan victories. Grant them the grace to work together in true cooperation, seeking the higher, lasting realities of justice and peace, so that their labor may reflect the life hidden with Christ in You. We pray to the Lord…

Reducing Polarization: Dwell Upon Our Common Destiny

Lord, our faith reminds us that we have “died, and [our] life is hidden with Christ in God.” We pray that our political leaders and citizens may reduce polarization by focusing on this hidden unity of our shared human dignity and common destiny. May they replace hostility with open-mindedness and empathy, recognizing Christ’s image in their political opponents, in anticipation of the day when we shall all appear with Him in glory. We pray to the Lord…

GOSPEL

Constructive Dialogue: Believing Without Seeing All the Evidence

Lord Jesus, the beloved disciple “saw and believed” even before he “understood the scripture that he had to rise from the dead.” We pray for political parties in deadlock. Grant them the faith to believe in the possibility of constructive solutions and mutual understanding, even when they do not yet see all the evidence of agreement. May they enter dialogue with hope, trusting that You can bring new life out of political darkness. We pray to the Lord…

Political Understanding: Rolling Back the Stone of Division

Heavenly Father, Mary Magdalene came while it was still dark and saw the stone removed from the tomb. We pray for our political process, currently darkened by mistrust and harsh rhetoric. Give our leaders the courage and understanding to “roll back the stone” of division that separates them. Grant them the empathy to listen attentively, “seeing the burial cloths” of past grievances, and working together for a resurrected national unity. We pray to the Lord…

WORLD PEACE

FIRST READING

Streamline the prayers for brevity, using your discretion on what to cut.

Peace in Ukraine: Preaching Peace in Jesus’ Name

Heavenly Father, Peter proclaimed “preaching peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all,” because “God shows no partiality.” We pray for an end to the war in Ukraine. Inspire the nations to seek true peace rather than military victory, that all people may receive forgiveness of sins through His name. We pray to the Lord…

Justice in Venezuela: Healing All Oppressed by the Devil

Lord Jesus, who “went about doing good and healing all those oppressed by the devil, for God was with him,” we pray for Venezuela. Deliver the people from the oppression of political and economic distress. Raise up leaders who, knowing God is with them, work for the genuine good of the entire nation. We pray to the Lord…

Middle East Peace: One Judge over All Nations

Almighty God, You “commissioned us to preach to the people and testify that he is the one appointed by God as judge of the living and the dead.” We pray for the Middle East, specifically Iran and its neighbors. May they recognize that all nations stand accountable before You, the one true Judge, and turn from threats of war to pathways of peace. We pray to the Lord…

Protection from Terrorism: Witnesses in Jerusalem and at Home

Lord, You call us to be “witnesses of all that he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem” and even in our own land. We pray for protection from terrorism at home in the U.S. and abroad. Confuse the plans of those who plot violence, and grant us the courage to bear witness to Your saving power through our vigilance and our commitment to justice. We pray to the Lord…

SECOND READING

Peace in Ukraine: Seeking Things That Are Above

Merciful Father, Your word exhorts us to “seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.” We pray for peace in Ukraine. Move the hearts of all combatants to turn their minds away from earthly conquest and geopolitical gain, seeking instead the heavenly realities of justice, mercy, and reconciliation. We pray to the Lord…

Hope in Venezuela: Life Hidden in God

Lord Jesus, our “life is hidden with Christ in God.” We pray for the people of Venezuela. In the midst of their daily struggles and suffering, grant them the grace to persevere, finding their ultimate hope not in earthly political systems but in the hidden spiritual life that You alone provide. We pray to the Lord…

End of Middle East War: Thinking of What Is Above

Sovereign God, You command us to “think of what is above, not of what is on earth.” We pray for the Middle East and the avoidance of a war with Iran. Inspire the leaders of all involved nations to lift their focus above earthly pride and revenge, striving together for the peace that comes only from above. We pray to the Lord…

Security from Terrorism: Waiting for His Appearance

Almighty God, we wait for the day “when Christ your life appears,” when “you too will appear with him in glory.” We pray for our security at home and abroad from the threat of terrorism. Protect us from those who work in the darkness of violence, and keep us faithful as we wait for the true glory of Your everlasting peace. We pray to the Lord…

GOSPEL

Peace in Ukraine: Believing in New Life

Lord Jesus, the beloved disciple “saw and believed” even before they “understood the scripture that he had to rise from the dead.” We pray for peace in Ukraine. Grant all involved the faith to believe that new life is possible after the darkness of war, and move them to work together to roll back the stone of conflict. We pray to the Lord…

Deliverance in Venezuela: Rolling Back the Stone

Heavenly Father, Mary Magdalene “saw the stone removed from the tomb” while “it was still dark.” We pray for the people of Venezuela. Even in the darkness of their national crisis, may they see the heavy stone of oppression rolled back, and may their leaders work together to bring about a new dawn of freedom and prosperity. We pray to the Lord…

Middle East De-escalation: Meeting the Living Lord

Lord, You “had to rise from the dead” to overcome the darkness of death and sin. We pray for the Middle East, asking for an end to the threat of war with Iran. Grant that all parties may meet You, the living Lord of peace, and turn away from the path of mutual destruction, entering into the light of dialogue and cooperation. We pray to the Lord…

Safety from Terrorism: Seeing the Signs of Peace

Almighty God, Your word tells us that Peter and the other disciple “ran” to the tomb to “see.” We pray for our protection from terrorism at home and abroad. Give our intelligence and security services the wisdom to “see” the signs of danger, and grant us all the peace that comes from knowing that You have overcome the power of death and violence. We pray to the Lord…

ENVIRONMENT

FIRST READING

Streamline the prayers for brevity, using your discretion on what to cut.

Stewardship of Creation: Doing Good to All That God Imparts

Heavenly Father, Peter proclaimed that Jesus “went about doing good and healing all.” We pray for a renewed commitment to stewardship of creation. Inspire us to “do good” to the earth You have entrusted to us, healing the damage caused by neglect, and protecting the natural resources that You impart for the benefit of all people, showing no partiality in our care. We pray to the Lord…

Environmental Justice: Witnesses of God’s Handiwork

Lord God, You commissioned the apostles to be “witnesses of all that he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem.” We pray that we may be faithful witnesses to Your handiwork in the natural world. Grant us the grace to protect endangered ecosystems and resources, ensuring that all people, especially the poor, may testify to the goodness of Your creation. We pray to the Lord…

SECOND READING

Sustainable Living: Seeking Earthly Resources with Heavenly Hearts

Almighty God, Your word exhorts us to “think of what is above, not of what is on earth.” We pray for wisdom in our use of natural resources. Help us to utilize the goods of the earth with heavenly hearts, practicing sustainability and moderation, so that our stewardship may reflect the life “hidden with Christ in God,” rather than earthly greed. We pray to the Lord…

Future Generations: Stewards of a Life Hidden in God

Lord Jesus, “when Christ your life appears, then you too will appear with him in glory.” We pray for the protection of natural resources for future generations. Grant us the foresight to preserve the earth’s beauty and fruitfulness, so that those who come after us may also find sustenance and see the glory of Your creation, sharing in the life You have hidden for all. We pray to the Lord…

GOSPEL

Environmental Renewal: Seeing Signs of Life in Creation

Lord Jesus, the beloved disciple “went into the tomb and saw the burial cloths there,” and “he saw and believed.” We pray for the renewal of our environment. Give us the eyes to see the signs of stress in creation, and the faith to believe that through our careful stewardship and Your grace, ecosystems can be restored to new life, rolling back the stone of destruction. We pray to the Lord…

Care for Resources: Rolling Back the Stone of Waste

Heavenly Father, Mary Magdalene came “early in the morning, while it was still dark,” and saw the stone removed from the tomb. We pray for an end to the wasteful use of natural resources. Inspire us to work diligently, even when the ecological outlook seems dark, to “roll back the stone” of overconsumption and waste, conserving the precious resources You have provided for the dawn of a sustainable future. We pray to the Lord…

CHURCH WORLD NEEDS COMMUNITY

For Those Facing Adversities

For all who find themselves confused, doubting their faith, or walking in darkness: that they may experience the Risen Lord who brings light and hope to hearts

For healing of hearts and relationships: that the Risen Lord will open the path to reconciliation and healing amongst families, communities, and nations

For all who are burdened by sickness, disease, or chronic illness: that the healing Spirit of the risen Christ may bring light and wholeness to them
that the healing Spirit of the risen Christ may bring light and wholeness to them

For all who have fled homes because of violence, fear, or natural disasters: that God will guide them to safety, give them hope, and touch the hearts of many to welcome and support them

SOURCE: Sunday Website

Special Needs

Easter Sunday

🙏 NEEDSPRO-LIFEMARGINALIZEDADDICTION

In the Easter Sequence, we praised the triumph of your Son, Jesus Christ: For those facing physical challenges, that they may know the strength and perseverance of Christ. May they experience the transformative power of Christ’s resurrection in their lives.

INFOGRAPHIC

Think of what is above, not of what is on earth.
For you have died, and
your life is hidden with Christ in God.
When Christ your life appears,
then you too will appear with him in glory.

SECOND READING

TRANSCRIPT

PRIESTS FOR LIFE

There is no day on which it is easier to preach on the victory of life than today, the Feast of Life, the Feast of Christ’s victory over death. Easter makes it clear that being “pro-life” is not something that flows primarily from any political or ideological loyalty, nor simply from a cause, plan, project, or organization. Being pro-life, and all its other manifestations and activities, flow from what happened on Easter. Christ did not only conquer his death; he overturned the entire kingdom of death!

On Easter, we do not come to Church simply to congratulate Jesus for rising from the dead. We come to celebrate the fact that we share that victory. We too, by living and dying in him, will rise in him on the last day.

But this victory is also about today, because we share his risen life now. If we share his life, we are “an Easter people,” or as Evangelium Vitae says, “the People of Life.” This means that we proclaim this victory of life, and stand strongly against all the forces in our society that eclipse or destroy the value of life - foremost among them all being abortion. We stand before these forces, not intimidated, hesitant, or unsure of our ability to overcome them. Instead, we stand before them in strength, declaring that they no longer have any ground to stand on, nor any place in our midst. Christ is Risen! On this day we preach with all the vigor and conviction that the Gospel inspires, and send our people forth to apply the Easter victory of Christ to every segment of society!

RESPECT FOR LIFE

FIRST READING

Streamline the prayers for brevity, using your discretion on what to cut.

Prayer for Vulnerable Life: Preaching Peace

Heavenly Father, Peter proclaimed “preaching peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all,” because “God shows no partiality.” We pray for an end to abortion and a deeper respect for all human life. May we impartiality defend the pre-born, witnessing to the peace of Christ by protecting the most vulnerable among us. We pray to the Lord…

Prayer against Death Penalty: Acknowledging One Judge

Lord Jesus, who “went about doing good and healing all those oppressed by the devil,” we pray for the abolition of the death penalty. Give us the grace to recognize that You alone are “appointed by God as judge of the living and the dead.” May we respect the dignity of all individuals, leaving judgment and vengeance to You, the only true source of healing and justice. We pray to the Lord…

SECOND READING

Prayer for Pure Hearts: Seeking Things Above

Almighty God, Your word exhorts us to “think of what is above, not of what is on earth.” We pray for all those struggling with pornography. Deliver them from this earthly trap that degrades human dignity, and grant them the grace to turn their hearts toward heavenly realities, finding their true life hidden with Christ in You. We pray to the Lord…

Prayer for a Culture of Life: Thinking of God’s Destiny

Sovereign God, You remind us that our “life is hidden with Christ in God,” and that “when Christ your life appears, then you too will appear with him in glory.” We pray for a conversion of hearts from a culture of death to a culture of life. May we always cherish and protect every human life, from conception to natural death, honoring the glorious destiny You have hidden for each person. We pray to the Lord…

GOSPEL

Prayer for Dignity: Rolling Back the Stone

Lord Jesus, who broke the bonds of death, we pray for the respect for the dignity of every individual, especially those suffering from abandonment or neglect. Like the beloved disciple who “went into the tomb and saw,” give us the eyes to see the inherent value of every person and the courage to “roll back the stone” of indifference and prejudice that entombs their potential. We pray to the Lord…

Prayer for Hope: Believing in New Life

Heavenly Father, Mary Magdalene “saw the stone removed from the tomb” while “it was still dark.” We pray for mothers facing difficult pregnancies and all who feel trapped by the culture of death. Even in the darkness of their despair, may they see the stone removed, finding the hope and support needed to believe in the promise of new life. We pray to the Lord…

MARGINALIZED

FIRST READING

Streamline the prayers for brevity, using your discretion on what to cut.

Prayer for the Marginalized: Partiality Toward None

Heavenly Father, Peter proclaimed that “God shows no partiality” and that Jesus “went about doing good and healing all.” We pray for all who are marginalized in our society. Inspire us to follow this divine example of impartiality, committing ourselves to serving the poor and forgotten, moving beyond prejudice to truly heal our communities without partiality. We pray to the Lord…

Prayer for the Poor: Witnesses of Jesus’ Healing

Lord God, You commissioned the apostles to preach that Christ is the risen Lord and that everyone who believes in Him will receive forgiveness of sins through His name. We pray for all those experiencing poverty and hunger. Grant them the grace to be faithful witnesses to Your handiwork and comfort, providing for their physical needs through our charity and justice. We pray to the Lord…

Prayer for the Hungry: Food Imparted to All

Lord Jesus, You made Yourself visible to chosen witnesses who ate and drank with You after You rose from the dead. We pray for all those who are hungry and malnourished. Strengthen our resolve to provide sustenance to all, ensuring that no one is left in need of food, and that all may eat and drink with the risen Lord in spirit. We pray to the Lord…

SECOND READING

Prayer for Sustainable Living: Seeking Earthly Resources with Heavenly Hearts

Prayer for the Future: Preserving God’s Glory in Creation

Lord Jesus, You are the true life of the Church, yet that life is often hidden from the world. We pray for the protection of natural resources for future generations. Grant us the foresight to preserve the earth’s beauty and fruitfulness, so that those who come after us may also find sustenance and see the glory of Your creation, sharing in the life You have hidden for all. We pray to the Lord…

Prayer for Stewardship: Living as Those Raised with Christ

GOSPEL

Prayer for the Homeless: Rolling Back the Stone

Lord Jesus, who broke the bonds of death, we pray for the homeless in our midst, who often feel entombed in isolation. Like the beloved disciple who “went into the tomb and saw,” give us the eyes to see their inherent value and the courage to “roll back the stone” of indifference and prejudice that entombs their potential. We pray to the Lord…

Prayer for the Poor: Faith in the Risen Lord

Heavenly Father, Mary Magdalene “saw the stone removed from the tomb” while “it was still dark,” and the disciples “saw and believed.” We pray for all who struggle with poverty and unemployment. Even in the darkness of their despair, may they see the stone removed, finding the hope and support needed to believe in the promise of new life. We pray to the Lord…

Prayer for the Forgotten: Bearing Witness

Lord, Your word tells us that Peter and the other disciple “ran” to the tomb to “see.” We pray for all those who are forgotten and marginalized by society. Give us the zeal to run to their aid, bearing witness to Your love and mercy, that all may be comforted by the reality of Your Resurrection and the hope it provides for a more just world. We pray to the Lord…

ADDICTION & RECOVERY

FIRST READING

Streamline the prayers for brevity, using your discretion on what to cut.

Prayer for Healing: Healing the Oppressed

Heavenly Father, Peter testified that Jesus “went about doing good and healing all those oppressed by the devil.” We pray for all those bound by the oppression of addiction. Grant them the healing power of the Holy Spirit, delivering them from the chains of dependency so they may walk in the freedom of the children of God. We pray to the Lord…

Prayer for Witnesses: Chosen Witnesses of Recovery

Lord God, You granted the risen Christ to be visible to “chosen witnesses” who ate and drank with Him. We pray for those in recovery from addiction. Make them powerful witnesses to Your saving power, that through their story, others still suffering may believe and receive the forgiveness of sins and the gift of new life. We pray to the Lord…

Prayer for Peace: Preaching Peace through Jesus

Lord Jesus, Peter proclaimed “peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.” We pray for those currently in the grips of addiction. Calm the storms of turmoil within them and direct their steps to the pathways of recovery, granting them the lasting peace that only You can provide. We pray to the Lord…

SECOND READING

PPrayer for Renewal: Think of What Is Above

Almighty God, Your word exhorts us to “think of what is above, not of what is on earth.” We pray for all who are struggling with addiction. Grant them the grace to raise their perspective above earthly dependencies and find their strength in seeking the heavenly realities of faith, hope, and true freedom. We pray to the Lord…

Prayer for Restoration: Life Hidden with Christ

Lord, You have promised that our “life is hidden with Christ in God.” We pray for those in recovery. Restore the dignity that was stolen by addiction, and help them to cherish the hidden spiritual life You have restored within them, waiting with hope for the day they will appear with Him in glory. We pray to the Lord…

Prayer for Glory: Appearing in Glory

O God, we look forward to the day “when Christ your life appears,” that we “too will appear with him in glory.” We pray for those seeking to overcome addiction. Strengthen their resolve to die to the old self and live in anticipation of that glorious future, anchored in the victory of Christ over all death and despair. We pray to the Lord…

GOSPEL

Prayer for Deliverance: Removing the Stone

Heavenly Father, Mary Magdalene came “early in the morning, while it was still dark,” and “saw the stone removed from the tomb.” We pray for those trapped in the darkness of addiction. By Your mighty hand, remove the heavy stone of shame, guilt, and dependency that entombs them, bringing them into the dawn of a new life. We pray to the Lord…

Prayer for Belief: See and Believe

Lord Jesus, the beloved disciple “went into the tomb and saw,” and “he saw and believed.” We pray for those in the early stages of recovery who are filled with doubt. Give them the grace to see the signs of hope and the witnesses of Your presence around them, that they may believe in the possibility of their own resurrection to health and wholeness. We pray to the Lord…

Prayer for Hope: Believing the Scripture

Lord,Your word says they “did not yet understand the scripture that he had to rise from the dead.” We pray for those discouraged by relapse. Open their hearts to understand and believe in the promise of the Resurrection—that Your power to raise them from the death of addiction is stronger than any despair or temptation. We pray to the Lord…

CHURCH WORLD NEEDS COMMUNITY

The Local Community

For all the newly baptized: that they may faithfully follow Jesus, grow in their love for God, and keep the light of Christ burning brightly in their lives

For all children: that God will keep them safe from all harm, help them to grow and develop their gifts, and celebrate the gift of life each day

For all who are away from home this Easter, particularly members of the military and relief workers: that God will protect from harm, guide their service, and bring them home safely

SOURCE: Sunday Website

Local Community

Easter Sunday

🙏 COMMUNITYGATHERED ASSEMBLYFAMILIESSACRAMENTS

EWTN (6:45)

We pray for our parish community, that it may be a beacon of hope and a witness to the risen Christ. May we, your people, share the Good News of Jesus’ resurrection with our children and those around. May we welcome all who seek to know you.

INFOGRAPHIC

“They have taken the Lord from the tomb,
and we don’t know where they put him.”
So Peter and the other disciple
went out and came to the tomb.
They both ran,
but the other disciple ran faster than Peter
and arrived at the tomb first…”

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GATHERED ASSEMBLY

FIRST READING

Streamline the prayers for brevity, using your discretion on what to cut.

Prayer for Holiness: Anointed with the Spirit

Heavenly Father, You anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and He went about doing good and healing all. We pray for this gathered assembly, that anointed with that same Spirit, we may grow in holiness, dedicating our lives to doing good and witnessing to the truth that Christ is Lord of all. We pray to the Lord…

Prayer for Charity: Chosen Witnesses to Preach

Lord God, who granted the risen Christ to be visible to chosen witnesses who ate and drank with Him. We pray for our community, that as witnesses of Your Resurrection, we may grow in charity, reaching out to all who are oppressed and preaching peace to the people by our lives of selfless service. We pray to the Lord…

Prayer for Forgiveness: Testimony to the One Judge

Almighty God, You commanded the apostles to testify that Christ is the one appointed by You as judge of the living and the dead. We pray for this assembly, that we may be powerful witnesses to the forgiveness of sins granted to everyone who believes in Your name, living as a reconciled and merciful people. We pray to the Lord…

SECOND READING

Prayer for Prayer: Seeking Things Above

Merciful Father, Your word exhorts us to seek what is above, where Christ is seated at Your right hand. We pray for this gathered assembly, that we may be a people of profound prayer, turning our hearts away from earthly concerns to dwell upon the heavenly realities that are hidden with Christ in You. We pray to the Lord…

Prayer for Holiness: Thinking of God’s Destiny

Lord, our “life is hidden with Christ in God.” We pray that this assembly may grow in holiness, always thinking of what is above and not of what is on earth. Deliver us from all that degrades our human dignity, as we wait in joyful hope for the day when You, our life, appears. We pray to the Lord…

Prayer for Following: Living as Those Raised with Christ

Almighty God, You remind us that “when Christ your life appears, then you too will appear with him in glory.” We pray for this community, that having been raised with Christ in baptism, we may faithfully follow His commands, living in anticipation of that glorious future where all division is healed and we appear with Him in unified glory. We pray to the Lord…

GOSPEL

Prayer for following: Running toward the Risen Lord

ord Jesus, Your word tells us that Peter and the other disciple ran to the tomb to see what had happened. We pray for this assembly, that we may have the zeal to run towards You with devotion, seeking the risen Lord with all our hearts and dedicated to following Your command to love one another. We pray to the Lord…

Prayer for Belief: See and Believe

Heavenly Father, the beloved disciple went into the tomb, “saw and believed.” We pray for this community, that Your word and sacraments may give us the spiritual insight to see the signs of Your presence and believe with all our hearts that Christ had to rise from the dead for our salvation. We pray to the Lord…

Prayer for Hope: Believing the Scripture

Lord, Your word says that the disciples “did not yet understand the scripture that he had to rise from the dead.” We pray for this gathered assembly, especially those among us who feel discouraged. Open our hearts to understand and believe in the promise of the Resurrection, that Your power to raise us from despair is stronger than any trial we face. We pray to the Lord…

FAMILIES

FIRST READING

Streamline the prayers for brevity, using your discretion on what to cut.

Prayer for Children: Anointing for Good Works

Heavenly Father, You anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and He “went about doing good and healing all.” We pray for all children. Grant that, having been anointed in the Holy Spirit through their Baptism, they may be raised to follow His example, dedicating their young lives to doing good for others, because God is with them. We pray to the Lord…

Prayer for Families: Preaching Peace in the Home

Lord Jesus, Peter proclaimed “preaching peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.” We pray for all families. Inspire parents to preach this peace within their homes, teaching their children the “scripture that he had to rise from the dead” so that the whole family may bear visible witness to the Risen Lord. We pray to the Lord…

SECOND READING

Prayer for Youth: Seeking Things Above

Almighty God, Your word exhorts us to “think of what is above, not of what is on earth.” We pray for all young people. Deliver them from earthly traps that cause division or degrade their dignity, and grant them the grace to turn their hearts toward heavenly realities, finding their true identity hidden with Christ in You. We pray to the Lord…

Prayer for Parents: Stewards of a Life Hidden in God

Lord Jesus, our “life is hidden with Christ in God.” We pray for all parents. Grant them the wisdom and patience to nourish the hidden spiritual life of their children, guarding them against earthly greed and preparing them to “appear with him in glory” when You, our life, appears. We pray to the Lord…

GOSPEL

Prayer for Children: Believing the Empty Tomb

Lord Jesus, the beloved disciple “went into the tomb and saw,” and “he saw and believed.” We pray for all children. Grant them the spiritual insight to see the signs of Your presence and resurrection, even when they cannot see You, so they may truly believe “the scripture that he had to rise from the dead.” We pray to the Lord…

Prayer for Families: Running toward the Risen Lord

Heavenly Father, Mary Magdalene and the disciples “ran” to the tomb while “it was still dark.” We pray for families facing difficult trials. Give them the zeal to run toward the Risen Lord, rolling back the stone of despair, so that even in the darkness, they may find the hope and new life found only in Your Resurrection. We pray to the Lord…

SACRAMENTS

FIRST READING

Streamline the prayers for brevity, using your discretion on what to cut.

Prayer for Baptism: Anointing by the Spirit

Heavenly Father, Peter proclaimed that Jesus of Nazareth was anointed “with the Holy Spirit and power,” and “went about doing good.” We pray that this gathered community may deepen its appreciation of the Sacrament of Baptism, that having been anointed by that same Spirit, we may also be empowered to “do good” and faithfully follow the example of Christ, our Savior. We pray to the Lord…

Prayer for Eucharist: Eating and Drinking with the Risen Lord

Lord God, who granted that the Risen Christ be visible “to chosen witnesses, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead.” We pray for this assembly, asking for a more profound understanding and love of the Eucharist. May our regular participation in this sacred meal strengthen our communion with the living Lord and one another, that we may visibly witness to His presence. We pray to the Lord…

SECOND READING

Prayer for Confirmation: Confirmed in Seeking Things Above

Sovereign God, You remind us that our “life is hidden with Christ in God.” We pray that Your Church may cultivate a deeper appreciation of the Sacrament of Confirmation, which seals Your people with the Holy Spirit. Give us the grace to always “think of what is above, not of what is on earth,” delivering us from earthly traps that cause division, as we anticipate the day “when Christ your life appears.” We pray to the Lord…

Prayer for Holy Orders: Stewards of the Hidden Life

Almighty God, Your word exhorts us to turn our hearts toward heavenly realities, that we may “appear with him in glory.” We pray for an increase in vocations to Holy Orders, and for a deeper understanding of this sacrament. Grant us holy priests, deacons, and bishops who will faithfully guide Your people to that life which is hidden with Christ in You. We pray to the Lord…

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