a. Common of Martyrs
Of a Martyr I
I O Almighty God, who didst give to thy servant N. boldness to confess the Name of our Savior Jesus Christ before the rulers of this world, and courage to die for this faith: Grant that we may always be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in us, and to suffer gladly for the sake of the same our Lord Jesus Christ; who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
II Almighty God, who gave to your servant N. boldness to confess the Name of our Savior Jesus Christ before the rulers of this world, and courage to die for this faith: Grant that we may always be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in us, and to suffer gladly for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Of a Martyr II
I O Almighty God, by whose grace and power thy holy martyr N. triumphed over suffering and was faithful even unto death: Grant us, who now remember him with thanksgiving, to be so faithful in our witness to thee in this world, that we may receive with him the crown of life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
II Almighty God, by whose grace and power your holy martyr N. triumphed over suffering and was faithful even to death: Grant us, who now remember him in thanksgiving, to be so faithful in our witness to you in this world, that we may receive with him the crown of life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Of a Martyr III
I Almighty and everlasting God, who didst enkindle the flame of thy love in the heart of thy holy martyr N.: Grant to us, thy humble servants, a like faith and power of love, that we who rejoice in her triumph may profit by her example; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
II Almighty and everlasting God, who kindled the flame of your love in the heart of your holy martyr N.: Grant to us, your humble servants, a like faith and power of love, that we who rejoice in her triumph may profit by her example; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Prefaces
Preface of a Saint
Preface of Holy Week
b. Common of Missionaries
Of a Missionary I
I Almighty and everlasting God, we thank thee for thy servant N., whom thou didst call to preach the Gospel to the people of __________________ (or to the people). Raise up, we beseech thee, in this and every land evangelists and heralds of thy kingdom, that thy Church may proclaim the unsearchable riches of our Savior Jesus Christ; who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
II Almighty and everlasting God, we thank you for your servant N., whom you called to preach the Gospel to the people of __________________ (or to the people). Raise up in this and every land evangelists and heralds of your kingdom, that your Church may proclaim the unsearchable riches of our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Of a Missionary II
I Almighty God, who willest to be glorified in thy saints, and didst raise up thy servant N. to be a light in the world: Shine, we pray thee, in our hearts, that we also in our generation may show forth thy praise, who hast called us out of darkness into thy marvelous light; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
II Almighty God, whose will it is to be glorified in your saints, and who raised up your servant N. to be a light in the world: Shine, we pray, in our hearts, that we also in our generation may show forth your praise, who called us out of darkness into your marvelous light; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Prefaces
Preface of Pentecost
Preface of Apostles
c. Common of Pastors
Of a Pastor I
I O heavenly Father, Shepherd of thy people, we give thee thanks for thy servant N., who was faithful in the care and nurture of thy flock; and we pray that, following his example and the teaching of his holy life, we may by thy grace grow into the stature of the fullness of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
II Heavenly Father, Shepherd of your people, we thank you for your servant N., who was faithful in the care and nurture of your flock; and we pray that, following his example and the teaching of his holy life, we may by your grace grow into the stature of the fullness of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Of a Pastor II
I O God, our heavenly Father, who didst raise up thy faithful servant N. to be a [bishop and] pastor in thy Church and to feed thy flock: Give abundantly to all pastors the gifts of thy Holy Spirit, that they may minister in thy household as true servants of Christ and stewards of thy divine mysteries; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the same Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
II O God, our heavenly Father, who raised up your faithful servant N., to be a [bishop and] pastor in your Church and to feed your flock: Give abundantly to all pastors the gifts of your Holy Spirit, that they may minister in your household as true servants of Christ and stewards of your divine mysteries; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Prefaces
Preface of a Saint
Preface of a Dedication of a Church
d. Common of Theologians and Teachers
Of a Theologian and Teacher I
I O God, who by thy Holy Spirit dost give to some the word of wisdom, to others the word of knowledge, and to others the word of faith: We praise thy Name for the gifts of grace manifested in thy servant N., and we pray that thy Church may never be destitute of such gifts; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with thee and the same Spirit liveth and reigneth, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
II O God, by your Holy Spirit you give to some the word of wisdom, to others the word of knowledge, and to others the word of faith: We praise your Name for the gifts of grace manifested in your servant N., and we pray that your Church may never be destitute of such gifts; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Of a Theologian and Teacher II
I O Almighty God, who didst give to thy servant N. special gifts of grace to understand and teach the truth as it is in Christ Jesus: Grant, we beseech thee, that by this teaching we may know thee, the one true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent; who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
II Almighty God, you gave to your servant N. special gifts of grace to understand and teach the truth as it is in Christ Jesus: Grant that by this teaching we may know you, the one true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Prefaces
Preface of a Saint
Preface of Trinity Sunday
Preface of the Incarnation
e. Common of Monastics and Professed Religious
Of a Monastic I
I O God, whose blessed Son became poor that we through his poverty might be rich: Deliver us, we pray thee, from an inordinate love of this world, that, inspired by the devotion of thy servant N., we may serve thee with singleness of heart, and attain to the riches of the age to come; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
II O God, whose blessed Son became poor that we through his poverty might be rich: Deliver us from an inordinate love of this world, that we, inspired by the devotion of your servant N., may serve you with singleness of heart, and attain to the riches of the age to come; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Of a Monastic II
I O God, by whose grace thy servant N., enkindled with the fire of thy love, became a burning and a shining light in thy Church: Grant that we also may be aflame with the spirit of love and discipline, and may ever walk before thee as children of light; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with thee, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, liveth and reigneth, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
II O God, by whose grace your servant N., kindled with the flame of your love, became a burning and a shining light in your Church: Grant that we also may be aflame with the spirit of love and discipline, and walk before you as children of light; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Prefaces
Preface of a Saint
Preface of Lent 2
Preface of Epiphany
f. Common of Saints
Of a Saint I
I O Almighty God, who hast compassed us about with so great a cloud of witnesses: Grant that we, encouraged by the good example of thy servant N., may persevere in running the race that is set before us, until at length, through thy mercy, we may with him attain to thine eternal joy; through Jesus Christ, the author and perfecter of our faith, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
II Almighty God, you have surrounded us with a great cloud of witnesses: Grant that we, encouraged by the good example of your servant N., may persevere in running the race that is set before us, until at last we may with him attain to your eternal joy; through Jesus Christ, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Of a Saint II
I O God, who hast brought us near to an innumerable company of angels and to the spirits of just men made perfect: Grant us during our earthly pilgrimage to abide in their fellowship, and in our heavenly country to become partakers of their joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
II O God, you have brought us near to an innumerable company of angels, and to the spirits of just men made perfect: Grant us during our earthly pilgrimage to abide in their fellowship, and in our heavenly country to become partakers of their joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Of a Saint III
I O Almighty God, who by thy Holy Spirit hast made us one with thy saints in heaven and on earth: Grant that in our earthly pilgrimage we may ever be supported by this fellowship of love and prayer, and may know ourselves to be surrounded by their witness to thy power and mercy. We ask this for the sake of Jesus Christ, in whom all our intercessions are acceptable through the Spirit, and who liveth and reigneth for ever and ever. Amen.
II Almighty God, by your Holy Spirit you have made us one with your saints in heaven and on earth: Grant that in our earthly pilgrimage we may always be supported by this fellowship of love and prayer, and know ourselves to be surrounded by their witness to your power and mercy. We ask this for the sake of Jesus Christ, in whom all our intercessions are acceptable through the Spirit, and who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.
Prefaces
Preface of a Saint
Preface for All Saints
Preface of Baptism
g. Common of Artists, Writers, and Composers
Of an Artist, Writer, or Composer
I Eternal God, light of the world and Creator of all that is good and lovely: We bless thy name for inspiring [N. and] all those who, with images and music and words, hath filled us with desire and love for thee; through Jesus Christ our Savior, who with thee and the Holy Spirit liveth and reigneth, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
II Eternal God, light of the world and Creator of all that is good and lovely: We bless your name for inspiring [N. and] all those who with images and music and words have filled us with desire and love for you; through Jesus Christ our Savior, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
| Old Testament Exodus 35:1–5a,24–29 1 Kings 7:13–14, 40b–45 1 Chronicles 15:16,19–25,28 1 Chronicles 29:14b–19 1 Chronicles 25:1a, 6–8 2 Chronicles 7:1–6 |
Psalm 45:1–7 47 90 or 90:14–17 96 or 96:1–7 118:19–29 150 |
New Testament 2 Corinthians 3:1–3 Ephesians 2:17–22 Colossians 2:1–7 Revelation 15:1–4 |
Gospel Matthew 7:24–29 Luke 2:8–14 John 21:15–17,24–25 |
Prefaces
Preface of Artists, Writers, and Composers
I Because in the beauty of holiness thou hast called us to worship thee; and hast given faithful artists, writers, and composers to illumine our prayer from age to age.
II Because in the beauty of holiness you call us to worship you, and you have given faithful artists, writers, and composers to illumine our prayer from age to age.
h. Common of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Godbearer
Of the Blessed Virgin Mary I
I Almighty God, by thy saving grace thou didst call Mary of Nazareth to be the mother of thine only Son: inspire us by the same grace to follow her example of bearing God to the world. We pray through Jesus Christ her Son, our Savior. Amen.
II Almighty God, of your saving grace you called Mary of Nazareth to be the mother of your only begotten Son: Inspire us by the same grace to follow her example of bearing God to the world. We pray through Jesus Christ her Son, our Savior. Amen.
Of the Blessed Virgin Mary II
I Holy God, we magnify thy Name for calling the blessed Virgin Mary to bear thy Word of hope to the poor, the hungry, and those who have no voice: Give unto us thy grace and strength, that we might proclaim thy Good News in every age, with every tongue; through Jesus Christ our Savior, in the power of thy Holy Spirit. Amen.
II Holy God, we magnify your Name for calling the blessed Virgin Mary to bear your Word of hope to the poor, the hungry, and those who have no voice: Give us grace and strength to proclaim your Good News in every age, with every tongue; through Jesus Christ our Savior, in the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.
| Old Testament Isaiah 43:9–13,19a |
Psalm 34:1–8 |
New Testament 1 Corinthians 1:26–31 |
Gospel Luke 1:42–45 |
Prefaces
Preface of the Blessed Virgin Mary
I Because even as blessed Mary didst consent to become Godbearer for the world, thou hast called us to bear thy Word to all whom our lives touch.
II Because as blessed Mary consented to become Godbearer for the world, you call us to bear your Word to all whom our lives touch.
i. Common of Prophetic Witnesses
Of a Prophetic Witness in the Church
I Gracious Father, we pray for thy holy Catholic Church. Fill it with all truth, in all truth with all peace. Where it is corrupt, purify it; where it is in error, direct it; where in anything it is amiss, reform it. Where it is right, strengthen it; where it is in want, provide for it; where it is divided, reunite it; for the sake of Jesus Christ thy Son our Savior, who with thee and the Holy Spirit liveth and reigneth, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
II Gracious Father, we pray for your holy Catholic Church. Fill it with all truth, in all truth with all peace. Where it is corrupt, purify it; where it is in error, direct it; where in anything it is amiss, reform it. Where it is right, strengthen it; where it is in want, provide for it; where it is divided, reunite it; for the sake of Jesus Christ your Son our Savior, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Of a Prophetic Witness in Society
I Almighty God, whose prophets hath taught us righteousness in the care of thy poor: By the guidance of thy Holy Spirit, grant that we may do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly in thy sight; through Jesus Christ, our Judge and Redeemer, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the same Spirit, ever one God. Amen.
II Almighty God, whose prophets taught us righteousness in the care of your poor: By the guidance of your Holy Spirit, grant that we may do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly in your sight; through Jesus Christ, our Judge and Redeemer, who lives and reigns with you and the same Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Prefaces
Preface of a Prophetic Witness in the Church
I For thou dost cleanse and renew thy Church by the witness of thy saints, calling people in every age to holiness of life through the indwelling of thy Holy Spirit.
II For you cleanse and renew your Church by the witness of your saints, calling people in every age to holiness of life through the indwelling of your Holy Spirit.
Preface of a Prophetic Witness in Society
I Because in every age thou hast called brave souls to proclaim righteousness for the transformation of the world, that all may welcome the coming of thy holy reign.
II Because in every age you have called brave souls to proclaim righteousness for the transformation of the world, that all may welcome the coming of your holy reign.
Preface of God the Holy Spirit
j. Common of Scientists and Environmentalists
Of a Scientist or Environmentalist
I God of grace and glory, thou didst create and sustain the universe in majesty and beauty: We thank you for [N. and] all in whom thou hast planted the desire to know thy creation and to explore thy work and wisdom. Lead us, like them, to understand better the wonder and mystery of creation; through Christ thy eternal Word, through whom all things were made. Amen.
II God of grace and glory, you create and sustain the universe in majesty and beauty: We thank you for [N. and] all in whom you have planted the desire to know your creation and to explore your work and wisdom. Lead us, like them, to understand better the wonder and mystery of creation; through Christ your eternal Word, through whom all things were made. Amen.
| Old Testament Genesis 2:9–20 2 Kings 2:19–22 Exodus 15:22–26 Ezekiel 36:33–38 Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) 1:1–10 Job 26:1–14 Wisdom 7:15–22 1 Kings 4:29–34 Job 28:1–12 Job 38:1–11 |
Psalm 8 19:1–6 34:8–14 50:1–15 104 or 104:1–25 |
New Testament 2 Corinthians 13:1–6 Ephesians 1:17–23 Revelation 1:7–8,12–16 |
Gospel John 15:1–8 John 20:24–27 |
Prefaces
Preface of Scientists and Environmentalists
I Because thou dost inspire us to seek thy face in the wonders of thy creation, and revealest thy work, that thy people may rejoice in thy many gifts.
II Because you inspire us to seek your face in the wonders of your creation, and you reveal your work, so that your people may rejoice in your many gifts.
Preface of God the Father
Preface of the Epiphany