Q. What determines if the petitions are read at daily Mass? Is it the priest’s decision?
A. Great question. Thank you for asking it. The inclusion of petitions at daily Mass is largely left to the local priest’s discretion.
The General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) governs the structuring and celebration of the Mass and provides direction for the Prayers of the Faithful, also called the Universal Prayer.
Paragraph 69 says, “It is desirable that there usually be such a form of prayer in Masses celebrated with the people.” This is taken from the Second Vatican Council’s Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy Sacrosanctum Concilium, no. 53.
While the instruction says it is desirable, it seems to imply that they are not required. Thus, some priests will include prayers of the faithful at daily Mass, and some do not. It is at the discretion of the priest celebrating Mass.
The Prayers of the Faithful are usually hierarchical in nature and will follow a pattern similar to the following: the needs of the Church; for public authorities and the salvation of the whole world; for those burdened by any kind of difficulty; for the local community.
At Masses of a particular celebration such as confirmation, a marriage, or a funeral, the petitions can be more specific according to the needs and circumstances. The priest introduces and concludes the Prayers of the Faithful, and the congregation is asked to respond and give expression to each of the prayers by an invocation after each intention. When drafted thoughtfully, the prayers of the faithful can be an eloquent plea for the needs of God’s people.
This question was answered by a priest of the Diocese of Lincoln. Write to Ask the Register using our online form, or write to 3700 Sheridan Blvd., Suite 10, Lincoln NE 68506-6100. All questions are subject to editing. Editors decide which questions to publish. Personal questions cannot be answered. People with such questions are urged to take them to their nearest Catholic priest.
