Days and Weeks of Prayer

Throughout the year, the Catholic Church celebrates many days of prayer - some are international days founded by the Vatican, others are national days of prayer for England and Wales.

We sometimes mark weeks of prayer, and, on occasion, a full month of prayer. Previous events of this nature will appear here too.

World Day of the Sick 2021

The Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, 11 February, is traditionally the day we set aside to pray for the sick and to give thanks for the tireless work of our carers and healthcare professionals.

Peace Sunday 2020

The Second Sunday of Ordinary Time - 19 January 2020 - is the day set aside for Peace Sunday in England and Wales.

November Novena

November is the month when Catholics traditionally remember loved ones who have died and offer services and support to those who have been bereaved.

Prayer for the Nation

As part of our desire to stay faithful to daily patterns of prayer, we're encouraged to come together at 6pm every day to pray - pray privately, pray together at home, pray without ceasing.

Rosary Whirlwind British Isles

Many Catholic churches and cathedrals across England and Wales are using the month of October to take part in a national rosary mission titled ‘Rosary Whirlwind British Isles’.

Sunday of the Word of God 2019

On the Feast of St Jerome in 2019, Pope Francis issued a ‘Motu Proprio” instituting the Sunday of the Word of God.

St Josephine Bakhita Day 2021

Monday 8 February is the Feast Day of St Josephine Bakhita – the patron saint of victims of modern slavery and human trafficking.

International Day of Prayer for Eastern Christians

In their Spring plenary meeting, the Bishops of England and Wales expressed their support for the International Day of Prayer for Eastern Christians that is celebrated this year on Sunday, 14 May.

World Communications Day

The theme for this year's World Day of Social Communications, chosen by Pope Francis, is 'Artificial Intelligence and the Wisdom of the Heart: Towards a Fully Human Communication'. Full message, prayers, resources and more here.

National Youth Sunday 2020

National Youth Sunday is a unique opportunity to celebrate the role and significance of young people in the Catholic Church in England and Wales today.

Sea Sunday

Every year churches around the world celebrate Sea Sunday. It is a day for people to come together to pray for seafarers and fishers, and thank them for the vital role they play in all of our lives.

Vocations Sunday 2020

The Day of Prayer for Vocations - also known as Vocations Sunday - this year will be celebrated on 3 May 2020.

Week of Prayer for China

Cardinal Charles Bo, President of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences, has called on the faithful to engage in a Week of Prayer for the Church and people of China from Sunday, 21 May – Sunday, 28 May 2023.

International Day for People with Disabilities 2020

Thursday 3 December is the International Day for People with Disabilities and to mark it the Church is promoting a time of universal prayer.

Youth Sunday 2019

National Youth Sunday is a unique opportunity to celebrate the role and significance of young people in the Catholic Church in England and Wales today.

Journeying Together

CYMFed, the Catholic Youth Ministry Federation of England and Wales, is hosting a series of online talks for the youth ministry community featuring expert speakers from across the globe.