Mass Offering

 Any individual may ask a priest to offer a Mass for several reasons: for example, in thanksgiving, for the intentions of another person (such as on a birthday), or, as is most common, for the repose of the soul of someone who has died. One must never forget the infinite graces that flow from the Sacrifice of the Mass which benefit one’s soul. 

In his encyclical “Ecclesia de Eucharistia,” our beloved late Holy Father, Pope John Paul II, taught, “In the celebration of the Eucharistic Sacrifice, the Church prays that God, the Father of mercies, will grant His children the fullness of the Holy Spirit so that they may become one body and one spirit in Christ. In raising this prayer to the Father of lights, from whom comes every good endowment and every perfect gift, 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” (No. 43). 

When a priest offers Holy Mass, he has three aims in mind: First, to offer the Mass reverently and validly in accord with the norms of the Church. Second, to offer the Mass in union with the whole Church and for the good of the whole Church. Third, to offer the Mass for a particular intention, such as the repose of the soul of someone who has died.  Therefore, the effects of the Mass bring certain benefits or fruits. The general fruits of the Mass are the effects upon the whole Church — to the living faithful as well as the poor souls in purgatory. For this reason, in the Canon of the Mass (the Eucharistic Prayer), a special mention is made for both the living and the dead. The special ministerial fruits of the Mass are applied to the particular intention of the Mass, i.e., “for whom this Mass is offered.” The intention of the Mass is also determined by various factors: The Church may stipulate the intention; for example, all pastors are required to offer one Mass on Sunday for the intentions of the living and deceased parishioners of a parish. A priest may also have his own intention in offering a Mass, such as the repose of the soul of his parents. Finally, a person may ask a priest to offer a Mass for a particular intention. In this case, it is customary to give an offering to the priest who is celebrating the Mass. In so doing, the Faithful have the privilege of joining their own sacrifice to the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass thereby obtaining an even greater abundance of spiritual fruit. 

When we face the death of someone, even a person who is not Catholic, to have a Mass offered for the repose of his soul and to offer our prayers are more beneficial and comforting than any other sympathy card or bouquet of flowers. To have a Mass offered on a birthday, anniversary or special need is appropriate, beneficial, and appreciated. 

You can book Masses at the parish office or contact us to have a Mass offered for your chosen intention.

Benefits of having a Mass said for the departed or living. 

Considering the saving work of Our Lord Jesus Christ, we believe that when a person dies, he faces his particular judgment and must render an account of his life. If that person has died fundamentally believing in God and in a state of grace, but with venial sins and the hurt caused by sin, then God in His divine love and mercy will first purify the soul. After this purification has been completed, the soul will have the holiness and purity needed to share in the beatific vision in heaven. 

Though we often think of having a Mass said for those who have passed away, Masses can be offered for those who are still alive. The Council of Trent says that Mass may be said "for the living and the dead, for sins, punishments, satisfactions, and other necessities." In other words, if you know someone who could benefit from the spiritual graces that come with having a Mass said on their behalf, there is no need to delay in doing so. Pope Benedict said, "The Holy Mass would be of greater profit if people had it offered in their lifetime, rather than having it celebrated for the relief of their souls after death." 

So next time when you can't think of what to get Aunt or Grandpa for their birthday, or maybe you know a young couple about to embark on their journey together in Holy Matrimony or maybe it's someone's anniversary, how about having a Mass said for them? 

Saints Quotes and Sayings about the Holy Mass 

“The celebration of Holy Mass has the same value as the Death of Jesus on the Cross.” -St. Thomas Aquinas

St. Lawrence Justinian: “There is no prayer or good work so great, so pleasing to God, so useful to us as the Mass.” 

St. Bonaventure: “The Mass is a compendium of all God's love, of all His benefits to men, and each Mass bestows on the world a benefit not less than what was conferred on it by the Incarnation." 

The angels surround and help the priest when he is celebrating Mass.~ St. Augustine 

When Mass is being celebrated, the sanctuary is filled with countless angels who adore the divine victim immolated on the altar.  ~ St. John Chrysostom