Intentions & Prayer Requests

Mass Intention Form (print)

Why Request a Mass Intention?

Prayer is one of the most powerful ways we can support others. Joining together in prayer for the living and the dead entrusts us all into God's care.

• Request a mass intention for a friend or family member who is going through a tough time
• Request a mass intention for a friend or family member who has passed away

What Is a Mass Intention?

A Mass intention is a specific petition for which the Mass is offered. Mass intentions can be requested on behalf of another living person—for example, the healing of someone sick or to commemorate a wedding anniversary. However, Mass intentions are most commonly offered in remembrance of a person who has died.

Offering a Mass For the Deceased 

It may seem counterintuitive to offer a Mass intention for a person who has died, as their time on earth is finished. However, the practice of offering Mass intentions for the deceased relates to the Catholic belief in purgatory. 

As Catholics, we believe souls who die in a state of sin go through a purification process before entering heaven. We offer Masses for our deceased loved ones to aid them in their journeys to heaven. We pray with hope that the graces imparted by the Mass will usher them further towards eternity with God.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states: “From the beginning, the Church has honored the memory of the dead and offered prayers in suffrage for them, above all the Eucharistic sacrifice, so that, thus purified, they may attain the beatific vision of God” (CCC 1032).

It is especially important to pray for the dead, as they can no longer pray for themselves. Pope Francis said that offering the celebration of the Eucharist for the dead “is the best spiritual help that we can give to their souls, particularly to the most abandoned ones.” 
(https://stories.svdmissions.org/the-mission-post/understanding-the-grace-that-comes-with-a-mass-intention)