Latin Resources
Learning a little Latin can be a beautiful way to deepen your prayer life and feel more connected to the living tradition of the Church. Latin has been the language of Catholic worship for over a thousand years, a constant thread running through the Mass, the prayers of the saints, and the heritage of faith handed down from generation to generation. To help you explore Latin prayer at your own pace, we will be adding resources that are simple, friendly, and suitable for everyone, whether you are brand new or already familiar with Latin.
Learning Latin at St Paul’s RC Church helps ensure that everyone feels welcome.
Latin is the universal language of the Catholic Church, spoken by saints across the centuries and prayed in every nation on earth. We are delighted to invite our parishioners and visitors of all ages to discover this beautiful treasure of our faith. We here at St Paul's have developed a selection of resources which we hope will be the 'mustard seed' to your growth.
- Simple weekly Latin prayers to try at home
- Children’s and youth activities with the Young Flock
- Mass responses and pronunciation guides
- Family activities that nurture unity across generations
Whether you learn one line or an entire prayer, every step is a blessing. No experience is needed, just an open heart and a desire to pray more deeply.
Ecclesiastical Latin Vowels & Diphthongs
Improving pronunciation for confident prayer and liturgy
Vowels
| A | “ah” — Pater — like “father” |
|---|---|
| E | “eh” — Kyrie eleison — like “bet” |
| I | “ee” — Spiritus — like “machine” |
| O | “aw” — Gloria — like “awe” |
| U | “oo” — Agnus — like “book” |
| Y | pronounced like I — Kyrie |
Diphthongs
| AE | “eh” — caelum — like “egg” |
|---|---|
| OE | “eh” — coeli — like “egg” |
| AU | “ow” — laudamus — like “cow” |
| EU | “eh-oo” (joined) — euouae |
Ecclesiastical Latin follows Italian pronunciation, not classical Roman.
Ecclesiastical Latin Pronunciation — Practice & Rules
Speak with confidence during prayer and liturgy
Core Pronunciation Rules
- C before A, O, U = “k” → Corpus, Ecce
- C before E, I = “ch” → Caeli → “Chay-lee”
- G before A, O, U = “g” as in “got” → Gloria
- G before E, I = soft “j” → Regina → “Re-jee-na”
- GN = “ny” → Agnus → “An-yoos”
- TI before a vowel = “tsee” → Gratias → “Gra-tsee-as”
- H is silent → hora, hoc est
- R is lightly rolled (Italian style)
Practice Phrases
| Latin | Breakdown | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Pater noster | PA-ter NOS-ter | Our Father |
| Ave Maria | AH-veh Mah-REE-ah | Hail Mary |
| Gloria Patri | GLO-ree-ah PAH-tree | Glory be to the Father |
| Agnus Dei | AN-yoos DAY-ee | Lamb of God |
| Dominus vobiscum | DO-mee-noos vo-BEE-skoom | The Lord be with you |
| Et cum spiritu tuo | Eht koom SPEE-ree-too TOO-oh | And with your spirit |
| Credo in unum Deum | KRAY-do een OO-noom DAY-oom | I believe in one God |
Speaking Latin aloud builds confidence, but repetition is the key. Practise slowly, and the rhythm of prayer will become natural. Practice as a family to unify your learning.
Beginner Latin Vocabulary for Mass & Prayer
Words you will hear throughout the Sacred Liturgy
| Latin Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Deus | God |
| Dominus | Lord |
| Christus | Christ |
| Sanctus | Holy |
| Spiritus | Spirit |
| Ecclesia | Church |
| Gratia | Grace |
| Pax | Peace |
| Misericordia | Mercy |
| Lux | Light |
| Credo | I believe |
| Gloria | Glory |
| Corpus | Body |
| Sanguis | Blood |
| Verbum | Word |
These foundational words appear in prayers, hymns, Scripture and throughout the Sacred Mass. Recognising them helps deepen participation and understanding.
Oremus — Dominus vobiscum
Brief Introduction to Latin Responses for the Holy Mass
| Priest | People |
|---|---|
| In nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti. | Amen. |
| Dominus vobiscum. | Et cum spiritu tuo. |
| Kyrie eleison. | Kyrie eleison. |
| Christe eleison. | Christe eleison. |
| Orate, fratres... | Suscipiat Dominus sacrificium de manibus tuis... |
| Mysterium fidei. | Mortem tuam annuntiamus, Domine, et tuam resurrectionem confitemur, donec venias. |
| Pax Domini sit semper vobiscum. | Et cum spiritu tuo. |
| Ecce Agnus Dei... | Domine, non sum dignus ut intres sub tectum meum; sed tantum dic verbo, et sanabitur anima mea. |
Saying these responses in prayer, we echo the words of the saints before us and unite our voices with the Church around the world.
Young Flock — Latin Learning Pack
Helping children and young people discover the language of the Church through prayer, play, and the Holy Mass.
Latin is the universal language of the Church. By learning just a few words and prayers, our children and young people can feel more at home in the liturgy and grow in love for Jesus. These simple activities are designed for families, catechists, and our Young Flock group to use together — gently, joyfully, and reverently.
1. Match the Latin Word
Draw lines, point with your finger, or say the answers out loud: can you match each Latin word to its meaning?
| Latin | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Deus | God |
| Dominus | Lord |
| Pax | Peace |
| Lux | Light |
| Ecclesia | Church |
| Sanctus | Holy |
Grown-ups: you can print this out and let children draw lines, colour the words, or add little pictures next to each meaning.
2. Find the Hidden Prayer Phrase
At Mass, the priest says: Dominus vobiscum — “The Lord be with you.” The people answer: Et cum spiritu tuo — “And with your spirit.”
Can you find these words hidden in this list? Circle them if you print this page, or read them out loud when you spot them:
DOMINUS • GLORIA • PAX • VOBISCUM • LUX • ET • CUM • SPIRITU • TUO • DEUS
Tip: ask the children to listen at Mass and raise a quiet hand (or make a small sign of the cross on their chest) when they hear Dominus vobiscum.
3. “Say It Out Loud” Challenge
Try saying each of these slowly and clearly. Adults can help with the pronunciation. The aim is not perfection, but joyful and reverent practice.
| Latin | How to say it (simple guide) |
|---|---|
| In nomine Patris | Een NO-mee-neh PAH-trees |
| Dominus vobiscum | DOH-mee-noos voh-BEE-skoom |
| Et cum spiritu tuo | Et koom SPEE-ree-too TOO-oh |
| Gloria Deo | GLOR-ee-ah DAY-oh |
| Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus | SANK-toos, SANK-toos, SANK-toos |
| Pax Christi | PAHKS KRIS-tee |
Challenge: can you say Dominus vobiscum three times without stumbling — and then whisper it once as a quiet prayer to Jesus?
4. Who Says It at Mass?
Look at each Latin line. Does the priest say it, the people say it, or do we say it together? Talk it through as a family, or let children put P (priest), C (congregation), or B (both).
| Latin line | Who says it? |
|---|---|
| Dominus vobiscum | Priest |
| Et cum spiritu tuo | People |
| Kyrie eleison | People (often together with the priest or cantor) |
| Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus | All together |
| Pacem relinquo vobis (proclaimed in the Gospel) | Priest or deacon |
| Deo gratias | People |
You can turn this into a quiz: read the Latin line out loud and let the children shout “Priest!”, “People!”, or “Both!” (quietly if you are in church!).
5. Try to Pray It — A Simple Latin Prayer
Here is a short Latin prayer that children and young people can learn by heart. Encourage them to say it slowly, thinking of Jesus and trusting in His love.
Domine Iesu,
credo in te,
spero in te,
amo te.
Lord Jesus, I believe in you, I hope in you, I love you.
Children can decorate this prayer on paper, write it in their own handwriting, or keep it by their bed to say before sleep.
6. Young Flock Latin Badge
When children have tried the activities above, you might like to give them a simple “badge” printed, coloured in, or simply said aloud as an encouragement.
Oremus — Dominus vobiscum
St Paul's Young Flock Member Latin Helper
“Let us pray — the Lord be with you.”
Families and catechists can adapt these ideas to suit different ages. The most important thing is that our children come to know that the language of the Church is a language of love, worship, and closeness to Jesus.
Your Journey Into Latin — Gently, Prayerfully, Step by Step
Level 1 — Beginner
Perfect for anyone who is brand new to Latin. These simple prayers can be learnt in a few weeks and used at home or at Mass:
- Sign of the Cross — In nomine Patris…
- Glory Be — Gloria Patri…
- Holy, Holy, Holy — Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus
- Lamb of God — Agnus Dei
Level 2 — Intermediate
Once you’re comfortable with Level 1, try these slightly longer prayers. Don’t rush — one prayer per month is a blessing.
- Our Father — Pater Noster
- Hail Mary — Ave Maria
- Hail, Holy Queen — Salve Regina
- Prayer to St Michael — Sancte Michael Archangele
Level 3 — Advanced
For those ready to deepen their prayer life further. These prayers are profound expressions of our Catholic faith.
- Apostles’ Creed — Credo
- Nicene Creed — Credo in unum Deum
- Confiteor — I confess to Almighty God
- Latin Psalms & Scripture Verses (e.g. Dominus pastor meus — Psalm 23)
There is no pressure, no rush, and no competition. Whether you learn one line or an entire prayer, every word of Latin is a step closer to Christ, united with the whole Church.
Latin Prayer Bookmark
Daily prayers in the universal language of the Church
Sign of the Cross
In nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti. Amen.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Glory Be
Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto.
Sicut erat in principio, et nunc, et semper, et in sæcula sæculorum. Amen.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Our Father
Pater noster, qui es in cælis,
sanctificetur nomen tuum;
adveniat regnum tuum;
fiat voluntas tua,
sicut in cælo et in terra.
Panem nostrum quotidianum da nobis hodie;
et dimitte nobis debita nostra,
sicut et nos dimittimus debitoribus nostris;
et ne nos inducas in tentationem;
sed libera nos a malo. Amen.
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Hail Mary
Ave Maria, gratia plena, Dominus tecum;
benedicta tu in mulieribus,
et benedictus fructus ventris tui, Iesus.
Sancta Maria, Mater Dei,
ora pro nobis peccatoribus,
nunc et in hora mortis nostræ. Amen.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Hail, Holy Queen
Salve, Regina, mater misericordiæ;
vita, dulcedo, et spes nostra, salve.
Ad te clamamus, exsules filii Hevæ.
Ad te suspiramus, gementes et flentes in hac lacrimarum valle.
Eia ergo, advocata nostra, illos tuos misericordes oculos ad nos converte;
et Iesum, benedictum fructum ventris tui, nobis post hoc exsilium ostende.
O clemens, O pia, O dulcis Virgo Maria.
Hail, holy Queen, Mother of mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope. To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve; to thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this vale of tears. Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy towards us; and after this our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.
Fatima Prayer
O mi Iesu, dimitte nobis debita nostra,
libera nos ab igne inferni,
conduc in cælum omnes animas,
præsertim eas, quæ maxime indigent misericordiæ tuæ. Amen.
O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy. Amen.
Prayer to St Michael
Sancte Michael Archangele, defende nos in prælio;
contra nequitiam et insidias diaboli esto præsidium.
Imperet illi Deus, supplices deprecamur:
tuque, Princeps militiæ cælestis,
Satanam aliosque spiritus malignos,
qui ad perditionem animarum pervagantur in mundo,
divina virtute in infernum detrude. Amen.
Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle; be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
Prayer Before Sleep
In manus tuas, Domine, commendo spiritum meum;
redemisti me, Domine, Deus veritatis.
Custodi me hac nocte, et in pace requiescam. Amen.
Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit; you have redeemed me, Lord, God of truth. Guard me this night, that I may rest in peace. Amen.
If you are feeling adventurous, let us try reading the Last Gospel together, the beautiful opening of Saint John’s Gospel that has been prayed for generations at the end of the old Mass.
The Last Gospel
John 1:1–14
Latin
In princípio erat Verbum, et Verbum erat apud Deum, et Deus erat Verbum.
Hoc erat in princípio apud Deum.
Omnia per ipsum facta sunt, et sine ipso factum est nihil quod factum est.
In ipso vita erat, et vita erat lux hóminum;
et lux in ténebris lucet, et ténebræ eam non comprehendérunt.
Fuit homo missus a Deo, cui nomen erat Joánnes.
Hic venit in testimónium, ut testimónium perhibéret de lúmine, ut omnes crédant per illum.
Non erat ille lux, sed ut testimónium perhibéret de lúmine.
Erat lux vera, quæ illúminat omnem hóminem veniéntem in hunc mundum.
In mundo erat, et mundus per ipsum factus est, et mundus eum non cognóvit.
In própria venit, et sui eum non recepérunt.
Quotquot autem recepérunt eum, dedit eis potestátem fílios Dei fíeri, his qui credunt in nómine ejus:
qui non ex sanguínibus, neque ex voluntáte carnis, neque ex voluntáte viri, sed ex Deo nati sunt.
Et Verbum caro factum est, et habitávit in nobis.
(Deo grátias.)
English
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
The same was in the beginning with God.
All things were made through Him, and without Him was made nothing that has been made.
In Him was life, and the life was the light of men;
and the light shines in darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
He came for a witness, to give testimony of the light, that all men might believe through him.
He was not the light, but was to give testimony of the light.
That was the true light, which enlightens every man that comes into this world.
He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not.
He came unto His own, and His own received Him not.
But as many as received Him, He gave them power to become the sons of God, to those who believe in His name;
who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us.
(Thanks be to God.)
First Holy Communion — Latin Prayer Sheet
These simple Latin prayers help children grow in love for Jesus and feel confident during the Holy Mass. Parents are encouraged to pray them slowly with their child.
1. Sign of the Cross
In nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti. Amen.
2. The Mass Greeting
Priest: Dominus vobiscum.
People: Et cum spiritu tuo.
3. Holy, Holy, Holy
Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus, Dominus Deus Sabaoth.
4. Lamb of God
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, miserere nobis.
Children don’t need to memorise everything at once. One line a week, prayed with love, is a beautiful gift to Jesus.
Family Latin Prayer Activity
A simple way for families to pray together each week and learn a little Latin at home — gently and without pressure.
Step 1 — Create a Calm Moment
Light a candle, look at a crucifix or picture of Jesus, and begin with the Sign of the Cross in Latin.
Step 2 — Learn One Line
Parents say a line first, children echo it. Example:
Dominus vobiscum → “The Lord be with you”
Step 3 — Pray It Together
After practising the line, offer it to Jesus as a prayer — not as homework.
Step 4 — Finish With Gratitude
End with the Sign of the Cross and ask each child: “What do you want to thank Jesus for today?”
“If you pray, you are already learning Latin.”