After profession of the Creed, the Priest leads the people in the Universal Prayer, also called the Prayer of the Faithful.  

It is universal in that the whole Church is united and offering the prayer that is being said.  This is why it is not appropriate for individual members of the parish to speak or add their individual petitions.

It is a single prayer that includes a number of intentions, not a collection of several prayers.  This is why in response, the people say: Lord hear or prayer (not our prayers);

It is intended that each parish include petitions meeting the times and needs of the community.