- Prayer and Worship - Beliefs and Teachings - Issues and Action
- Catholic Giving - About USCCB The inauguration of a public
official is normally a civic function, at which representatives
of various religious traditions may be invited to offer public
prayers. St. Paul writes, "I ask that supplications, prayers,
petitions, and thanksgivings be offered for everyone, for kings
and for all in authority, that we may lead a quiet and tranquil
life in all devotion and dignity" (1 Timothy 2:1–2).It is,
therefore, appropriate to offer prayers in liturgical settings
for our civic leaders, as the prayers of the needs of the
faithful and the world are lifted up and offered to the Lord.The
inauguration of the President of the United States is a
particularly significant moment which draws the attention of all
citizens of our land.It is fitting that the prayer of the
Church, particularly gathered at the Eucharist, be attuned to
the occasion. January 20, Inauguration Day, is usually observed
as a weekday in the Second Week