CATHOLIC PRAYERS AND DEVOTIONS

 
THE TEN COMMANDMENTS

  1. I am the Lord your God: you shall not have strange gods before 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.

 
THE PRECEPTS OF THE CHURCH   (CCC 2042– 2043)

  1. You shall attend Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation and rest from servile labor.
  2. You shall confess your sins at least once a year.
  3. You shall receive the sacrament of the Eucharist at least during the Easter season.
  4. You shall observe the days of fasting and abstinence established by the Church.
  5. You shall help to provide for the needs of the Church.

 

The Corporal Works of Mercy
 

  • Feeding the hungry
  • Giving drink to the thirsty
  • Clothing the naked
  • Sheltering the homeless
  • Visiting the sick
  • Visiting the imprisoned
  • Burying the dead
The Spiritual Works of Mercy
 

  • Counseling the doubtful
  • Instructing the ignorant
  • Admonishing sinners
  • Comforting the afflicted
  • Forgiving offenses
  • Bearing wrongs patiently
  • Praying for the living and the dead

 

The Gifts of the Holy Spirit
 

  • Wisdom
  • Understanding
  • Counsel
  • Fortitude
  • Knowledge
  • Piety
  • Fear of the Lord
Theological Virtues
 

  • Faith
  • Hope
  • Charity

 
The Sins that Cry to Heaven
 

  • The murder of the innocent (cf. Gn 4: 10)
  • Homosexual behavior (cf. Gn 18: 20, 19: 13)
  • The enslavement of people (cf. Ex 3: 7– 10)
  • Oppression of the widow, orphan, or alien (cf. Ex 22: 21– 24)
  • Withholding wages from the laborer (cf. Dt 24: 14– 15)

 
The catechetical tradition also recalls that there are “sins that cry to heaven”: the blood of Abel, the sin of the Sodomites, cry of the people oppressed in Egypt, the cry of the foreigner, the widow, and the orphan, injustice to the wage earner. (CCC 1867)
 


 

Capital Sins
 

  • Pride
  • Covetousness
  • Lust
  • Anger
  • Gluttony
  • Envy
  • Sloth
Opposed Virtues
 

  • Humility
  • Liberality
  • Chastity
  • Meekness
  • Temperance
  • Brotherly love
  • Diligence
Cardinal Virtues
 

  • Prudence
  • Justice
  • Fortitude
  • Temperance

 
The Beatitudes   (Mt 5: 3– 12)
 

  • Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
  • Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
  • Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
  • Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
  • Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
  • Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God.
  • Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
  • Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
  • Blessed are you when men 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.

 

 
The Sign of the Cross
 
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.


The Lord’s Prayer
 
Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.


The Hail Mary
 
Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.


The Glory Be (The Doxology)
 
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.


Morning Offering
 
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, in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world, in thanksgiving for your favors, in reparation for my sins, for the intentions of all my relatives and friends, and in particular for the intentions of the Holy Father. Amen.


Consecration to the Blessed Virgin Mary
 
My Queen and my Mother, I give myself entirely to you, and, in proof of my affection, I give you my eyes, my ears, my tongue, my heart, my whole being without reserve. Since I am your own, keep me and guard me as your property and possession. Amen.


Act of Faith
 
O my God, I firmly believe that you are one God in three divine Persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; I believe that your divine Son became man and died for our sins, and that he shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe these and all the truths that the holy Catholic Church teaches, because you have revealed them, who can neither deceive nor be deceived.


Act of Hope
 
O my God, relying on your almighty power and infinite mercy and promises, I hope to obtain pardon for my sins, the help of your grace, and life everlasting, through the merits of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Redeemer.


Act of Charity
 
O my God, I love you above all things, with my whole heart and soul, because you are all‑good and worthy of all love. I love my neighbor as myself for the love of you. I forgive all who have injured me and ask pardon of all whom I have injured.


Prayer to One’s Guardian Angel
 
Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom God’s love commits me here, ever this day (night) be at my side, to light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen.


The Angelus   (Said outside the Easter Season)
 

V.   The angel of the Lord declared unto Mary;
R.   And she conceived by the Holy Spirit.
Hail Mary . . .
V.   Behold the handmaid of the Lord.
R.   Be it done unto me according to your word.
Hail Mary . . .
V.   And the Word was made flesh,
R.   And dwelt among us.
Hail Mary . . .
V.   Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.
R.   That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
V.   Let us pray.

Pour forth we beseech you, O Lord, your grace into our hearts, that we, to whom the Incarnation of Christ, your Son, was made known by the message of an angel, may by his Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of his Resurrection, through the same Christ our Lord.

R.   Amen.


Regina Cæli   (Said during the Easter Season)
 

V.   Queen of Heaven, rejoice! Alleluia.
R.   For he whom you did merit to bear. Alleluia.
V.   Has risen, as he said. Alleluia.
R.   Pray for us to God. Alleluia.
V.   Rejoice and be glad, O Virgin Mary. Alleluia.
R.   For the Lord is truly risen. Alleluia.
V.   Let us pray.

O God who gave joy to the world through the Resurrection of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, grant, we beseech you, that through the intercession of the Virgin Mary, his Mother, we may obtain the joys of everlasting life, through the same Christ our Lord.

R.   Amen.


Prayer to the Holy Spirit
 

V.   Come, O 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.
R.   And you shall renew the face of the earth.
V.   Let us pray.

O God, who has 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.

R.   Amen


Eternal Rest
 

V.   Eternal rest grant unto them (him / her), O Lord,
R.   And let perpetual light shine upon them (him / her).
V.   May they (he / she) rest in peace.
R.   Amen.
V.   May their (his / her) soul(s) and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
R.   Amen.


Blessing Before a Meal
 
Bless us, O Lord, and these your gifts, which we are about to receive from your bounty, through Christ our Lord. Amen.


Thanksgiving After a Meal
 
We give you thanks, almighty God, for all your benefits, who live and reign forever and ever.
[And may the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.] Amen.


The Apostles’ Creed
 
I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of Heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into Hell. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into Heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.


Fatima Prayer
 
O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fire of Hell, draw all souls to Heaven, especially those who are in most need of your mercy. Amen.


Hail Holy Queen
 
Hail, holy Queen, Mother of mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope. To you do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To you do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious Advocate, your eyes of mercy towards us, and after this exile show unto us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.
 

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


Rosary Prayer
 
O God, whose Only‑Begotten Son, by his Life, Death, and Resurrection, has purchased for us the rewards of eternal life; grant, we beseech you, that we, who meditate on these mysteries of the most holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, may imitate what they contain, and obtain what they promise. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.


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


Act of Contrition
 
O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended you, and I detest all my sins, because I dread the loss of Heaven and the pains of Hell; but most of all because they offend you, my God, who are all‑good and deserving of all of my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of your grace, to confess my sins, to do penance, and to amend my life. Amen.


Prayer to St. Michael
 
Saint Michael the archangel, defend us in battle; be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray. And do you, O prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God thrust into Hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world for the ruin of souls. Amen.

 
How to Pray The Rosary

  1. Holding the Crucifix in your hand, make the Sign of the Cross and pray the Apostles’ Creed.
  2. On the first bead after the Crucifix, pray the Our Father.
  3. Pray one Hail Mary on each of the next three beads, asking God to increase faith, hope, and charity in your life.
  4. On the bead after these three, pray the Glory Be, announce the First Mystery, and pray the Our Father.
  5. Pray one Hail Mary for each of the ten following beads, and end them by praying the Glory Be and the Fatima Prayer.
  6. Announce the Second Mystery and repeat steps four and five. Do the same for the Third, Fourth, and Fifth Mysteries.
  7. After the Fatima Prayer for the Fifth Mystery, pray the Hail Holy Queen, the Rosary Prayer, and end with the Sign of the Cross.

 

View Graphic

 

  1. Sign of the Cross and Apostles’ Creed
  2. One Our Father
  3. Three Hail Marys
  4. Glory Be
  5. First Mystery & one Our Father
  6. Ten Hail Marys
  7. Glory Be
  8. Second Mystery & one Our Father
  9. Ten Hail Marys
  10. Glory Be
  1. Third Mystery & one Our Father
  2. Ten Hail Marys
  3. Glory Be
  4. Fourth Mystery & one Our Father
  5. Ten Hail Marys
  6. Glory Be
  7. Fifth Mystery & one Our Father
  8. Ten Hail Marys
  9. Glory Be
  10. Concluding Prayers & Hail Holy Queen

The Joyful Mysteries

  1. The Annunciation (Lk 1: 26– 38)
  2. The Visitation (Lk 1: 39– 56)
  3. The Nativity (Lk 2: 1– 20)
  4. The Presentation (Lk 2: 22– 38)
  5. The Finding of Jesus in the Temple (Lk 2: 41– 51)

The Luminous Mysteries

  1. The Baptism of Christ in the Jordan (Mk 1: 9– 11)
  2. The Manifestation of Christ at the Wedding of Cana (Jn 2: 1– 12)
  3. The Proclamation of the Kingdom of God, with His Call to Conversion (Mk 1: 14– 15)
  4. The Transfiguration (Mk 9: 2– 8)
  5. The Institution of the Eucharist (Mk 14: 22– 26)

The Sorrowful Mysteries

  1. The Agony in the Garden (Mt 26: 36– 46)
  2. The Scourging at the Pillar (Jn 19: 1)
  3. The Crowning with Thorns (Mt 27: 29)
  4. The Carrying of the Cross (Jn 19: 16– 17)
  5. The Crucifixion (Jn 19: 18– 30)

The Glorious Mysteries

  1. The Resurrection (Mk 16: 1– 8)
  2. The Ascension (Lk 24: 50– 52)
  3. The Descent of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2: 1– 13)
  4. The Assumption (Ps 16: 10)
  5. The Coronation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Rev 12: 1– 2)
 
The Stations of the Cross
 
Traditional

  1. Jesus Is Condemned to Death
  2. Jesus Takes Up His Cross
  3. Jesus Falls for the First Time
  4. Jesus Meets His Blessed Mother
  5. Simon of Cyrene Helps Jesus to Carry the Cross
  6. Veronica Wipes the Face of Jesus
  7. Jesus Falls a Second Time
  8. Jesus Consoles 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 Laid in the Arms of His Blessed Mother
  14. Jesus Is Laid in the Tomb

 

Of Saint John Paul II
This version of the Stations of the Cross was celebrated by Saint John Paul II on Good Friday, 1991.

  1. Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane (Mt 25: 36– 41)
  2. Jesus, Betrayed by Judas, is Arrested (Mk 14: 43– 46)
  3. Jesus Is Condemned by the Sanhedrin (Lk 22: 66– 71)
  4. Jesus Is Denied by Peter (Mt 26: 69– 75)
  5. Jesus Is Judged by Pilate (Mk 15: 1– 5, 15)
  6. Jesus Is Scourged and Crowned with Thorns (Jn 19: 1– 3)
  7. Jesus Bears the Cross (Jn 19: 6, 15– 17)
  8. Jesus Is Helped by Simon the Cyrenian to Carry the Cross (Mk 15: 21)
  9. Jesus Meets the Women of Jerusalem (Lk 23: 27– 31)
  10. Jesus Is Crucified (Lk 23: 33– 34)
  11. Jesus Promises His Kingdom to the Good Thief (Lk 23: 39– 43)
  12. Jesus Speaks to His Mother and the Disciple (Jn 19: 25– 27)
  13. Jesus Dies on the Cross (Lk 23: 44– 46)
  14. Jesus Is Placed in the Tomb (Mt 27: 57– 60)
Sacrament Matter Form Minister(s) Instituted
by Christ
Baptism water “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” bishop, priest, or deacon; in the case of emergency, anyone may baptize, even a non‑baptized person, if the intention is to do what the Church does when she baptizes Mt 28: 19‑20
Confirmation holy chrism “Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit.” a bishop is the ordinary minister of Confirmation, although a bishop may grant the faculty to a priest Lk 24: 49
Acts 2: 1‑4
Eucharist wheat bread, grape wine “. . . this is my Body . . . this is my Blood . . .” bishop or priest Mt 26: 26‑29
Mk 14: 22‑25
Lk 22: 19‑20
Jn 6: 35‑36
Reconciliation oral confession of sins “. . . I absolve you from your sins in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” bishop or priest Mt 16: 19
Mt 18: 18
Jn 20: 22‑23
Anointing of the Sick oil of the sick “Through this holy anointing, may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit. May the Lord who frees you from sin, save you and raise you up.” bishop or priest Mk 6: 13
Jas 5: 14‑15
Holy Orders laying on of hands the sacramental form is the consecratory prayer that is different for the ordination of deacon, priest, or bishop bishop Lk 22: 19
Acts 6: 6
Matrimony the couple themselves the vows as exchanged by the couple the couple themselves Mk 10 7‑9
Jn 2: 1‑11