A Mass intention is prayed at each Mass for a particular person or persons – for the deceased or for the living. The custom of Mass intentions is especially in accordance with the Church’s sacred tradition of praying for the dead. This tradition has its origin in Jewish practice and in Sacred Scripture (see the Second Book of Maccabees 12:39-45).
Mass intentions can be scheduled by contacting the parish office. Mass intentions are recorded in a parish calendar, and twice each year, we begin scheduling Mass intentions for the following half of the calendar year. Announcements of these calendar “openings” are made in advance in the parish bulletin.
The number of Mass intentions that may be reserved at any given time or for any given semi-annual period is determined by the pastor in accordance with overall availability and fairness, and thus may be subject to change. When scheduling a Mass intention, it is necessary to provide the name of the deceased, the date or approximate date requested, the name of the one requesting the intention, and the requesting person’s telephone number, for the rare event of a change in the Mass schedule.
Since Church law requires separate Masses to be offered for intentions tied to separate offerings, we cannot take a Mass intention request for a Mass that has already been reserved by another party. Further, it is our parish policy that each Mass intention be limited to names of no more than three individuals. You are welcome to call or visit the parish office to make your Mass intention. The suggested offering for a Mass Intention is $10.
Mass Cards:
Mass Cards are available in the parish office. It is a Catholic tradition to give these cards to the family of the deceased at the funeral home or any time afterward. These cards may also be given to the living person for whom the Mass is offered. The card serves to inform the family or person of the date and time of the Mass being offered, for whom the intention is being offered, and to allow the sender to write a personal expression or sentiment or sympathy.