Universal Prayers for Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord, Cycle A

March 22, 2026

Sunday and Feast Day Universal Prayers

Suggestions for Leading Worship

Office of Worship

P.O. Box 2028

Baton Rouge, LA 70821-2028

Phone: (225) 242-0120

E-Mail: [email protected]

SAMPLE UNIVERSAL PRAYERS

Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord, Cycle A

March 28-29, 2026

Priest: Our Lord humbled himself to become human like us that he might be our help in times of trouble and hasten to aid us in our distress. Let us offer our prayers to our Savior who is never far from us.

Deacon (or other reader if there is no deacon):

For the Church, that all Christians may be blessed with well-trained tongues that we might know how to speak to the weary a word that will give them hope, we pray to the Lord...

For leaders of nations, that they may heed the prophetic voices of those calling for social justice and respect for the dignity of every person, we pray to the Lord...

For our elect and candidates for full communion, that their faith may continue to grow and deepen as they enter into their final preparations for the sacraments, we pray to the Lord…

For those carrying the cross of depression, anxiety, or addiction, that they may allow Jesus to shoulder their burdens and to lead them to new hope and life in him, we pray to the Lord...

For those suffering from illness, that our merciful Lord may grant them healing in body, mind, and spirit, we pray to the Lord…

For all who have died, especially [add deceased names or “parishioners of” (add your parish name)], and the intentions of this mass [add mass intentions], may they witness the Great Light, Jesus Christ, in his eternal glory, we pray to the Lord...

In silence, we pray for own needs and the needs of others, confident in the promise of the kingdom… [pause; the presider alone concludes…]

Priest: Heavenly Father, your love for us is so vast and so deep. Open our hearts to walk more devoutly with Jesus on the way of the Cross, to the coming glory of the resurrection. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

LITURGY NEWS AND NOTES:

Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord, Cycle A

March 28-29, 2026

Texts are found in the Holy Week section of the RM that follows the Saturday of the 5^th of Lent.
Gather for the main procession at a place apart from the main worship space – ideally outside.
The priest and the deacon wear red vestments, the priest may wear a chasable, or he may wear a cope and then change into a chasuble when the procession over.
All Masses include one of the three forms of the procession: the procession, the solemn entrance, or the simple entrance. The main procession and the solemn entrance include the proclamation of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem.
The first form of the procession is more elaborate and should be done at the principal Mass. The solemn procession entrance is used if the main procession cannot take place outside. The simple procession is used at all other Masses.
All sing a setting of “Hosanna” while the processions convene. Another hymn, such as “All Glory, Lord and Honor” or “Jerusalem, My Destiny” may accompany the processing to the altar.
The RM includes special instructions for the proclamation of the Lord’s passion. It is to be used without incense and there is to be no greeting.
The processional cross may be decorated with palm branches. You might choose to add a few red flowers. Use eco-friendly palms.
Once the procession with palms reaches the altar, the collect begins. The Kyrie may or may not be omitted before the collect; however, the Penitential Act does not precede the Kyrie.
Although the LMC includes the proclamation of the Gospel for the blessing of the palms, it is very unlikely that this would take place separately with children. Instead children may remain with their parents for the blessing of the palms and then depart for their own liturgy of the Word after the collect as usual.
It is customary in many places to have several people participate in the reading of the passion, not just the priest and deacon. The part of Christ should, however, if possible be read by the priest. Only a deacon asks for the blessing of the priest before reading the passion, as he does before reading the Gospel. There should be a brief homily after the Gospel.
The creed and the UP take place as usual. Use any collect from the 5^th week of Lent to conclude the UP.
The preface is proper and is found among the pages in the missal for Palm Sunday. Consider using EPR-I and use the proper POP.
Taking place this week…
Holy Week starts 3/29/26.
Passover begins 4/1/26.