PRAYERS FOR YOUR CELEBRATION
Prayers of the Faithful for Benefactors
Many acts of generosity remain unseen: a quiet donation, a meal delivered, or hours spent repairing a community building. These intentions give thanks for that service without turning prayer into a donor roll or fundraising appeal. They also remember people who want to help but have little to give. Use the set at a parish thanksgiving Mass or adapt its benefactor petition within another celebration. If a person or organisation will be named, confirm the wording and permission first. Keep any announcement of a campaign, amount raised, or sponsorship arrangement outside the intercessions.
THE UNIVERSAL PRAYER
Prayers of the Faithful for Benefactors
PRIEST · INTRODUCTION
Grateful for the generosity we have received, let us ask God to care for all his people.
Lord, hear our prayer.
For the Church and her charitable works, that God may grant faithful stewardship and preserve the dignity of everyone who seeks help.
We pray to the Lord.
For those entrusted with public resources, that the Lord may guide their decisions towards communities whose needs have long been overlooked.
We pray to the Lord.
For people ashamed to ask for assistance, that God may open a safe path to practical help and understanding companions.
We pray to the Lord.
For our benefactors, donors, and volunteers, that the Lord may bless their generosity and sustain them in their own times of need.
We pray to the Lord.
For deceased benefactors and all who served this community before us, that God may receive them into lasting peace.
We pray to the Lord.
For our parish, that the Holy Spirit may teach us to give freely and receive the gifts of others with gratitude.
We pray to the Lord.
PRIEST · CONCLUDING PRAYER
Generous Father, receive our thanksgiving and these prayers. Make our gifts a source of help and hope. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Thank people without ranking their gifts
A collective phrase such as “our benefactors and volunteers” recognises financial gifts, practical work, and faithful service together. Public prayer need not identify how much anyone gave.
Keep appeals separate from prayer
Place details about a collection, project deadline, or fundraising target in the notices. In the intentions, ask for the people involved and those the project will serve.
PRACTICAL GUIDANCE
Preparing these prayers.
Can we name a benefactor?
With permission and parish agreement, use a brief name or collective description. Avoid a list that overshadows the needs of the wider Church.
What if a donor wants to remain anonymous?
Keep the gift and the person unnamed. “For those whose generosity is known to God alone” is enough; confidentiality should not be lost in a public prayer.
Are these only for financial donors?
No. Include people who give time, skills, hospitality, and encouragement. Someone with little money can still be an important benefactor of the community.
