Palm Sunday - prayers of the faithful - 29 March 2026

No introduction - blessing of palm branches.  

Penitential rite - Priest:

Lord Jesus - in word and in actions, you reveal to us your Father’s love. 

Christ Jesus, in your passion and death, you emptied yourself for our sake.

Lord Jesus, in your resurrection, you have been given the name that is above all other names

Priest: As we commemorate Palm Sunday today, let us give voice to our needs, the needs of the Church, and the needs of our brothers and sisters. May we rely on God for help, confident that he will answer our prayers:

1. That we in the universal Church may boldly testify to our faith and work tirelessly to carry out Christ’s mission. We pray to the Lord.

2. For peace in the Holy Land, the Middle East, and Ukraine. For peace in communities torn apart by violence and anger. We pray to the Lord.

3. For all who welcome the Lord into their lives with devotion and praise, especially those who will enter the Church on Easter weekend and our children preparing for first holy communion and our youth preparing for confirmation. We pray to the Lord.

4. For an end to the death penalty. We pray for all those in our correctional system and for those who have been affected by their crimes. We pray to the Lord.

5. For all who will be participating in the liturgies of Holy Week. May our participation in these liturgies strengthen our commitment to carry our crosses and assist others with their crosses. We pray to the Lord.

6. For the repose of the souls of the faithful departed. For their entry into eternal life. We pray to the Lord.

7. For healing for the sick and the afflicted in body, mind, and spirit. For those struggling with addictions and mental health issues. We pray to the Lord.

8. For the prayers we hold in the silence of our hearts. For our prayer intentions spoken and unspoken. We pray to the Lord.

Priest: God of compassion, your son turned to you again and again in order to obey your will in the midst of his pain and suffering. Give us the grace to accept your will and to carry our crosses. We present our prayers through your son. He is our Lord forever and ever. AMEN.