Our Father

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.

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.

Act of Contrition

O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended thee 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 thee, my God, who are all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of thy grace, to confess my sins, to do penance, and to amend my life.

OR

My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart.  In choosing 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 to avoid whatever leads me to sin.  Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us.  In his name, my God, have mercy.

Prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel

Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle; be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, cast into Hell Satan and all the other evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

Blessing Before Meals

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

Apostles’ 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,

At the words that follow, up to and including “and became man,” all bow.

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.  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 by 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.

Catholic Mass Etiquette

• Dress modestly and respectfully.
• Arrive to Mass on time.
• Make the Sign of the Cross with holy water when entering the church.
• Gentlemen should remove hats or caps.
• Genuflect facing the Blessed Sacrament in the tabernacle before entering the pew.  If unable to genuflect, a bow is acceptable. 
• Please silence cell phones prior to entering the church.
• Please be prayerfully silent.  Refrain from unnecessary talking as it distracts others who are trying to pray and reflect.
• Fully and actively participate in Mass by singing hymns, reciting prayers, standing and kneeling with the rest of the congregation, and greeting others during the Sign of Peace.
• Listen to the readings as God speaks to you directly through His words.
• Fast one hour (this includes gum and mints) before receiving Holy Communion.
• Catholics receive Holy Communion with reverence.  Please bow your head before receiving.  You may receive the Holy Eucharist on the tongue or in your hand.  Consume immediately. 
• Please exit the church in silence after the recessional hymn, but only after the celebrant has completed the procession.  Feel free to congregate in the Parish Hall.
• Please be sure to take all your belongings, leaving the pew and missal ready for the next Mass participant.

The Two Greatest Commandments

“You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments.”

Matthew 22:37-40

Blessing After Meals

We give you thanks, almighty God, for all your benefits, who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.

The 10 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.

Prayer for Our Country

God of justice,
Father of all people,
we give You thanks for the gift of freedom.

Look kindly on our nation,
and guide us in the ways of peace and unity.
Bless those who serve in public office,
that they may lead with wisdom, honesty, and humility.

Protect the dignity of every human life,
from conception to natural death.
Strengthen families,
comfort the poor and the suffering,
and help us care for one another with compassion.

Heal the divisions among us,
turn hearts away from hatred and fear,
and make us instruments of Your love and mercy.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Lenten Prayer

Heavenly Father,
in this holy season of Lent,
draw me closer to You.
Create in me a clean heart,
help me to turn away from sin,
and teach me to live more fully
in Your love and mercy.

As I fast, pray, and give alms,
may my sacrifices be sincere
and my heart open to the needs of others.
Strengthen me to carry my crosses with patience
and to follow Your Son more faithfully
on the path to the Cross and the Resurrection.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Easter Prayer

Heavenly Father,
You raised Your Son, Jesus Christ, from the dead,
and by His victory You have opened for us
the way to eternal life.

Grant that we who celebrate the joy of Easter
may be renewed by Your Holy Spirit,
strengthened in faith, hope, and love,
and made faithful witnesses
to the Resurrection of Your Son.

Through the same Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Prayer for a Sick Loved One

Heavenly Father,
I place into Your loving hands
(name) who is sick.
You know their pain and their needs.
Give them comfort, healing, and strength.
Be close to them in their suffering,
and grant them peace in knowing You are with them.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.