Celebrating mass is a beautiful act of
faith in the power of the Eucharist. Through the hands, the words of the priest
and prayer of the people gathered, the prayer intention is presented to the
Father in a very special way. An offering to the mass is a way to participate
in the life of the Church.
The Intention
One may celebrate mass for young married couples, for
new priests, for the dead, for the sick, for relatives, for a friend, for
oneself, for the life of the world, for the life of the Church …
One may also celebrate thanksgiving masses, for
silver or golden wedding anniversaries, priesthood jubilees, healing or renewed
peace.
It is enough to
write down some words to the priest regarding the intention. If one prefers to
stay discreet, one may just write : “for a special intention”.
The Offering
The offering is a very concrete participation in the
life of the Christian community : maintenance of the
Church, material conditions of the life of the priest, etc.
This financial gesture is also a sign of
a little sacrifice done by the person or persons who request the celebration of
the Eucharist for the given intention. It is a sign by which they do not only
commit themselves but also commit their prayer for such intentions.
The price of the offering is given by the
Bishops’ Conferences of each country : it is around 15 Euros for each mass
intention in most European countries.
When people wish to have consecutive
masses celebrated for the same prayer intention, then one may ask for a novena
(consecutive masses for nine days).
The Date
The faithful may specify the date of
choice for the celebration of the mass so that he or she may unite himself
through his presence or prayer.
How to ask for a mass intention
Write on a blank
sheet of paper the following :
- Your name and address
- The reason of your intention
- The date or period wished for the
celebration of the mass (please allow one month between the moment of
request and the day of celebration of the mass).
- A cheque with the corresponding
amount of your offering to “works of the pilgrimage”
You will be
informed by post that your request has been acknowledged.
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