12/27/17

January 11, 2018

Today was one of those days that make Hoosiers who have lived here their whole lives, suddenly sell their houses at a loss and move into a small trailer in a park in the middle of Florida, somewhere locals call "Tornado Alley."

34 degrees, 100 percent humidity.  Drizzling, so fine it's almost a fog.  The world is gray--inside and out.  Soup is the only thing you can eat.  Even the idea of a coffee buzz is off-putting.  You and everyone you know has a cold and/or the flu.  (You didn't get the flu shot because the only year you did, you became sick as a dog.)

Your world is measured out in T's of Tang in boiling water.  Hey, when the astronauts got colds, they drank it hot!  [Well, maybe not.]

My right front tire was almost flat.  I "limped on down the shoulder" to the nearest Marathon station and paid $1.50 for 5 minutes of air . . . wait, let me type that again . . . and paid $1.50 for 5 minutes of air. 

I no longer belong to this world.  I am a mere traveler, an observer.

$1.50 for 5 minutes of air.

Really.

May as well charged me in euros.


This angst cut me off completely from the natural world, or am I being too melodramatic?

CONFESSION

CONFESSION

Schedules

The second most important part of this site is intended to facilitate frequent confession.  Below are the times, days, and locations of opportunities we have in the Muncie Deanery to confess our sins and therefore re-enter God's community.  Remember to check the bulletins for seasonal changes in these schedules, however.

St.  Francis

Su:  700--800PM  (When Ball State is in session.)
T:    800 PM
Sa:  400--500 PM
M-F: 30 minutes prior to each weekday Mass

St. Lawrence

Sa:  300--400 PM (Also, by appointment.)

St. Mary

Sa:  330--430 PM (Also, by appointment.)

Examination of Conscience

To make a quality Confession, we need to make sure we have fully explored our lives for all of our sins, both big and small.  Here are some sites designed by others to assist us in making a comprehensive and heart-felt Confession of our sins, both venial and mortal:

From the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB)
For "beginning" Catholics
From the Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN)



Act of Contrition

Though it's not nearly as important as making a clear and comprehensive catalog of one's sins, venial and mortal, after your Confession, it is also a significant matter to let God know that you are sorry--contrite.  Here, therefore, is the Act of Contrition used by thousands of Catholics:

O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, and I detest all my sins because of Thy just punishments, but most of all because they offend Thee, my God, Who art all-good and deserving of all my love.  I firmly resolve, with the help of Thy grace, to sin no more and to avoid the near occasions of sin.

[OR, if you want to be less formal:]

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.

[OR, more abbreviated:]

O my God, I am sorry for my sins because I have offended you.  I know I should love you above all things.  Help me to do penance, to do better, and to avoid anything that might lead me to sin.  
Amen.

ADORATION AND OTHER DEVOTIONALS

Adoration and other Devotional practices are quite important, especially to the Local Church.  [I don't think I truly understood the true presence of our Lord in the eucharistic until I met Christ in His tabernacle as Host.]

St. Francis

Tuesday:  8-9:00 PM (Adoration, along with Confession, and praise and worship music.)

Other Times:  The Blessed Sacrament Chapel is found right off the church narthex and is open 24/7.  The Chapel can be accessed from the inside of the church, or, if you wish to visit from 9:00 PM -- 8:00 AM, you can request a key from the Parish Office.

St. Lawrence

Adoration is held one Sunday a month from 11:00 AM -- 7:00 PM.  Notice of upcoming Adoration will be posted in the bulletin. 


St. Mary


Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament is held the second Sunday of the month, following the 11:00 AM Mass until Benediction at 7:30 PM.

Exposition also takes place:  Tuesday through Friday, 7:00 AM -- 8:00 AM; and Sundays, 7:30 -- 8:00 PM (except on the 2nd Sunday of the month--see above)

St. Mary also hosts a program, S.E.E.D., or Seeking Evangelization through Eucharistic Devotion.  On the fourth Thursday of every month, the program hosts Adoration after the 5:00 PM Mass.  There is a speaker, then, at 7:00 PM, followed by Benediction, and a reception afterwards for fellowship.


Daily Office:  Also referred to as the Liturgy of the Hours, Daily Office is still recited by a small number of St. Mary parishioners.  At 4:40 (just before 5:00 Mass) Evening Prayer, or Vespers, is recited on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Divine Mercy Chaplet:  Each weekday at 2:55, the Divine Mercy Chaplet is recited in the church.

CATHOLIC PRAYERS

TRADITIONAL CATHOLIC PRAYERS

The Apostles Creed:  {mem}

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth and in Jesus Christ, His only

Son, our Lord; Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.  He descended into hell; the third day He arose again from the dead; He ascended into Heaven, sits at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty, from there He shall come 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.

The Our Father:  

[Consider each word or group of words separately; for this purpose, the prayer is presented here, broken into small items upon which to meditate.]

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.

[Doxology]

For thine is the Kingdom,

and the Power,

and the Glory,

now . . . and forever,

Amen.

Oh, My Jesus; 

Oh, My (or Dear) Jesus, pardon all our sins, save us from the fires of hell, and bring all souls into heaven, especially those most in need of your mercy.  Amen.

Hail Mary:

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you.  Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us now and at the hour of out deaths.

Amen.

The Magnificat: {mem}

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,

my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

for he ahs looked with favor on his lowly servant.

From this day, all generations will call me blessed;

the Almighty has done great things for me,

and holy is His Name.

He has mercy on those who fear him

in every generation.

He has shown the strength of his arm,

he has scattered the proud in their conceit.

He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,

and has lifted up the lowly.

He has filled the hungry with good things.

and the rich he has sent away empty.

He has come to the help of his servant Israel

for he remembered his promise of mercy.

the promise he made to our fathers,

to Abraham and his children forever.

Praying the Rosary

1.  Begin by holding the crucifix, saying "In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit," (making the sign of the Cross while doing this), then say the Apostles' Creed.

2.  On the single bead just above the cross, pray the "Our Father."  This and all prayers of the rosary are meditative prayers.

3.  The next cluster has three beads, representing the three great divine virtues.  The "Hail Mary" prayer is said on these three beads.  Before beginning the first prayer, say "Faith," and consider that virtue while praying the "Hail Mary."  For the next bead, say "Hope," and, again meditate on that virtue while completing the "Hail Mary."  On the last bead, say "Charity," or "Love," and contemplate that virtue.

4.  On the chain or cord after the three beads, say the "Glory be . . . "

5.  On the next bead, which is a single bead, you announce the first divine mystery of contemplation.  For example, if it is a Monday, you would say the first Joyful Mystery--the "Annunciation."  After saying this, recite the "Our Father."

6.  Now this will bring you to the first decade, or set of ten beads of the Rosary.  You will then pray ten "Hail Marys" while contemplating the first mystery--for this example, The Annunciation.

7.  After the 10th "Hail Mary," you will have completed the first of 5 decades which make up a Chaplet of the Rosary.  You now come to another single bead, and at this point, you pray the "Glory be . . . "  Then, on the same bead pray the "Oh, My Jesus . . . " then (still the same bead), announce the next or second mystery, in our example, that would be "The Visitation."  Follow that with the "Our Father."

8.  You will now come to the second decade or group of 10 beads, and so you'll pray the 10 "Hail Marys," while contemplating the mystery of "The Visitation."

9.  You continue to pray the rosary the same way throughout.  If your intention is to pray a Chaplet (a single set of mysteries) at the end of the fifth mystery, you will come back to the middle, joining bead or ornament (this is where the decades all join with the lower part of the rosary which contains the cross.)  When you come to the "joiner," you decide whether or not to say another Chaplet or end.  If you decide to start another, simply announce the next mystery and continue.  If you wish to end, just say the "Glory be . . . ," the "Oh, My Jesus . . . ," the "Our Father," and end the rosary with the "Hail Holy Queen" and the sign of the cross.

Prayer of the Chaplet of Divine Mercy

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

2.  Opening Prayers (optional):  You expired, Jesus, but the source of life gushed forth for souls, and the ocean of mercy opened up for the whole world.  O Fount of Life, unfathomable Divine Mercy, envelop the whole world and empty Yourself out upon us.
O Blood and Water, which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a fount of mercy for us, I trust in You!  [repeat this 3 times]

3.  The 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.  Amen.

4.  The 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.

5.  The Apostles' Creed:  I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended into hell; on the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and is again seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty; from there he will come 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.

6.  On the "Our Father" [before each decade]:  Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.

7.  On the "Hail Mary" [all 10 beads of each decade]:  For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy ob us and on the whole world.

8.  Repeat "Eternal Father" and "For the Sake of His sorrowful Passion" [number 6 & 7]:  Prayers for four more decades.

9.  After 5 decades, the concluding doxology [repeated 3 times]:  Holy God, Holy Almighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

10.  Closing Prayers [optional]:  Eternal God, in whom mercy is endless, and the treasury of compassion inexhaustible, look kindly upon us, and increase Your mercy in us, that in difficult moments, we might not despair, nor become despondent, but with great confidence, submit ourselves to Your holy will, which is Love and Mercy Itself. Amen.


The Saint Michael Prayer: {mem}

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 al the evil spirits
who prowl throughout the world, seeking the ruin of souls.
Amen


Anima Christi:  {mem}

Soul of Christ, sanctify me
Body of Christ, save me
Blood of Christ, inebriate me
Water from Christ's side, wash me
Passion of Christ, strengthen me
O good Jesus, hear me
Within Thy wounds hide me
Suffer me not to be separated from Thee
From the malicious enemy defend me
In the hour of my death call me
And bid me come unto Thee
That I may praise Thee with Thy saints
and with Thy angels
forever and ever.
Amen.


The Litany of Humility:

O Jesus! meek and humble of heart, Hear me.
From te desire of being esteemed,
Deliver me, Jesus.

From the desire of being loved . . .
From the desire of being extolled . . .
From the desire of being honored . . .
From the desire of being praised . . .
From the desire of being preferred to others . . .
From the desire of being consulted . . .
From the desire of being approved . . . .
From the fear of being humiliated . . .
From the fear of being despised . . .
From the fear of suffering rebukes . . .
From the fear of being calumniated . . .
From the fear of being forgotten . . .
From the fear of being ridiculed . . .
From the fear of being wronged . . .
From the fear of being suspected . . .
That others may be loved more than I,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.

That others may be esteemed more than I . . .
That, in the opinion of the world,
others may increase and I may decrease . . .
That others may be chosen and I set aside . . .
That others may be praised and I unnoticed . . .
That others may be preferred to me in everything . . .
That others may become holier than I, provided that I may become as holy as I should . . .



Morning Offering:

Dear Lord, I do not know what will happen to me today.  I only know that nothing will happen that was not foreseen by You, and directed to my greater good from all eternity.  I adore Your holy and unfathomable plans, and submit to them with all my heart for love of You, the Pope, and the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Amen



Evening Prayer:

Thanks, my God, for the day that is ending, thanks for the coming night.
Bring sleep to the weary, bring repose to those I love, and give me rest until tomorrow.
All was not fine, perfect and beautiful today.
Give me strength to do better tomorrow.
In this day that is ending I have not been what I should have been.
Make me better, my God, less harsh towards others, more gentle, more patient.
Make me too, more determined, more demanding of myself, more truthful in speaking,
more faithful in my promises, more active in my work, more obedient and more submissive;
let me be cheerful, too, and may tomorrow be a finer, fuller day than this.
Thanks, my God, for the day that is ending, thanks for the coming night.
Bring sleep to the weary. bring repose to those I love, and give me rest until tomorrow.

O Sacrament Most Holy:  [Prayed before and during Communion]   {mem}

O Sacrament most Holy,

O Sacrament Divine,

All praise and all thanksgiving,

Be every moment Thine.

Prayer While Visiting the Most Blessed Sacrament:

My Lord Jesus Christ, for the love which You bear to men, You remain night and day in this Sacrament full of compassion and of love, awaiting, calling, and welcoming all who come to visit You.  I believe that You are present in the Sacrament of the Altar.  I adore You from the abyss of my nothingness, and I thank You for all the graces which You have bestowed upon me and in particular for having given me Yourself in this Sacrament, for having given me Your holy Mother Mary for my advocate, and for having called me to visit You in this chapel.  I now salute Your most loving Heart; and this for three ends:

    1.  In thanksgiving for this great gift;
    2.  To make amends to You for all the outrages which You receive in this Sacrament from all Your 
         enemies;
    3.  I intend by this visit to adore You in all the places on earth in which You are the least revered 
         and the most abandoned.

My Jesus, I love You with all my heart, I grieve for having so many times offended Your infinite goodness.  I promise with Your grace never more to offend You in the future.
Now, miserable and unworthy though I be, I consecrate myself to You without reserve;
I give You my entire will, my affections, my desires, and all that I possess.   From now on dispose of me and of all that I have as You please.  All that I ask of You and desire is Your holy love, final perseverance, and the perfect accomplishment of Your will.  I recommend to You the souls in purgatory; but especially those who had the greatest devotion to the most Blessed Sacrament and to the Blessed Virgin Mary.  I also recommend to You all poor sinners.

My dear Saviour, I unite all my affections with the affections of Your most loving Heart; and I offer them, thus united, to Your eternal Father, and beseech Him in Your name to vouchsafe, for Your love, to accept them.
Amen.



The Memorare:

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided.  Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful.  O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me.
Amen

Guardian Angel Prayer:

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



Grace Before Meals:

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




Daily Intentions:

O my God!  I offer you all my prayers, works, and sufferings of this day, in union with the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, for the following intentions:

    Sunday--To obtain a true spirit of zeal, religion, and piety.  For the success of priests' work, and the     spiritual welfare of those entrusted to their care.

    Monday--Spirit of meekness and humility.  Souls in purgatory, and Religious communities.

    Tuesday--Spirit of Faith. Relatives, friends, and benefactors.

    Wednesday--Spirit of Charity. The sick, dying, suffering, poor, and those who care for them.

    Thursday--Love of the Holy Eucharist. Vocations to the Priesthood; conversion of            
    unbelievers; needs of missionaries.

    Friday--Spirit of mortification and self-sacrifice. Conversion of sinners.

    Saturday--Love of chastity and of the Blessed Virgin. Schools and teachers; children and
    youth.

    [Add your own private intentions to those suggested above.]

------------------------------//------------------------------

FRANCISCAN PRAYERS

[I have always felt drawn to St. Francis of Assisi, whom I greatly admire.]

Peace Prayer:

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.

Where there is hatred, let me sow love.

Where there is injury, pardon;

Where there is discord, union;

Where there is doubt, faith;

Where there is error, truth;

Where there is despair, hope;

Where there is darkness, light;

Where there is sadness, joy.

The Canticle of the Creatures:

Most High, all-powerful, good Lord,

You are the praises,

the glory, and the honor, and all blessing.

To You alone, Most High, do they belong,

and no human is worthy to mention Your name.

Praised buy You, my Lord, with all Your creatures,

especially Sir Brother Son, who is the day and through whom You give us light.

And he is beautiful and radiant with great splendor; 

and bears a likeness of You, Most High One.

Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars,

in heaven You formed them clear and precious and beautiful.

Praised be You, my Lord, through Brother Wind,

and through the air, cloudy and serene, and every kind of weather,

through whom You give sustenance to Your creatures.

Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Water,

who is very useful and humble and precious and chaste.

Praised be You, my Lord, through Brother Fire, 

through whom You light the night,

and he is beautiful and playful and robust and strong.

Praised be You, my Lord, through our Sister Mother Earth,

who sustains and governs us,

and who produces various fruit with colored flowers and herbs.

Praised be You, my Lord,

through those who give pardon for Your love,

and bear infirmity and tribulation.

Blessed are those who endure in peace for by You,

Most High, shall they be crowned.

Praised be You, my Lord, through our Sister Bodily Death,

from whom no one living can escape.  Woe to those who die in mortal sin.

Blessed are those whom death will find in Your most holy will,

for the second death shall do them no harm.

Praise and bless my Lord and give Him thanks and serve Him with great humility.

Blessing of Saint Francis:

May the Lord bless you.

May the Lord keep you.

May He show His face to you and have mercy.  May He turn to you His countenance and give you peace.

The Lord bless you.

Prayer for Enlightenment:

Almighty, eternal, just, and merciful God,

grant us in our misery [the grace] to do for You alone what we know You want us to do, and always to desire what pleases You.

Thus, inwardly cleansed, interiorly enlightened, and inflamed by the fire of the Holy Spirit, may we be able to follow in the footprints of Your beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.

And, by Your grace alone, may we make our way to You, Most High, Who live and rule in perfect Trinity and simple Unity, and are glorified God all-powerful forever and ever.

Amen

------------------------------//------------------------------

LESS COMMON CATHOLIC PRAYERS

[Though these are perhaps not the most traditional prayers of our Church, I have found great comfort in them from time to time.]

Desperation:

Saint Anselm of Canterbury (ca. 1033-1109)

I am desperate for your love, Lord. My heart is aflame with fervent passion. When I remember the good things you have done, my heart burns with desire to embrace you. I thirst for you; I hunger for you; I long for you; I sigh for you. I am jealous of your love. What shall I say to you? What can I do for you? Where shall I seek you? I am sick for your love. The joy of my heart turns to dust. My happy laughter is reduced to ashes. I want you. I hope for you. My soul is like a widow, bereft of you. Turn to me, and see my tears. Come now, Lord, and I will be comforted. Show me your face, and I shall be saved. Enter my room, and I shall be satisfied. Reveal your beauty, and my joy will be complete.

Fear:

Saint Anselm of Canterbury (ca. 1033-l109)

I am frightened of living, Lord. My whole life seems sinful and sterile. Any fruits I bear are either false or rotten. Nothing I do seems pleasing to you. I am a barren tree that deserves to be chopped down, cut up and burnt. I bear only the sharp and bitter thorns of sin. If only those thorns could prick me into repentance. Inside me my conscience bums. I dare not show myself, yet I have nowhere to hide. What will happen to me? Who will protect me from your wrath? Where can I find safety? Lord, you are my judge in whose hands I tremble. Yet you also are the one who can save me. Though I fear you, I trust you. Though I want to flee you, I flee towards you. Jesus, Jesus, deal with me according to your love. Jesus, Jesus, forget the sin by which I have provoked you, and see only the misery which invokes you. Most kind Lord, confirm in me all that belongs to you, and cast away all that is alien to you.

Litany of St. Joseph's:

Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.

Christ, hear us.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.

God the Father of Heaven,
have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world,

God the Holy Spirit, Holy Trinity, one God,

Holy Mary,
pray for us.
Saint Joseph,
Renowned offspring of David,
Light of patriarchs,
Spouse of the Mother of God,
Chaste guardian of the Virgin,

Foster-father of the Son of God,
Diligent protector of Christ,
Head of the holy family,
Joseph most just,
Joseph most chaste,
Joseph most prudent,
Joseph most brave,
Joseph most obedient,
Joseph most faithful,
Mirror of patience,
Lover of poverty,
Model of artisans,
Glory of home life,
Guardian of virgins,
Pillar of families,
Solace of the wretched,
Hope of the sick,

Patron of the dying,
Terror of demons,
Protector of the holy Church,

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.

V. He made him lord of His House.
R. And ruler of all His possessions.

Let us pray. O God, who in your unspeakable providence deigned to choose blessed Joseph to be the spouse of your own most holy Mother: grant, we beseech you, that we may deserve to have him as our intercessor in heaven, whom we venerate on earth as our protector: Who lives and reigns world without end. Amen.

Here is a link to Catholicity's catalog of many, many Catholic prayers.  You'll no doubt find one for every need or occasion!

Catholicity's Catalog of Catholic Prayers

BLESSINGS

There is some question about whether or under what circumstances a layperson may bless another.  I have read a lot on the subject and found that there are two guidelines that seem to me to be sensible:

1.) We can, and perhaps even should, bless those things and people we have authority over--meals, children, etc., and,

2.)  Blessing others is fine, as long as you are actually asking God to bless them, as in:  "May the Lord bless and protect you."  This is, incidentally, a blessing I constantly (often to their embarrassment) give my children when they're leaving the house, "May the Lord bless and protect you as you travel and bring you back home safely to us"; or, when they're going off to bed, "May the Lord bless and protect you as you sleep."  Also, I have given my children blessings as the Sign of Peace in Mass.

The USCCB web-site includes this passage quoted from the excellent book, Catholic Household Prayers and Blessings:

" . . . there are other blessings, like the ones contained in Catholic Household Blessings and Prayers, that can be prayed by anyone who has been baptized, 'in virtue of the universal priesthood, a dignity they possess because of their baptism and confirmation' (Book of Blessings, no. 18).  The blessings given by laypersons are exercised because of their special office, such as parents on behalf of their children.

Right after telling His disciples to 'Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you," Jesus instructs them to 'bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you' (Lk 6:28).  St. Paul echoes the Lord's command when he exhorts the Romans to 'bless those who persecute [you], bless and do not curse them' (Rom 12:14).  St. Peter urges that each time we are on the receiving end of evil, we should return "a blessing, because to this you were called to be a "blessing," and to bless' (no. 1669; see Gn 12:2; Lk 6:28; Rom 12:14; 1 Pt 3:9)."

Below are some common Catholic Blessings:

Blessing to Celebrate a Birthday:

Lord Jesus, our brother,
You love us all,
and have a special love for the young.
Bless N. on his/her birthday, 
and help him/her to be happy
and always pleasing to You.

Bless us all, Lord Jesus,
as we celebrate on this happy occasion.

Jesus, You are our Lord for ever and ever.

Amen

Blessing at a Catholic Meeting:

Heavenly Father, bless us as we come together in Your Name.
Send the Spirit of Jesus into our hearts to guide us in our discussions
for the good of all.

Father, we ask this grace through our Lord, Your Son, Jesus Christ.

Amen

TRADITIONAL CATHOLIC PRAYERS

The Apostles Creed:  {mem}

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth and in Jesus Christ, His only

Son, our Lord; Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.  He descended into hell; the third day He arose again from the dead; He ascended into Heaven, sits at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty, from there He shall come 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.

The Our Father:  

[Consider each word or group of words separately; for this purpose, the prayer is presented here, broken into small items upon which to meditate.]

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.

[Doxology]

For thine is the Kingdom,

and the Power,

and the Glory,

now . . . and forever,

Amen.

Oh, My Jesus; 

Oh, My (or Dear) Jesus, pardon all our sins, save us from the fires of hell, and bring all souls into heaven, especially those most in need of your mercy.  Amen.

Hail Mary:

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you.  Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us now and at the hour of out deaths.

Amen.

The Magnificat: {mem}

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,

my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

for he ahs looked with favor on his lowly servant.

From this day, all generations will call me blessed;

the Almighty has done great things for me,

and holy is His Name.

He has mercy on those who fear him

in every generation.

He has shown the strength of his arm,

he has scattered the proud in their conceit.

He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,

and has lifted up the lowly.

He has filled the hungry with good things.

and the rich he has sent away empty.

He has come to the help of his servant Israel

for he remembered his promise of mercy.

the promise he made to our fathers,

to Abraham and his children forever.

Praying the Rosary

1.  Begin by holding the crucifix, saying "In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit," (making the sign of the Cross while doing this), then say the Apostles' Creed.

2.  On the single bead just above the cross, pray the "Our Father."  This and all prayers of the rosary are meditative prayers.

3.  The next cluster has three beads, representing the three great divine virtues.  The "Hail Mary" prayer is said on these three beads.  Before beginning the first prayer, say "Faith," and consider that virtue while praying the "Hail Mary."  For the next bead, say "Hope," and, again meditate on that virtue while completing the "Hail Mary."  On the last bead, say "Charity," or "Love," and contemplate that virtue.

4.  On the chain or cord after the three beads, say the "Glory be . . . "

5.  On the next bead, which is a single bead, you announce the first divine mystery of contemplation.  For example, if it is a Monday, you would say the first Joyful Mystery--the "Annunciation."  After saying this, recite the "Our Father."

6.  Now this will bring you to the first decade, or set of ten beads of the Rosary.  You will then pray ten "Hail Marys" while contemplating the first mystery--for this example, The Annunciation.

7.  After the 10th "Hail Mary," you will have completed the first of 5 decades which make up a Chaplet of the Rosary.  You now come to another single bead, and at this point, you pray the "Glory be . . . "  Then, on the same bead pray the "Oh, My Jesus . . . " then (still the same bead), announce the next or second mystery, in our example, that would be "The Visitation."  Follow that with the "Our Father."

8.  You will now come to the second decade or group of 10 beads, and so you'll pray the 10 "Hail Marys," while contemplating the mystery of "The Visitation."

9.  You continue to pray the rosary the same way throughout.  If your intention is to pray a Chaplet (a single set of mysteries) at the end of the fifth mystery, you will come back to the middle, joining bead or ornament (this is where the decades all join with the lower part of the rosary which contains the cross.)  When you come to the "joiner," you decide whether or not to say another Chaplet or end.  If you decide to start another, simply announce the next mystery and continue.  If you wish to end, just say the "Glory be . . . ," the "Oh, My Jesus . . . ," the "Our Father," and end the rosary with the "Hail Holy Queen" and the sign of the cross.

Prayer of the Chaplet of Divine Mercy

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

2.  Opening Prayers (optional):  You expired, Jesus, but the source of life gushed forth for souls, and the ocean of mercy opened up for the whole world.  O Fount of Life, unfathomable Divine Mercy, envelop the whole world and empty Yourself out upon us.
O Blood and Water, which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a fount of mercy for us, I trust in You!  [repeat this 3 times]

3.  The 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.  Amen.

4.  The 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.

5.  The Apostles' Creed:  I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended into hell; on the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and is again seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty; from there he will come 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.

6.  On the "Our Father" [before each decade]:  Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.

7.  On the "Hail Mary" [all 10 beads of each decade]:  For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy ob us and on the whole world.

8.  Repeat "Eternal Father" and "For the Sake of His sorrowful Passion" [number 6 & 7]:  Prayers for four more decades.

9.  After 5 decades, the concluding doxology [repeated 3 times]:  Holy God, Holy Almighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

10.  Closing Prayers [optional]:  Eternal God, in whom mercy is endless, and the treasury of compassion inexhaustible, look kindly upon us, and increase Your mercy in us, that in difficult moments, we might not despair, nor become despondent, but with great confidence, submit ourselves to Your holy will, which is Love and Mercy Itself. Amen.


The Saint Michael Prayer: {mem}

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 al the evil spirits
who prowl throughout the world, seeking the ruin of souls.
Amen


Anima Christi:  {mem}

Soul of Christ, sanctify me
Body of Christ, save me
Blood of Christ, inebriate me
Water from Christ's side, wash me
Passion of Christ, strengthen me
O good Jesus, hear me
Within Thy wounds hide me
Suffer me not to be separated from Thee
From the malicious enemy defend me
In the hour of my death call me
And bid me come unto Thee
That I may praise Thee with Thy saints
and with Thy angels
forever and ever.
Amen.


The Litany of Humility:

O Jesus! meek and humble of heart, Hear me.
From te desire of being esteemed,
Deliver me, Jesus.

From the desire of being loved . . .
From the desire of being extolled . . .
From the desire of being honored . . .
From the desire of being praised . . .
From the desire of being preferred to others . . .
From the desire of being consulted . . .
From the desire of being approved . . . .
From the fear of being humiliated . . .
From the fear of being despised . . .
From the fear of suffering rebukes . . .
From the fear of being calumniated . . .
From the fear of being forgotten . . .
From the fear of being ridiculed . . .
From the fear of being wronged . . .
From the fear of being suspected . . .
That others may be loved more than I,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.

That others may be esteemed more than I . . .
That, in the opinion of the world,
others may increase and I may decrease . . .
That others may be chosen and I set aside . . .
That others may be praised and I unnoticed . . .
That others may be preferred to me in everything . . .
That others may become holier than I, provided that I may become as holy as I should . . .



Morning Offering:

Dear Lord, I do not know what will happen to me today.  I only know that nothing will happen that was not foreseen by You, and directed to my greater good from all eternity.  I adore Your holy and unfathomable plans, and submit to them with all my heart for love of You, the Pope, and the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Amen



Evening Prayer:

Thanks, my God, for the day that is ending, thanks for the coming night.
Bring sleep to the weary, bring repose to those I love, and give me rest until tomorrow.
All was not fine, perfect and beautiful today.
Give me strength to do better tomorrow.
In this day that is ending I have not been what I should have been.
Make me better, my God, less harsh towards others, more gentle, more patient.
Make me too, more determined, more demanding of myself, more truthful in speaking,
more faithful in my promises, more active in my work, more obedient and more submissive;
let me be cheerful, too, and may tomorrow be a finer, fuller day than this.
Thanks, my God, for the day that is ending, thanks for the coming night.
Bring sleep to the weary. bring repose to those I love, and give me rest until tomorrow.

O Sacrament Most Holy:  [Prayed before and during Communion]   {mem}

O Sacrament most Holy,

O Sacrament Divine,

All praise and all thanksgiving,

Be every moment Thine.

Prayer While Visiting the Most Blessed Sacrament:

My Lord Jesus Christ, for the love which You bear to men, You remain night and day in this Sacrament full of compassion and of love, awaiting, calling, and welcoming all who come to visit You.  I believe that You are present in the Sacrament of the Altar.  I adore You from the abyss of my nothingness, and I thank You for all the graces which You have bestowed upon me and in particular for having given me Yourself in this Sacrament, for having given me Your holy Mother Mary for my advocate, and for having called me to visit You in this chapel.  I now salute Your most loving Heart; and this for three ends:

    1.  In thanksgiving for this great gift;
    2.  To make amends to You for all the outrages which You receive in this Sacrament from all Your 
         enemies;
    3.  I intend by this visit to adore You in all the places on earth in which You are the least revered 
         and the most abandoned.

My Jesus, I love You with all my heart, I grieve for having so many times offended Your infinite goodness.  I promise with Your grace never more to offend You in the future.
Now, miserable and unworthy though I be, I consecrate myself to You without reserve;
I give You my entire will, my affections, my desires, and all that I possess.   From now on dispose of me and of all that I have as You please.  All that I ask of You and desire is Your holy love, final perseverance, and the perfect accomplishment of Your will.  I recommend to You the souls in purgatory; but especially those who had the greatest devotion to the most Blessed Sacrament and to the Blessed Virgin Mary.  I also recommend to You all poor sinners.

My dear Saviour, I unite all my affections with the affections of Your most loving Heart; and I offer them, thus united, to Your eternal Father, and beseech Him in Your name to vouchsafe, for Your love, to accept them.
Amen.



The Memorare:

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided.  Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful.  O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me.
Amen

Guardian Angel Prayer:

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



Grace Before Meals:

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




Daily Intentions:

O my God!  I offer you all my prayers, works, and sufferings of this day, in union with the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, for the following intentions:

    Sunday--To obtain a true spirit of zeal, religion, and piety.  For the success of priests' work, and the     spiritual welfare of those entrusted to their care.

    Monday--Spirit of meekness and humility.  Souls in purgatory, and Religious communities.

    Tuesday--Spirit of Faith. Relatives, friends, and benefactors.

    Wednesday--Spirit of Charity. The sick, dying, suffering, poor, and those who care for them.

    Thursday--Love of the Holy Eucharist. Vocations to the Priesthood; conversion of            
    unbelievers; needs of missionaries.

    Friday--Spirit of mortification and self-sacrifice. Conversion of sinners.

    Saturday--Love of chastity and of the Blessed Virgin. Schools and teachers; children and
    youth.

    [Add your own private intentions to those suggested above.]

------------------------------//------------------------------

FRANCISCAN PRAYERS

[I have always felt drawn to St. Francis of Assisi, whom I greatly admire.]

Peace Prayer:

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.

Where there is hatred, let me sow love.

Where there is injury, pardon;

Where there is discord, union;

Where there is doubt, faith;

Where there is error, truth;

Where there is despair, hope;

Where there is darkness, light;

Where there is sadness, joy.

The Canticle of the Creatures:

Most High, all-powerful, good Lord,

You are the praises,

the glory, and the honor, and all blessing.

To You alone, Most High, do they belong,

and no human is worthy to mention Your name.

Praised buy You, my Lord, with all Your creatures,

especially Sir Brother Son, who is the day and through whom You give us light.

And he is beautiful and radiant with great splendor; 

and bears a likeness of You, Most High One.

Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars,

in heaven You formed them clear and precious and beautiful.

Praised be You, my Lord, through Brother Wind,

and through the air, cloudy and serene, and every kind of weather,

through whom You give sustenance to Your creatures.

Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Water,

who is very useful and humble and precious and chaste.

Praised be You, my Lord, through Brother Fire, 

through whom You light the night,

and he is beautiful and playful and robust and strong.

Praised be You, my Lord, through our Sister Mother Earth,

who sustains and governs us,

and who produces various fruit with colored flowers and herbs.

Praised be You, my Lord,

through those who give pardon for Your love,

and bear infirmity and tribulation.

Blessed are those who endure in peace for by You,

Most High, shall they be crowned.

Praised be You, my Lord, through our Sister Bodily Death,

from whom no one living can escape.  Woe to those who die in mortal sin.

Blessed are those whom death will find in Your most holy will,

for the second death shall do them no harm.

Praise and bless my Lord and give Him thanks and serve Him with great humility.

Blessing of Saint Francis:

May the Lord bless you.

May the Lord keep you.

May He show His face to you and have mercy.  May He turn to you His countenance and give you peace.

The Lord bless you.

Prayer for Enlightenment:

Almighty, eternal, just, and merciful God,

grant us in our misery [the grace] to do for You alone what we know You want us to do, and always to desire what pleases You.

Thus, inwardly cleansed, interiorly enlightened, and inflamed by the fire of the Holy Spirit, may we be able to follow in the footprints of Your beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.

And, by Your grace alone, may we make our way to You, Most High, Who live and rule in perfect Trinity and simple Unity, and are glorified God all-powerful forever and ever.

Amen

------------------------------//------------------------------

LESS COMMON CATHOLIC PRAYERS

[Though these are perhaps not the most traditional prayers of our Church, I have found great comfort in them from time to time.]

Desperation:

Saint Anselm of Canterbury (ca. 1033-1109)

I am desperate for your love, Lord. My heart is aflame with fervent passion. When I remember the good things you have done, my heart burns with desire to embrace you. I thirst for you; I hunger for you; I long for you; I sigh for you. I am jealous of your love. What shall I say to you? What can I do for you? Where shall I seek you? I am sick for your love. The joy of my heart turns to dust. My happy laughter is reduced to ashes. I want you. I hope for you. My soul is like a widow, bereft of you. Turn to me, and see my tears. Come now, Lord, and I will be comforted. Show me your face, and I shall be saved. Enter my room, and I shall be satisfied. Reveal your beauty, and my joy will be complete.

Fear:

Saint Anselm of Canterbury (ca. 1033-l109)

I am frightened of living, Lord. My whole life seems sinful and sterile. Any fruits I bear are either false or rotten. Nothing I do seems pleasing to you. I am a barren tree that deserves to be chopped down, cut up and burnt. I bear only the sharp and bitter thorns of sin. If only those thorns could prick me into repentance. Inside me my conscience bums. I dare not show myself, yet I have nowhere to hide. What will happen to me? Who will protect me from your wrath? Where can I find safety? Lord, you are my judge in whose hands I tremble. Yet you also are the one who can save me. Though I fear you, I trust you. Though I want to flee you, I flee towards you. Jesus, Jesus, deal with me according to your love. Jesus, Jesus, forget the sin by which I have provoked you, and see only the misery which invokes you. Most kind Lord, confirm in me all that belongs to you, and cast away all that is alien to you.

Litany of St. Joseph's:

Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.

Christ, hear us.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.

God the Father of Heaven,
have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world,

God the Holy Spirit, Holy Trinity, one God,

Holy Mary,
pray for us.
Saint Joseph,
Renowned offspring of David,
Light of patriarchs,
Spouse of the Mother of God,
Chaste guardian of the Virgin,

Foster-father of the Son of God,
Diligent protector of Christ,
Head of the holy family,
Joseph most just,
Joseph most chaste,
Joseph most prudent,
Joseph most brave,
Joseph most obedient,
Joseph most faithful,
Mirror of patience,
Lover of poverty,
Model of artisans,
Glory of home life,
Guardian of virgins,
Pillar of families,
Solace of the wretched,
Hope of the sick,

Patron of the dying,
Terror of demons,
Protector of the holy Church,

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.

V. He made him lord of His House.
R. And ruler of all His possessions.

Let us pray. O God, who in your unspeakable providence deigned to choose blessed Joseph to be the spouse of your own most holy Mother: grant, we beseech you, that we may deserve to have him as our intercessor in heaven, whom we venerate on earth as our protector: Who lives and reigns world without end. Amen.

Here is a link to Catholicity's catalog of many, many Catholic prayers.  You'll no doubt find one for every need or occasion!

Catholicity's Catalog of Catholic Prayers

BLESSINGS

There is some question about whether or under what circumstances a layperson may bless another.  I have read a lot on the subject and found that there are two guidelines that seem to me to be sensible:

1.) We can, and perhaps even should, bless those things and people we have authority over--meals, children, etc., and,

2.)  Blessing others is fine, as long as you are actually asking God to bless them, as in:  "May the Lord bless and protect you."  This is, incidentally, a blessing I constantly (often to their embarrassment) give my children when they're leaving the house, "May the Lord bless and protect you as you travel and bring you back home safely to us"; or, when they're going off to bed, "May the Lord bless and protect you as you sleep."  Also, I have given my children blessings as the Sign of Peace in Mass.

The USCCB web-site includes this passage quoted from the excellent book, Catholic Household Prayers and Blessings:

" . . . there are other blessings, like the ones contained in Catholic Household Blessings and Prayers, that can be prayed by anyone who has been baptized, 'in virtue of the universal priesthood, a dignity they possess because of their baptism and confirmation' (Book of Blessings, no. 18).  The blessings given by laypersons are exercised because of their special office, such as parents on behalf of their children.

Right after telling His disciples to 'Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you," Jesus instructs them to 'bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you' (Lk 6:28).  St. Paul echoes the Lord's command when he exhorts the Romans to 'bless those who persecute [you], bless and do not curse them' (Rom 12:14).  St. Peter urges that each time we are on the receiving end of evil, we should return "a blessing, because to this you were called to be a "blessing," and to bless' (no. 1669; see Gn 12:2; Lk 6:28; Rom 12:14; 1 Pt 3:9)."

Below are some common Catholic Blessings:

Blessing to Celebrate a Birthday:

Lord Jesus, our brother,
You love us all,
and have a special love for the young.
Bless N. on his/her birthday, 
and help him/her to be happy
and always pleasing to You.

Bless us all, Lord Jesus,
as we celebrate on this happy occasion.

Jesus, You are our Lord for ever and ever.

Amen

Blessing at a Catholic Meeting:

Heavenly Father, bless us as we come together in Your Name.
Send the Spirit of Jesus into our hearts to guide us in our discussions
for the good of all.

Father, we ask this grace through our Lord, Your Son, Jesus Christ.

Amen

TRADITIONAL CATHOLIC PRAYERS

The Apostles Creed:  {mem}

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth and in Jesus Christ, His only

Son, our Lord; Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.  He descended into hell; the third day He arose again from the dead; He ascended into Heaven, sits at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty, from there He shall come 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.

The Our Father:  

[Consider each word or group of words separately; for this purpose, the prayer is presented here, broken into small items upon which to meditate.]

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.

[Doxology]

For thine is the Kingdom,

and the Power,

and the Glory,

now . . . and forever,

Amen.

Oh, My Jesus; 

Oh, My (or Dear) Jesus, pardon all our sins, save us from the fires of hell, and bring all souls into heaven, especially those most in need of your mercy.  Amen.

Hail Mary:

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you.  Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us now and at the hour of out deaths.

Amen.

The Magnificat: {mem}

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,

my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

for he ahs looked with favor on his lowly servant.

From this day, all generations will call me blessed;

the Almighty has done great things for me,

and holy is His Name.

He has mercy on those who fear him

in every generation.

He has shown the strength of his arm,

he has scattered the proud in their conceit.

He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,

and has lifted up the lowly.

He has filled the hungry with good things.

and the rich he has sent away empty.

He has come to the help of his servant Israel

for he remembered his promise of mercy.

the promise he made to our fathers,

to Abraham and his children forever.

Praying the Rosary

1.  Begin by holding the crucifix, saying "In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit," (making the sign of the Cross while doing this), then say the Apostles' Creed.

2.  On the single bead just above the cross, pray the "Our Father."  This and all prayers of the rosary are meditative prayers.

3.  The next cluster has three beads, representing the three great divine virtues.  The "Hail Mary" prayer is said on these three beads.  Before beginning the first prayer, say "Faith," and consider that virtue while praying the "Hail Mary."  For the next bead, say "Hope," and, again meditate on that virtue while completing the "Hail Mary."  On the last bead, say "Charity," or "Love," and contemplate that virtue.

4.  On the chain or cord after the three beads, say the "Glory be . . . "

5.  On the next bead, which is a single bead, you announce the first divine mystery of contemplation.  For example, if it is a Monday, you would say the first Joyful Mystery--the "Annunciation."  After saying this, recite the "Our Father."

6.  Now this will bring you to the first decade, or set of ten beads of the Rosary.  You will then pray ten "Hail Marys" while contemplating the first mystery--for this example, The Annunciation.

7.  After the 10th "Hail Mary," you will have completed the first of 5 decades which make up a Chaplet of the Rosary.  You now come to another single bead, and at this point, you pray the "Glory be . . . "  Then, on the same bead pray the "Oh, My Jesus . . . " then (still the same bead), announce the next or second mystery, in our example, that would be "The Visitation."  Follow that with the "Our Father."

8.  You will now come to the second decade or group of 10 beads, and so you'll pray the 10 "Hail Marys," while contemplating the mystery of "The Visitation."

9.  You continue to pray the rosary the same way throughout.  If your intention is to pray a Chaplet (a single set of mysteries) at the end of the fifth mystery, you will come back to the middle, joining bead or ornament (this is where the decades all join with the lower part of the rosary which contains the cross.)  When you come to the "joiner," you decide whether or not to say another Chaplet or end.  If you decide to start another, simply announce the next mystery and continue.  If you wish to end, just say the "Glory be . . . ," the "Oh, My Jesus . . . ," the "Our Father," and end the rosary with the "Hail Holy Queen" and the sign of the cross.

Prayer of the Chaplet of Divine Mercy

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

2.  Opening Prayers (optional):  You expired, Jesus, but the source of life gushed forth for souls, and the ocean of mercy opened up for the whole world.  O Fount of Life, unfathomable Divine Mercy, envelop the whole world and empty Yourself out upon us.
O Blood and Water, which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a fount of mercy for us, I trust in You!  [repeat this 3 times]

3.  The 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.  Amen.

4.  The 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.

5.  The Apostles' Creed:  I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended into hell; on the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and is again seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty; from there he will come 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.

6.  On the "Our Father" [before each decade]:  Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.

7.  On the "Hail Mary" [all 10 beads of each decade]:  For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy ob us and on the whole world.

8.  Repeat "Eternal Father" and "For the Sake of His sorrowful Passion" [number 6 & 7]:  Prayers for four more decades.

9.  After 5 decades, the concluding doxology [repeated 3 times]:  Holy God, Holy Almighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

10.  Closing Prayers [optional]:  Eternal God, in whom mercy is endless, and the treasury of compassion inexhaustible, look kindly upon us, and increase Your mercy in us, that in difficult moments, we might not despair, nor become despondent, but with great confidence, submit ourselves to Your holy will, which is Love and Mercy Itself. Amen.


The Saint Michael Prayer: {mem}

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 al the evil spirits
who prowl throughout the world, seeking the ruin of souls.
Amen


Anima Christi:  {mem}

Soul of Christ, sanctify me
Body of Christ, save me
Blood of Christ, inebriate me
Water from Christ's side, wash me
Passion of Christ, strengthen me
O good Jesus, hear me
Within Thy wounds hide me
Suffer me not to be separated from Thee
From the malicious enemy defend me
In the hour of my death call me
And bid me come unto Thee
That I may praise Thee with Thy saints
and with Thy angels
forever and ever.
Amen.


The Litany of Humility:

O Jesus! meek and humble of heart, Hear me.
From te desire of being esteemed,
Deliver me, Jesus.

From the desire of being loved . . .
From the desire of being extolled . . .
From the desire of being honored . . .
From the desire of being praised . . .
From the desire of being preferred to others . . .
From the desire of being consulted . . .
From the desire of being approved . . . .
From the fear of being humiliated . . .
From the fear of being despised . . .
From the fear of suffering rebukes . . .
From the fear of being calumniated . . .
From the fear of being forgotten . . .
From the fear of being ridiculed . . .
From the fear of being wronged . . .
From the fear of being suspected . . .
That others may be loved more than I,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.

That others may be esteemed more than I . . .
That, in the opinion of the world,
others may increase and I may decrease . . .
That others may be chosen and I set aside . . .
That others may be praised and I unnoticed . . .
That others may be preferred to me in everything . . .
That others may become holier than I, provided that I may become as holy as I should . . .



Morning Offering:

Dear Lord, I do not know what will happen to me today.  I only know that nothing will happen that was not foreseen by You, and directed to my greater good from all eternity.  I adore Your holy and unfathomable plans, and submit to them with all my heart for love of You, the Pope, and the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Amen



Evening Prayer:

Thanks, my God, for the day that is ending, thanks for the coming night.
Bring sleep to the weary, bring repose to those I love, and give me rest until tomorrow.
All was not fine, perfect and beautiful today.
Give me strength to do better tomorrow.
In this day that is ending I have not been what I should have been.
Make me better, my God, less harsh towards others, more gentle, more patient.
Make me too, more determined, more demanding of myself, more truthful in speaking,
more faithful in my promises, more active in my work, more obedient and more submissive;
let me be cheerful, too, and may tomorrow be a finer, fuller day than this.
Thanks, my God, for the day that is ending, thanks for the coming night.
Bring sleep to the weary. bring repose to those I love, and give me rest until tomorrow.

O Sacrament Most Holy:  [Prayed before and during Communion]   {mem}

O Sacrament most Holy,

O Sacrament Divine,

All praise and all thanksgiving,

Be every moment Thine.

Prayer While Visiting the Most Blessed Sacrament:

My Lord Jesus Christ, for the love which You bear to men, You remain night and day in this Sacrament full of compassion and of love, awaiting, calling, and welcoming all who come to visit You.  I believe that You are present in the Sacrament of the Altar.  I adore You from the abyss of my nothingness, and I thank You for all the graces which You have bestowed upon me and in particular for having given me Yourself in this Sacrament, for having given me Your holy Mother Mary for my advocate, and for having called me to visit You in this chapel.  I now salute Your most loving Heart; and this for three ends:

    1.  In thanksgiving for this great gift;
    2.  To make amends to You for all the outrages which You receive in this Sacrament from all Your 
         enemies;
    3.  I intend by this visit to adore You in all the places on earth in which You are the least revered 
         and the most abandoned.

My Jesus, I love You with all my heart, I grieve for having so many times offended Your infinite goodness.  I promise with Your grace never more to offend You in the future.
Now, miserable and unworthy though I be, I consecrate myself to You without reserve;
I give You my entire will, my affections, my desires, and all that I possess.   From now on dispose of me and of all that I have as You please.  All that I ask of You and desire is Your holy love, final perseverance, and the perfect accomplishment of Your will.  I recommend to You the souls in purgatory; but especially those who had the greatest devotion to the most Blessed Sacrament and to the Blessed Virgin Mary.  I also recommend to You all poor sinners.

My dear Saviour, I unite all my affections with the affections of Your most loving Heart; and I offer them, thus united, to Your eternal Father, and beseech Him in Your name to vouchsafe, for Your love, to accept them.
Amen.



The Memorare:

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided.  Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful.  O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me.
Amen

Guardian Angel Prayer:

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



Grace Before Meals:

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




Daily Intentions:

O my God!  I offer you all my prayers, works, and sufferings of this day, in union with the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, for the following intentions:

    Sunday--To obtain a true spirit of zeal, religion, and piety.  For the success of priests' work, and the     spiritual welfare of those entrusted to their care.

    Monday--Spirit of meekness and humility.  Souls in purgatory, and Religious communities.

    Tuesday--Spirit of Faith. Relatives, friends, and benefactors.

    Wednesday--Spirit of Charity. The sick, dying, suffering, poor, and those who care for them.

    Thursday--Love of the Holy Eucharist. Vocations to the Priesthood; conversion of            
    unbelievers; needs of missionaries.

    Friday--Spirit of mortification and self-sacrifice. Conversion of sinners.

    Saturday--Love of chastity and of the Blessed Virgin. Schools and teachers; children and
    youth.

    [Add your own private intentions to those suggested above.]

------------------------------//------------------------------

FRANCISCAN PRAYERS

[I have always felt drawn to St. Francis of Assisi, whom I greatly admire.]

Peace Prayer:

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.

Where there is hatred, let me sow love.

Where there is injury, pardon;

Where there is discord, union;

Where there is doubt, faith;

Where there is error, truth;

Where there is despair, hope;

Where there is darkness, light;

Where there is sadness, joy.

The Canticle of the Creatures:

Most High, all-powerful, good Lord,

You are the praises,

the glory, and the honor, and all blessing.

To You alone, Most High, do they belong,

and no human is worthy to mention Your name.

Praised buy You, my Lord, with all Your creatures,

especially Sir Brother Son, who is the day and through whom You give us light.

And he is beautiful and radiant with great splendor; 

and bears a likeness of You, Most High One.

Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars,

in heaven You formed them clear and precious and beautiful.

Praised be You, my Lord, through Brother Wind,

and through the air, cloudy and serene, and every kind of weather,

through whom You give sustenance to Your creatures.

Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Water,

who is very useful and humble and precious and chaste.

Praised be You, my Lord, through Brother Fire, 

through whom You light the night,

and he is beautiful and playful and robust and strong.

Praised be You, my Lord, through our Sister Mother Earth,

who sustains and governs us,

and who produces various fruit with colored flowers and herbs.

Praised be You, my Lord,

through those who give pardon for Your love,

and bear infirmity and tribulation.

Blessed are those who endure in peace for by You,

Most High, shall they be crowned.

Praised be You, my Lord, through our Sister Bodily Death,

from whom no one living can escape.  Woe to those who die in mortal sin.

Blessed are those whom death will find in Your most holy will,

for the second death shall do them no harm.

Praise and bless my Lord and give Him thanks and serve Him with great humility.

Blessing of Saint Francis:

May the Lord bless you.

May the Lord keep you.

May He show His face to you and have mercy.  May He turn to you His countenance and give you peace.

The Lord bless you.

Prayer for Enlightenment:

Almighty, eternal, just, and merciful God,

grant us in our misery [the grace] to do for You alone what we know You want us to do, and always to desire what pleases You.

Thus, inwardly cleansed, interiorly enlightened, and inflamed by the fire of the Holy Spirit, may we be able to follow in the footprints of Your beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.

And, by Your grace alone, may we make our way to You, Most High, Who live and rule in perfect Trinity and simple Unity, and are glorified God all-powerful forever and ever.

Amen

------------------------------//------------------------------

LESS COMMON CATHOLIC PRAYERS

[Though these are perhaps not the most traditional prayers of our Church, I have found great comfort in them from time to time.]

Desperation:

Saint Anselm of Canterbury (ca. 1033-1109)

I am desperate for your love, Lord. My heart is aflame with fervent passion. When I remember the good things you have done, my heart burns with desire to embrace you. I thirst for you; I hunger for you; I long for you; I sigh for you. I am jealous of your love. What shall I say to you? What can I do for you? Where shall I seek you? I am sick for your love. The joy of my heart turns to dust. My happy laughter is reduced to ashes. I want you. I hope for you. My soul is like a widow, bereft of you. Turn to me, and see my tears. Come now, Lord, and I will be comforted. Show me your face, and I shall be saved. Enter my room, and I shall be satisfied. Reveal your beauty, and my joy will be complete.

Fear:

Saint Anselm of Canterbury (ca. 1033-l109)

I am frightened of living, Lord. My whole life seems sinful and sterile. Any fruits I bear are either false or rotten. Nothing I do seems pleasing to you. I am a barren tree that deserves to be chopped down, cut up and burnt. I bear only the sharp and bitter thorns of sin. If only those thorns could prick me into repentance. Inside me my conscience bums. I dare not show myself, yet I have nowhere to hide. What will happen to me? Who will protect me from your wrath? Where can I find safety? Lord, you are my judge in whose hands I tremble. Yet you also are the one who can save me. Though I fear you, I trust you. Though I want to flee you, I flee towards you. Jesus, Jesus, deal with me according to your love. Jesus, Jesus, forget the sin by which I have provoked you, and see only the misery which invokes you. Most kind Lord, confirm in me all that belongs to you, and cast away all that is alien to you.

Litany of St. Joseph's:

Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.

Christ, hear us.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.

God the Father of Heaven,
have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world,

God the Holy Spirit, Holy Trinity, one God,

Holy Mary,
pray for us.
Saint Joseph,
Renowned offspring of David,
Light of patriarchs,
Spouse of the Mother of God,
Chaste guardian of the Virgin,

Foster-father of the Son of God,
Diligent protector of Christ,
Head of the holy family,
Joseph most just,
Joseph most chaste,
Joseph most prudent,
Joseph most brave,
Joseph most obedient,
Joseph most faithful,
Mirror of patience,
Lover of poverty,
Model of artisans,
Glory of home life,
Guardian of virgins,
Pillar of families,
Solace of the wretched,
Hope of the sick,

Patron of the dying,
Terror of demons,
Protector of the holy Church,

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.

V. He made him lord of His House.
R. And ruler of all His possessions.

Let us pray. O God, who in your unspeakable providence deigned to choose blessed Joseph to be the spouse of your own most holy Mother: grant, we beseech you, that we may deserve to have him as our intercessor in heaven, whom we venerate on earth as our protector: Who lives and reigns world without end. Amen.

Here is a link to Catholicity's catalog of many, many Catholic prayers.  You'll no doubt find one for every need or occasion!

Catholicity's Catalog of Catholic Prayers

BLESSINGS

There is some question about whether or under what circumstances a layperson may bless another.  I have read a lot on the subject and found that there are two guidelines that seem to me to be sensible:

1.) We can, and perhaps even should, bless those things and people we have authority over--meals, children, etc., and,

2.)  Blessing others is fine, as long as you are actually asking God to bless them, as in:  "May the Lord bless and protect you."  This is, incidentally, a blessing I constantly (often to their embarrassment) give my children when they're leaving the house, "May the Lord bless and protect you as you travel and bring you back home safely to us"; or, when they're going off to bed, "May the Lord bless and protect you as you sleep."  Also, I have given my children blessings as the Sign of Peace in Mass.

The USCCB web-site includes this passage quoted from the excellent book, Catholic Household Prayers and Blessings:

" . . . there are other blessings, like the ones contained in Catholic Household Blessings and Prayers, that can be prayed by anyone who has been baptized, 'in virtue of the universal priesthood, a dignity they possess because of their baptism and confirmation' (Book of Blessings, no. 18).  The blessings given by laypersons are exercised because of their special office, such as parents on behalf of their children.

Right after telling His disciples to 'Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you," Jesus instructs them to 'bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you' (Lk 6:28).  St. Paul echoes the Lord's command when he exhorts the Romans to 'bless those who persecute [you], bless and do not curse them' (Rom 12:14).  St. Peter urges that each time we are on the receiving end of evil, we should return "a blessing, because to this you were called to be a "blessing," and to bless' (no. 1669; see Gn 12:2; Lk 6:28; Rom 12:14; 1 Pt 3:9)."

Below are some common Catholic Blessings:

Blessing to Celebrate a Birthday:

Lord Jesus, our brother,
You love us all,
and have a special love for the young.
Bless N. on his/her birthday, 
and help him/her to be happy
and always pleasing to You.

Bless us all, Lord Jesus,
as we celebrate on this happy occasion.

Jesus, You are our Lord for ever and ever.

Amen

Blessing at a Catholic Meeting:

Heavenly Father, bless us as we come together in Your Name.
Send the Spirit of Jesus into our hearts to guide us in our discussions
for the good of all.

Father, we ask this grace through our Lord, Your Son, Jesus Christ.

Amen