Migrant Families: That respect for nature may grow with the awareness that all creation is God's work entrusted to human responsibility.

Clergy: That bishops, priests, and deacons may be tireless messengers of the Gospel to the ends of the earth.


An Ancient Prayer to Saint Joseph

O St. Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God, I place in thee all my interests and desires. O St. Joseph, assist me by thy powerful intercession and obtain for me all spiritual blessings through thy foster Son, Jesus Christ Our Lord, so that, having engaged here below thy heavenly power, I may offer thee my thanksgiving and homage.

O St. Joseph, I never weary contemplating thee and Jesus asleep in thine arms. I dare not approach while He reposes near thy heart. Press Him in my name and kiss His fine head for me, and ask Him to return the kiss when I draw my dying breath.

St. Joseph, patron of departing souls, pray for me.

More Prayers for March


Holy Comforter Parish

Migrant Families: That migrant families, especially the mothers, may be supported and accompanied in their difficulties.

Peace: That the peoples at war and in conflict may lead the way in building a peaceful future.



In Honor of the Holy Family

O God, Heavenly Father, it was part of Thine eternal decree that Thine only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, the Savior of the human race, should form a holy family with Mary, His blessed mother, and His foster father, Saint Joseph. In Nazareth, home life was sanctified, and a perfect example was given to every Christian family. Grant, we beseech Thee, that we may fully comprehend and faithfully imitate the virtues of the Holy Family so that we may be united with them one day in their heavenly glory. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

More Prayers for February

The Faith of Christians: That in this Year of Faith Christians may deepen their knowledge of the mystery of Christ and witness joyfully to the gift of faith in him.

Middle Eastern Christians: That the Christian communities of the Middle East, often discriminated against, may receive from the Holy Spirit the strength of fidelity and perseverance.






The Jesus Prayer

O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.





More Prayers for January

General Intention: That migrants throughout the world may be welcomed with generosity and authentic love, especially by Christian communities.

Mission Intention: Christ, light for all humanity. That Christ may reveal himself to all humanity with the light that shines forth from Bethlehem and is reflected in the face of his Church.






Aspiration to Mary

O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.





More Prayers for December

General Intention: Ministers of the Gospel. That bishops, priests, and all ministers of the Gospel may bear the courageous witness of fidelity to the crucified and risen Lord.

Mission Intention: Pilgrim Church. That the pilgrim Church on earth may shine as a light to the nations.


Prayer for All the Deceased:
By Thy resurrection from the dead, O Christ, death no longer hath dominion over those who die in holiness. So, we beseech Thee, give rest to Thy servants in Thy sanctuary and in Abraham's bosom. Grant it to those, who from Adam until now have adored Thee with purity, to our fathers and brothers, to our kinsmen and friends, to all men who have lived by faith and passed on their road to Thee, by a thousand ways, and in all conditions, and make them worthy of the heavenly kingdom.


More Prayers for November

General Intention: New Evangelization. That the New Evangelization may progress in the oldest Christian countries.

Mission Intention: World Mission Day. That the celebration of World Mission Day may result in a renewed commitment to evangelization.


To Our Lady of the Rosary: O Virgin Mary, grant that the recitation of thy Rosary may be for me each day, in the midst of my manifold duties, a bond of unity in my actions, a tribute of filial piety, a sweet refreshment, an encouragement to walk joyfully along the path of duty. Grant, above all, O Virgin Mary, that the study of thy fifteen mysteries may form in my soul, little by little, a luminous atmosphere, pure, strengthening, and fragrant, which may penetrate my understanding, my will, my heart, my memory, my imagination, my whole being. So shall I acquire the habit of praying while I work, without the aid of formal prayers, by interior acts of admiration and of supplication, or by aspirations of love. I ask this of thee, O Queen of the Holy Rosary, through Saint Dominic, thy son of predilection, the renowned preacher of thy mysteries, and the faithful imitator of thy virtues. Amen.


More Prayers for October

General: That politicians may always act with honesty, integrity, and love for the truth.

Mission: Help for the Poorest Churches. That Christian communities may have a growing willingness to send missionaries, priests, and lay people, along with concrete resources, to the poorest Churches. In Honor of the Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary: O most holy and afflicted Virgin! Queen of Martyrs! thou who didst stand motionless beneath the Cross, witnessing the agony of thy expiring Son - through the unceasing sufferings of thy life of sorrow, and the bliss which now more than amply repays thee for thy past trials, look down with a mother's tenderness and pity on me, who kneel before thee to venerate thy dolors, and place my requests, with filial confidence, in the sanctuary of thy wounded heart; present them, I beseech thee, on my behalf, to Jesus Christ, through the merits of His own most sacred death and passion, together with thy sufferings at the foot of the cross, and through the united efficacy of both obtain the grant of my present petition. To whom shall I resort in my wants and miseries if not to thee, O Mother of Mercy, who, having so deeply drunk of the chalice of thy Son, canst compassionate the woes of those who still sigh in the land of exile? Offer for me to my Savior one drop of the Blood which flowed from His sacred veins, one of the tears which trickled from His divine eyes, one of the sighs which rent His adorable Heart. O refuge of the universe and hope of the whole world, do not reject my humble prayer, but graciously obtain the grant of my petition.


More Prayers for September

General: That prisoners may be treated with justice and respect for their human dignity.

Mission: Youth Witness to Christ. That young people, called to follow Christ, may be willing to proclaim and bear witness to the Gospel to the ends of the earth.

Prayer to Saint Aloysius Gonzaga, Patron of Youth: Dear Christian youth, you were a faithful follower of Christ in the Society of Jesus. You steadily strove for perfection while generously serving the plague-stricken. Help our youth today who are faced with a plague of false cults and false gods. Show them how to harness their energies and to use them for their own and others' fulfillment—which will redound to the greater glory of God. Amen.


More Prayers for August

Petition to Jesus Christ
Lord Jesus Christ, who camest down from heaven to earth from the bosom of the Father, and didst shed Thy Precious Blood for the remission of our sins: we humbly beseech Thee, that in the day of judgment we may deserve to hear, standing at Thy right hand: “Come, ye blessed.” Who livest and reignest for ever and ever. Amen.



The Holy Father's prayer intentions for July are:

General:  Work Security. That everyone may have work in safe and secure conditions.

Mission: Christian Volunteers. That Christian volunteers in mission territories may witness to the love of Christ.


More Prayers for July

A Summer Prayer

Long warm days...
The pace of life slows...
A time for picnics and rest in the shade...
Lord, help me to rest awhile
in the cooling shade of your presence.
Slow down my restless heart and fill me
with gentle compassion for all your people. Amen.

- Author unknown

Let the resurrection joy lift us from loneliness and weakness and despair to strength and beauty and happiness.
-- Floyd W. Tomkins

The Holy Father's prayer intentions for April are:

General: Vocations. That many young people may hear the call of Christ and follow him in the priesthood and religious life. .

Mission: Christ, Hope for Africans. That the risen Christ may be a sign of certain hope for the men and women of the African continent.

Pro-Life Prayer Intention

Easter spells out beauty, the rare beauty of new life. - S.D. Gordon

Nothing, how little so ever it be, if it is suffered for God's sake, can pass without merit in the sight of God.
--Thomas a Kempis

The Holy Father's prayer intentions for March are:

General: Contribution of Women. That the whole world may recognize the contribution of women to the development of society.

Mission: Persecuted Christians. That the Holy Spirit may grant perseverance to those who suffer discrimination, persecution, or death for the name of Christ, particularly in Asia.

Pro-Life Prayer Intention

She Who Kneels Before God Can Stand Before Anyone

Virtues are formed by prayer. Prayer preserves temperance. Prayer suppresses anger. Prayer prevents emotions of pride and envy. Prayer draws into the soul the Holy Spirit, and raises man to Heaven.
--Saint Ephraem of Syria

The Holy Father's prayer intentions for February are:

General: That all peoples may have access to water and other resources needed for daily life.

Mission: That the Lord may sustain the efforts of health workers assisting the sick and elderly in the world's poorest regions.

Pro-Life Prayer Intention

That the faithful more deeply study the words and actions of Christ, to know how to care for the least of our brothers and sisters.

Have confidence in prayer. It is the unfailing power which God has given us. By means of it you will obtain the salvation of the dear souls whom God has given you and all your loved ones. "Ask and you shall receive," Our Lord said. Be yourself with the good Lord. - Saint Peter Julian Eymard

The Holy Father's prayer intentions for January are:

General:   That the victims of natural disasters may receive the spiritual and material comfort they need to rebuild their lives.

Mission:   That the dedication of Christians to peace may bear witness to the name of Christ before all men and women of good will.

Pro-Life Prayer Intention

That the faithful more deeply study the words and actions of Christ, to know how to care for the least of our brothers and sisters.

Have confidence in prayer. It is the unfailing power which God has given us. By means of it you will obtain the salvation of the dear souls whom God has given you and all your loved ones. "Ask and you shall receive," Our Lord said. Be yourself with the good Lord. - Saint Peter Julian Eymard

The Holy Father's prayer intentions for December are:

General:   That all peoples may grow in harmony and peace through mutual understanding and respect.

Mission:   That children and young people may be messengers of the Gospel and that they may be respected and preserved from all violence and exploitation.

Pro-Life Prayer Intention

That the observance of Advent and Christmas may inspire patience and joy in all who learn that they have conceived a child.

Have confidence in prayer. It is the unfailing power which God has given us. By means of it you will obtain the salvation of the dear souls whom God has given you and all your loved ones. "Ask and you shall receive," Our Lord said. Be yourself with the good Lord. - Saint Peter Julian Eymard

The Holy Father's prayer intentions for November are:

General:   That the Eastern Catholic Churches and their venerable traditions may be known and esteemed as a spiritual treasure for the whole Church.

Mission:   That the African continent may find strength in Christ to pursue justice and reconciliation as set forth by the second Synod of African Bishops.

Pro-Life Prayer Intention

For the women of our own community who are pregnant and afraid of motherhood.

Have confidence in prayer. It is the unfailing power which God has given us. By means of it you will obtain the salvation of the dear souls whom God has given you and all your loved ones. "Ask and you shall receive," Our Lord said. Be yourself with the good Lord. - Saint Peter Julian Eymard

The Holy Father's prayer intentions for October are:

General:   That the terminally ill may be supported by their faith in God and the love of their brothers and sisters.

Mission:   That the celebration of World Mission Day may foster in the People of God a passion for evangelization with the willingness to support the missions with prayer and economic aid for the poorest Churches.


Pro-Life Prayer Intention

That the many initiatives of Respect for Life month may bring many of the faithful to a sustained level of activity in the pro-life movement.

Have confidence in prayer. It is the unfailing power which God has given us. By means of it you will obtain the salvation of the dear souls whom God has given you and all your loved ones. "Ask and you shall receive," Our Lord said. Be yourself with the good Lord. - Saint Peter Julian Eymard

The Holy Father's prayer intentions for September are:

General:   That all teachers may know how to communicate love of the truth and instill authentic moral and spiritual values.

Mission:   That the Christian communities of Asia may proclaim the Gospel with fervor, witnessing to its beauty with the joy of faith.

Pro-Life Prayer Intention

That the pro-life message may be adequately and fairly represented in education institutions of every level during this academic year and in the years to come.

Have confidence in prayer. It is the unfailing power which God has given us. By means of it you will obtain the salvation of the dear souls whom God has given you and all your loved ones. "Ask and you shall receive," Our Lord said. Be yourself with the good Lord. - Saint Peter Julian Eymard

The Holy Father's prayer intentions for August are:

General:   That World Youth Day in Madrid may encourage young people throughout the world to have their lives rooted and built up in Christ.

Mission:   That Western Christians may be open to the action of the Holy Spirit and rediscover the freshness and enthusiasm of their faith.

Pro-Life Prayer Intention

For God's blessing upon pro-life associations of young people throughout the world.

Have confidence in prayer. It is the unfailing power which God has given us. By means of it you will obtain the salvation of the dear souls whom God has given you and all your loved ones. "Ask and you shall receive," Our Lord said. Be yourself with the good Lord. - Saint Peter Julian Eymard

The Holy Father's prayer intentions for July are:

General:   That Christians may contribute to alleviating the material and spiritual suffering of AIDS patients, especially in the poorest countries.

Mission:   For the religious who work in mission territories, that they may be witnesses of the joy of the Gospel and living signs of the love of Christ.

Pro-Life Prayer Intention

That the nation's celebration of independence may turn its thoughts to securing the freedoms and rights of the unborn.

Have confidence in prayer. It is the unfailing power which God has given us. By means of it you will obtain the salvation of the dear souls whom God has given you and all your loved ones. "Ask and you shall receive," Our Lord said. Be yourself with the good Lord. - Saint Peter Julian Eymard

The Holy Father's prayer intentions for June are:

General:   That priests, united to the Heart of Christ, may always be true witnesses of the caring and merciful love of God.

Mission:   That the Holy Spirit may bring forth from our communities numerous missionary vocations, willing to fully consecrate themselves to spreading the Kingdom of God.

Pro-Life Prayer Intention

That more people may dedicate some of their leisure time to pro-life activities.