Why offer a Mass intention?
A Mass intention is a request to a priest to offer Holy Mass for a particular purpose – for a specific living or deceased person, in thanksgiving, for some grace. Every Mass is the sacrifice of Christ for the whole Church and the world, and at the same time it may be offered for a particular intention of one of the faithful. The Catechism reminds us that the Eucharist is offered “in reparation for the sins of the living and the dead” and to obtain spiritual and temporal benefits from God (CCC 1414).
By dedicating a Mass to a specific purpose, the Church intercedes for the living (e.g., healing, birthdays, wedding anniversaries), the dead (praying for the Holy souls in purgatory), and offers thanksgiving.
Your Mass intentions
Please check with the Parish Office regarding scheduling your intentions. We can only offer one intention per Mass. $20 suggested offering for an announced intention, or $10 for an unannounced intention. We also offer a Mass card if you would like one.
The Church's norms in a nutshell
Requesting Masses is governed by the Code of Canon Law (cann. 945–958). The main principles are:
Many fruits and graces
Many fruits and graces result from having a Mass said. This tradition has been passed on for centuries precisely because of the many spiritual fruits yielded by this form of prayer. St. John Paul II emphasized the graces that come when a Mass is offered: "The Church believes that she will be heard, for she prays in union with Christ her Head and Spouse, who takes up this plea of His Bride and joins it to His own redemptive sacrifice."
Contact us
To request a Mass intention or for any questions, please contact the Parish Office.
[email protected]
Our office hours are Monday to Friday, 9AM to 5PM.
Sources
A Mass intention is a request to a priest to offer Holy Mass for a particular purpose – for a specific living or deceased person, in thanksgiving, for some grace. Every Mass is the sacrifice of Christ for the whole Church and the world, and at the same time it may be offered for a particular intention of one of the faithful. The Catechism reminds us that the Eucharist is offered “in reparation for the sins of the living and the dead” and to obtain spiritual and temporal benefits from God (CCC 1414).
By dedicating a Mass to a specific purpose, the Church intercedes for the living (e.g., healing, birthdays, wedding anniversaries), the dead (praying for the Holy souls in purgatory), and offers thanksgiving.
- For the repose of a soul
- In thanksgiving
- For special intentions (birthdays, graduations, wedding anniversaries)
- For other intentions (healing, etc.)
Your Mass intentions
Please check with the Parish Office regarding scheduling your intentions. We can only offer one intention per Mass. $20 suggested offering for an announced intention, or $10 for an unannounced intention. We also offer a Mass card if you would like one.
The Church's norms in a nutshell
Requesting Masses is governed by the Code of Canon Law (cann. 945–958). The main principles are:
- a priest may offer Mass for anyone, living or dead (can. 901),
- the faithful may make an offering when asking for a Mass for their intention; priests are encouraged to celebrate Masses also for the intentions of the poor, without an offering (can. 945),
- the offering supports the Church and the maintenance of its clergy (can. 946); even the appearance of trading must be avoided (can. 947),
- a separate Mass is celebrated for each offering accepted, for the intention given (can. 948),
- the amount of the customary offering is set by the provincial council or meeting of bishops (can. 952),
- no one may accept more intentions than they can satisfy within a year; the surplus may be passed on to other priests (cann. 953–955),
- the parish keeps a book in which the intentions accepted, the offerings and the celebration of the Masses are recorded (can. 958).
Many fruits and graces
Many fruits and graces result from having a Mass said. This tradition has been passed on for centuries precisely because of the many spiritual fruits yielded by this form of prayer. St. John Paul II emphasized the graces that come when a Mass is offered: "The Church believes that she will be heard, for she prays in union with Christ her Head and Spouse, who takes up this plea of His Bride and joins it to His own redemptive sacrifice."
Contact us
To request a Mass intention or for any questions, please contact the Parish Office.
[email protected]
Our office hours are Monday to Friday, 9AM to 5PM.
Sources
Can I request a Holy Mass for my own intention?
Yes. You may ask for a Mass for yourself – for health, for light in a decision, in thanksgiving for graces. Simply put your own name in the intention.
Can a non-believer or non-practising person request a Mass intention?
Yes. We do not ask about parish membership or religious practice. Just give the intention and an e-mail address for the confirmation.
Can I commend several people in one intention?
Yes, if they form one intention, e.g. “For our late parents, John and Mary” or “For God's blessing on the whole Smith family”.
Two quite different matters are better requested as two separate Masses.
Two quite different matters are better requested as two separate Masses.
