White Mass Planning Resources
History of White Mass
The tradition of the White Mass in the United States finds its origins in the development of the national Catholic Medical Association in the early 1930s. From its inception, the medical profession has been understood as a healing profession, a way in which Christ’s work continues upon the earth. Moreover, since the apparitions at Lourdes in the late 19th century,  the plight of the infirmed- and those who care for them- have taken on renewed appreciation in participating in the mysteries of Christ’s own life. The White Mass, so named by the color worn by those in the healing profession of medicine, gathers health care professionals under the patronage of St. Luke to ask God’s blessing upon the patient doctor,  nurse, and caregiver alike.

Sample Prayers of the Faithful
Presider:  As we gather together for this White Mass, we turn towards our Holy Father in trust and offer Him the following prayers and petitions:
Lector: Our response is: Lord, hear our prayer.
For all who hold and teach the Catholic faith: that they will more closely unite themselves with Jesus Christ, the High Priest, as they seek to serve those entrusted to their care. We pray to the Lord: Lord, hear our prayer.
For the sick and hospitalized: that they may feel the healing power of Christ and find comfort and hope in His constant presence. We pray to the Lord: Lord, hear our prayer.
For all Catholic healthcare workers: may they be a light to others and a testament to the Word as they live their faith and care for their patients. We pray to the Lord: Lord, hear our prayer.
For all students in the healthcare professions: that their studies may be motivated by pure desires to be the hands of Christ and to offer healing and hope to those who are ill. We prayer to the Lord: Lord, hear our prayer.
For the uninsured and those who do not have adequate access to healthcare:  that we may respond to their needs with love and compassion and seek creative solutions to bring healing to all. We pray to the Lord: Lord, hear our prayer.
For the vulnerable and marginalized in society, including those with mental and physical handicaps: may they always be treated with dignity and respect as children of God. We pray to the Lord: Lord, hear our prayer.
For administrators and government leaders: that they may work to enact legislation and policies compatible with the fundamental ethical and social
teachings of our Church, defending the sanctity of human life from conception to natural death. We pray to the Lord: Lord, hear our prayer.
For hospital chaplains and those who care for the spiritual needs of the sick: that they may offer words of wisdom and truth and be a warming presence to all those who are ill. We pray to the Lord: Lord, hear our prayer.
For these prayers and for those special intentions we hold in the silence of our hearts. We pray to the Lord: Lord, hear our prayer.

Catholic physician annual promises
Moderator: In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
All: Amen.
Moderator: Lord God, our Father and Creator, we ask You to look with favor upon Your servants gathered here today to pledge themselves to Your service as Catholic physicians. We ask You to forgive their sins, enlighten their minds, strengthen their wills, and open their hearts to Your grace.
Catholic physicians, you are called to imitate Christ, the Divine Physician, to make your work His work and His work yours, to dedicate yourselves to the needs of your patients, keeping all financial and political interests secondary to the I personal needs of each patient. Do you accept the responsibilities of your apostolate?
Physicians: We do.
Moderator: Do you promise to embrace the Spirit of poverty, giving of your
time, professional skill, and material goods for those in need?
Physicians: We do.
Moderator: Do you promise to live chastely according to your state in life,  especially in regard to your patients, who trustingly place themselves in your care?
Physicians: We do.
Moderator: Do you promise to adhere faithfully to the teachings of the Holy Father and the Bishops united with him, in makers of faith and morals,  especially as related to the science and practice of medicine?
Physicians: We do.
Moderator: Do you promise to work together with other Catholic physicians with mutual support and understanding and to bring them to the apostolate?
Physicians: We do.
Moderator: Do you promise to support the work of the Catholic Physicians’
Guild and to pray for all Catholic physicians?
Physicians: We do.
Moderator: May Our Lord strengthen you in the fulfillment of these promises. We pray this through Christ our Lord.
All: Amen.