Mass Intention Instruction
Recently, I have noticed more requests for Mass intentions
for “the poor souls in purgatory,” at both Masses in English and Spanish. I would
like to clarify the church’s teaching on the purpose of the celebration of Mass and
why a particular intention for “the poor souls” is not necessary. Each Mass includes
such an intention every time we celebrate.
First, let me say that Mass intentions for deceased loved ones has a long history.
Praying for the dead has been encouraged since before the time of Christ (in the Old Testament
in The Book of Maccabees 12:38-46). And, each of the Eucharistic Prayers, from the early
church, include a special intercession for those who have died.
In the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM), it states that one of the main parts
of the Eucharistic prayer is as follows: “The intercessions, by which expression is given to the
fact that the Eucharist is celebrated in communion with the whole Church, of both heaven and
of earth, and that the oblation is made for her and for all her members, living and dead, who
are called to participate in the redemption and salvation purchased by the Body and Blood of
Christ,” (GIRM #79)
One author writes: “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,” (Father William Saunders
at Catholic Education Resource Center, www.catholiceducation.org.)
In addition to a request to have Mass “offered” for a deceased loved one, there is good reason
to request Mass to be offered in thanksgiving on a birthday, or an anniversary of marriage
or ordination. Every Sunday, or at a Saturday evening vigil Mass, a parish must celebrate one
Mass for the living and deceased member of the parish. And, it is always the intention of the
priest to offer the Mass in union with the whole Church and for the good of the whole Church.
St. Willebrord, like every parish, has a special book in which we reserve Mass intentions
both at weekday Masses and Saturday Vigil and Sunday Masses. You may call and reserve a
date a time, up to a year in advance. We encourage you to make such a reservation as soon as
you are able. It is customary to offer a “stipend” to the parish, that is, a donation. Such a donation
is not required for an intention. It is one way by which the parish receives support for her
ministry.
Peace, Fr. Andy