Catholic Prayers and Formulas

Sign of The Cross

“In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”

As you say it, you make the sign:

1. Father — touch your forehead

2. Son — touch your chest

3. Holy — touch your left shoulder

4. Spirit — touch your right shoulder

5. Amen.

Grace After Meals

We give you thanks, almighty God, for these and all your gifts which we haves received through Christ, O Lord. Amen.

Grace Before Meals

“ Bless us O Lord, and these thy gifts, which we are about to receive, from thy bounty, the Christ our Lord. Amen.

Morning Prayers

“O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary,

I offer You my prayers, works, joys, and sufferings of this day

for all the intentions of Your Sacred Heart.

Amen.”

Evening Prayer

“ God, our Father, this day is done. We ask you and Jesus Christ, your son, that with the spirit, our welcome guest, you guard our sleep and bless our rest. Amen.

Guardian Angel Prayer

“Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom His love commits me here, ever this day be at my side, to light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen.”

Lords 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.”

Hail Mary

“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.”

Glory Be

“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.”

Act of Contrition

“O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended You,

and 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 near occasions of sin.

Amen.”

Introductory Rites

Priest: The Lord be with you.

Assembly: And with your spirit.

Priest: Let us acknowledge our sins…

Assembly: I confess to almighty God…

Priest: Lord, have mercy.

Assembly: Lord, have mercy.

Priest: Christ, have mercy.

Assembly: Christ, have mercy.

Priest: Lord, have mercy.

Assembly: Lord, have mercy.

Liturgy of the Word

Reader: The Word of the Lord.

Assembly: Thanks be to God.

Priest/Deacon: A reading from the Holy Gospel…

Assembly: Glory to you, O Lord.

Priest/Deacon: The Gospel of the Lord.

Assembly: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

Before Communion

Priest: Behold the Lamb of God…

Assembly:

Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof,

but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.

Concluding Rites

Priest: The Lord be with you.

Assembly: And with your spirit.

Priest: Go forth, the Mass is ended.

Assembly: Thanks be to God.

Nicene Creed

I believe in one God,

the Father almighty,

maker of heaven and earth,

of all things visible and invisible.

I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ,

the Only Begotten Son of God,

born of the Father before all ages.

God from God, Light from Light,

true God from true God,

begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father;

through him all things were made.

For us men and for our salvation

he came down from heaven,

and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary,

and became man.

For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate,

he suffered death and was buried,

and rose again on the third day

in accordance with the Scriptures.

He ascended into heaven

and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again in glory

to judge the living and the dead

and his kingdom will have no end.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

the Lord, the giver of life,

who proceeds from the Father and the Son,

who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified,

who has spoken through the prophets.

I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church.

I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins

and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead

and the life of the world to come.

Famtima Prayer

O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fire of hell, lead all souls to Heaven, especially those in most need of Thy mercy.

Amen.

Hail, Holy Queen

Hail, holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope. To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve; To thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn, then, most gracious Advocate,

thine eyes of mercy toward us; and after this our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.

Pray for us, O holy Mother of God,

that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Amen.

The Ten Commandments

1. I am the Lord your God. You shall not have other gods besides me.

2. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.

3. Remember to keep holy the Lord’s Day.

4. Honor your father and your mother.

5. You shall not kill.

6. You shall not commit adultery.

7. You shall not steal.

8. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

9. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife.

10. You shall not covet your neighbor’s goods.

Apostle Creed

I believe in God,

the Father almighty,

Creator of heaven and earth,

and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,

who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,

born of the Virgin Mary,

suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was crucified, died and was buried;

he descended into hell;

on the third day he rose again from the dead;

he ascended into heaven,

and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty;

from there he will come 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.

Corporal works of mercy

1. Feed the hungry.

2. Give drink to the thirsty.

3. Clothe the naked.

4. Shelter the homeless.

5. Visit the sick.

6. Visit the imprisoned.

7. Bury the dead

🕊 Spiritual Works of Mercy

1. Counsel the doubtful.

2. Instruct the ignorant.

3. Admonish the sinner.

4. Comfort the sorrowful.

5. Bear wrongs patiently.

6. Forgive all injuries.

7. Pray for the living and the dead.

Beatitudes

1. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

2. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

3. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

4. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.

5. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

6. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

7. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

8. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

9. Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven.

joyful Mysteries of the Rosary.

    The Annunciation — The Angel Gabriel announces to Mary that she will be the Mother of Jesus.

    📖 Luke 1:26–38

1. The Visitation — Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth.

    📖 Luke 1:39–56

1. The Nativity — Jesus is born in Bethlehem.

    📖 Luke 2:1–20

1. The Presentation — Mary and Joseph present Jesus in the Temple.

    📖 Luke 2:22–40

1. The Finding of Jesus in the Temple — Mary and Joseph find Jesus teaching among the teachers after three days.

    📖 Luke 2:41–52

The 5 Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary

1. The Agony in the Garden — Jesus prays in the Garden of Gethsemane before His Passion.

    📖 Matthew 26:36–46

1. The Scourging at the Pillar — Jesus is beaten and scourged.

    📖 Matthew 27:26

1. The Crowning with Thorns — Jesus is mocked and crowned with thorns.

    📖 Matthew 27:27–31

1. The Carrying of the Cross — Jesus carries His Cross to Calvary.

    📖 John 19:16–17

1. The Crucifixion — Jesus is crucified and dies for our salvation.

    📖 Luke 23:33–46

Act of Faith

O my God, I firmly believe that you are the one God in three divine persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirt. 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 Churc teaches because you have revealed them who are eternal truth and wisdom, who can neither deceive nor be deceived. In this faith I intend to live and die. Amen

The Seven Sacraments

The Catholic Church has ______ , instituted by Christ:

1. Baptism 💧 — Birth into the Christian life and cleansing from sin.

2. Confirmation 🕊 — Strengthens us with the Holy Spirit.

3. Eucharist 🍞🍷 — Receiving the Body and Blood of Christ.

4. Penance (Confession) ✝ — Reconciliation with God and forgiveness of sins.

5. Anointing of the Sick 🕯 — Grace and strength for those who are seriously ill.

6. Holy Orders ⛪ — Ordination of bishops, priests, and deacons.

7. Matrimony (Marriage) 💍 — The covenant between a man and woman, ordered toward their good and the raising of children.

The Seven Sacraments

B C E P A H M

Baptism

Confirmation

Eucharist

Penance

Anointing of the Sick

Holy Orders

Matrimony

Holy Days of Obligation

1. Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God — January 1

2. Ascension of the Lord — 40 days after Easter (transferred to Sunday in many U.S. dioceses)

3. Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary — August 15

4. All Saints’ Day — November 1

5. Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary — December 8

Nativity of the Lord (Christmas) — December 25

The Shema

“Hear, O Israel: The LORD is our God, the LORD alone. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength.”

The 5 Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary

• The Resurrection — Jesus rises from the dead on the third day.

    📖 Matthew 28:1–10

1. The Ascension — Jesus ascends into Heaven.

    📖 Acts 1:6–12

1. The Descent of the Holy Spirit — The Holy Spirit comes upon Mary and the Apostles at Pentecost.

    📖 Acts 2:1–4

1. The Assumption of Mary — Mary is taken body and soul into heavenly glory.

The Coronation of Mary — Mary is crowned Queen of Heaven and Earth.

Act of hope

O Lord God, I hope by your grace for the pardon of all my sins and after life hereto gain eternal happiness because you have promised it who are infinitely powerful, faithful, kind, and merciful. In this hope I intend to live and die. Amen

The Five Precepts of the Catholic Church

These are the minimum obligations that the Catholic Church asks of the faithful:

1. Attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation

    — Participate in Mass and refrain from unnecessary work that prevents proper observance.

2. Confess your sins at least once a year

    — Receive the Sacrament of Penance at least once annually, especially if conscious of mortal sin.

3. Receive Holy Communion at least once a year

    — Normally during the Easter season.

4. Observe the prescribed days of fasting and abstinence

    — Follow the Church’s rules for fasting and abstinence, particularly during Lent.

5. Provide for the material needs of the Church

    — Support the Church according to your ability and circumstances.

Easy way to remember:

Mass → Confession → Communion → Fast → Support the Church.

he Five Precepts of the Catholic Church

Easy way to remember:

Mass → Confession → Communion → Fast → Support the Church.

Sanctus — Holy, Holy, Holy

Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of hosts.

Heaven and earth are full of your glory.

Hosanna in the highest.

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

Hosanna in the highest.

Mysterium Fidei — The Mystery of Faith

After the consecration, the priest says “The mystery of faith.”

The assembly responds with one of the approved acclamations, such as:

“We proclaim your Death, O Lord,

and profess your Resurrection

until you come again.”

Agnus Dei — Lamb of God

“ Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world,

have mercy on us.

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

have mercy on us.

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

grant us peace.”

Acts of Love

“O Lord God, I love you above all things and I love my neighbor for your sake because you are the highest, infinite and perfect good, worthy of all my love. Inn this love I intend to live and die. Amen.

The 14 Stations of the Cross

____ commemorate the Passion and death of Jesus Christ.

1. Jesus is condemned to death.

2. Jesus takes up His Cross.

3. Jesus falls the first time.

4. Jesus meets His Mother.

5. Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus carry His Cross.

6. Veronica wipes the face of Jesus.

7. Jesus falls the second time.

8. Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem.

9. Jesus falls the third time.

10. Jesus is stripped of His garments.

11. Jesus is nailed to the Cross.

12. Jesus dies on the Cross.

13. Jesus is taken down from the Cross.

14. Jesus is placed in the tomb.

🙏 Traditional response at each station

Leader: We adore You, O Christ, and we bless You.

All: Because by Your holy Cross You have redeemed the world.

The Luminous Mysteries

_________

    The Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan — Jesus is baptized by John, and the Father reveals Him as His beloved Son.

    📖 Matthew 3:13–17

1. The Wedding at Cana — Jesus performs His first public miracle at Mary’s request, turning water into wine.

    📖 John 2:1–12

1. The Proclamation of the Kingdom of God — Jesus calls people to repentance and announces the coming of God’s Kingdom.

    📖 Mark 1:14–15

1. The Transfiguration — Jesus is revealed in glory before Peter, James, and John.

    📖 Matthew 17:1–8

1. The Institution of the Eucharist — Jesus gives us His Body and Blood at the Last Supper.

    📖 Matthew 26:26–29

The _____ are traditionally prayed on Thursday.

The four cardinal virtues

_______  moral virtues:

1. Prudence — Knowing what is good and choosing the right action.

2. Justice — Giving God and others what is rightly due to them.

3. Fortitude — Having courage and strength to do what is right, especially during difficulties.

4. Temperance — Practicing self-control and keeping desires balanced.

The Three Theological Virtues

______ are given by God and direct us toward God:

1. Faith — Believing in God and what He has revealed.

2. Hope — Trusting in God’s promises and hoping for eternal life.

3. Charity (Love) — Loving God above all things and loving our neighbor for God’s sake.

Cardinal moral virtues

______ : Prudence → Justice → Fortitude → Temperance

Theological Virtuals

_____: Faith → Hope → Charity

• The Seven Principles of Catholic Social Teaching

There are _______ commonly taught in Catholic catechesis:

1. Life and Dignity of the Human Person — Every human being is made in God’s image and has inherent dignity.

2. Call to Family, Community, and Participation — People are made for relationships and have a responsibility to participate in family and society.

3. Rights and Responsibilities — Every person has basic rights, along with responsibilities toward others and the common good.

4. Option for the Poor and Vulnerable — Society should give special concern to people who are poor or vulnerable.

5. The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers — Work has dignity, and workers deserve just treatment and conditions.

6. Solidarity — We are one human family and are responsible for one another, especially those who suffer.

7. Care for God’s Creation — We are called to be good stewards of creation and care for our common home.

Principles of Catholic Social Teaching

Life → Family → Rights → Poor → Work → Solidarity → Creation

John 11:25–26

“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?’”

This is Jesus speaking to Martha before He raises her brother Lazarus from the dead. It is a powerful statement of Christian faith in Jesus as the source of resurrection and eternal life.

• The 7 Gifts of the Holy Spirit

___________

1. Wisdom — Helps us see things from God’s perspective.

2. Understanding — Helps us grasp the truths of faith.

3. Counsel — Helps us make good and wise decisions.

4. Fortitude — Gives us courage and strength to do what is right.

5. Knowledge — Helps us recognize God’s purpose in creation and our lives.

6. Piety — Helps us love and honor God as our Father.

7. Fear of the Lord — Gives us deep respect and awe for God and a desire not to offend Him.

The 7 Gifts of the Holy Spirit

1. Wisdom — Helps us see things from God’s perspective.

2. Understanding — Helps us grasp the truths of faith.

3. Counsel — Helps us make good and wise decisions.

4. Fortitude — Gives us courage and strength to do what is right.

5. Knowledge — Helps us recognize God’s purpose in creation and our lives.

6. Piety — Helps us love and honor God as our Father.

7. Fear of the Lord — Gives us deep respect and awe for God and a desire not to offend Him.

The 7 Gifts of the Holy Spirit

Wisdom → Understanding → Counsel → Fortitude → Knowledge → Piety → Fear of the Lord

Major Feasts of the Lord

_______

1. The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas) — December 25

2. The Epiphany of the Lord — January 6 (celebrated on a transferred Sunday in many places)

3. The Baptism of the Lord — Sunday after Epiphany

4. The Presentation of the Lord — February 2

5. The Annunciation of the Lord — March 25

6. The Transfiguration of the Lord — August 6

7. The Exaltation of the Holy Cross — September 14

8. The Ascension of the Lord — 40 days after Easter

9. The Resurrection of the Lord (Easter) — date varies

10. Pentecost — 50 days after Easter

11. The Most Holy Trinity — Sunday after Pentecost

12. The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi) — Thursday after Trinity Sunday, often transferred to Sunday

13. The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus — Friday after Corpus Christi

14. Holy Family- December 30

Mass Prayers and Responses

Greetings

Priest: The Lord be with you.

Assembly: and with your spirit.

Major Feasts of the Lord

Christmas → Epiphany → Baptism → Presentation → Annunciation → Resurrection → Ascension → Pentecost → Trinity → Corpus Christi → Sacred Heart → Transfiguration → Holy Cross.

Major Feasts of the Virgin Mary

1. Mary, Mother of God — January 1

2. The Annunciation of the Lord — March 25

3. The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary — May 31

4. The Immaculate Heart of Mary — Saturday after the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart

5. The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary — August 15

6. The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary — September 8

7. The Holy Name of Mary — September 12

8. Our Lady of Sorrows — September 15

9. The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary — November 21

10. The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary — December 8

Psalm 23 — The Lord Is My Shepherd

__________. ; I shall not want.

In verdant pastures he gives me repose;

beside restful waters

Come, Holy Spirit

_____ fill the hearts of Your faithful

and enkindle in them the fire of Your love.

Send forth Your Spirit and they shall be created.

And You shall renew the face of the earth.

Let us pray.

O God, who have taught the hearts of the faithful by the light of the Holy Spirit,

grant that by the gift of the same Spirit

we may be always truly wise

and ever rejoice in His consolation.

Through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

12 Fruits of the Holy Spirit

_____ traditionally taught in the Catholic Church are:

1. Charity

2. Joy

3. Peace

4. Patience

5. Kindness

6. Goodness

7. Generosity

8. Gentleness

9. Faithfulness

10. Modesty

11. Self-control

12. Chastity

1 Corinthians 13:4–8 (KJV)

4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;

7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.

The Magnificat

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: The Almighty has done great things from me and holy is his name. He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation. He has shown the strength of his arm, he has scattered the proud in their conceit. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly he has filled the hungery with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has come to the help of his servant Israel for he has remembered his promise of mercy, the promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children forever.

The Great Commission

16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.

17 And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.

18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

— Matthew 28:16–20 (KJV)

What it means the Great Commission.

_____. Jesus gives His apostles the mission to:

1. Go to all nations — Christianity is meant for everyone.

2. Make disciples — Not merely converts, but people who follow Christ.

3. Baptize — Jesus explicitly gives the Trinitarian formula: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

4. Teach His commandments — Baptism is followed by a life of discipleship.

5. Trust His presence — Jesus promises, “I am with you alway.”

The Benedictus

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; he has come to his people and set them free. He has raised up for us a mighty Savior, born of the house of his servant David. Through his holy prophets he promised of old that he would save us from our enemies, from the hands of all who hate us. He promised to show mercy to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant. This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham: to set us free from the hands of our enemies, free to worship him without fear, holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life. You, my child, shall be called the prophet Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way, to give his people knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins. In the tender compassion of our god the dawn from on high shall break upon us, to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirt, as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.

Act of Contrition

O my God, I am heartily sorry for offending thee, and I detest all my sins because of thy just punishment, but most of all because they offend Thee, my god, who art all good and deserving of all because they offended Thee, my God, who art all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve with the help of thy grace to sin no more and to avoid the near occasion of sin 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 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 avoid whatever leads me to sin. Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us. In his name, my god, have mercy.

Penitential Act, Form A

Penit