22 March 2026 - prayers of the faithful for the 5th Sunday of Lent

Introduction: As we hear the Gospel reading today of the raising of Lazarus from the dead, we are called to believe that God can bring new life out of death. Our catechumens will undertake their last scrutiny this weekend at our Sunday morning Mass. We pray for all of us to have perseverance and strength on our journey of faith during these last couple of weeks on our journey with Jesus through the desert of Lent.  

Priest: Penitential Rite: 

Lord Jesus - you are the resurrection and the life. 

Christ Jesus - you raised Lazarus from the dead. 

Lord Jesus - you are the Messiah, the son of God. 

Priest: As we continue to accompany Jesus during these 40 days of Lent, we present our prayers today with faithful and humble hearts: 

1. We pray for our Church leaders and for our elected governmental officials. May they lead their people in wisdom and in justice. We pray to the Lord. 

2. For our catechists and our teachers of religious education. For godparents and evangelizers. May the Holy Spirit guide them in teaching others about the faith. We pray to the Lord. 

3. For Catholic Charities and organizations who bring God’s love and compassion to those in need through works of mercy. We pray to the Lord. 

4. For those adults preparing for entry into the Church at the Easter Vigil Mass. For our children and youth preparing for the Easter sacraments. May the Lord lead them and guide them through their Lenten journey. We pray to the Lord. 

5. For our deceased family members and loved ones. For their entry into eternal life. We pray to the Lord. 

6. For those who are searching for the truth of God in their lives. For those who are separated or estranged from the Church. For those who are wanting a more profound relationship with God. We pray to the Lord. 

7. For our parish community, that by observing our Lenten disciplines of prayer, fasting, and works of mercy, we will come to the celebration of Easter with hearts and minds renewed. We pray to the Lord. 

8. For peace throughout the world, especially in the Middle East. For safety for the men and women serving in the military. We pray to the Lord. 

9. For the prayers we hold in the silence of our hearts. We pray to the Lord. 

Priest: Heavenly Father, you meet us in our reality and, in our sufferings and challenges, you call us to new life. We present our prayers to you today through your son Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever. AMEN.