We are called to pray for one another. We do that in private prayer but we can also request that a Mass be offered for ourselves or loved ones. A Mass intention is one of the highest forms of intercessory prayer as it is the re-presentation of Christ’s one, eternal sacrifice on the cross. When Mass intentions are offered, our prayers and petitions are united with this ultimate sacrifice. For intentions related to the deceased, offering a Mass is an act of spiritual charity as it aids the souls in purgatory – helping them along their journey toward the beatific vision of God. 

Examples of Mass intentions are as follows: For the repose of the soul of a loved one; in thanksgiving for a birthday, wedding, or other blessing; or for the healing of a person who is sick.

The Eucharist is also the sacrifice of the Church, the Church which is the Body of Christ participates in the offering of her Head. With him, she herself is offered whole and entire. She unites herself to his intercession with the Father for all men. In the Eucharist the sacrifice of Christ becomes also the sacrifice of the members of his Body. The lives of the faithful, their praise, sufferings, prayer, and work, are united with those of Christ and with his total offering, and so acquire a new value. Christ’s sacrifice present on the altar makes it possible for all generations of Christians to be united with his offering…(CCC 1368)

The Eucharistic sacrifice is also offered for the faithful departed who “have died in Christ but are not yet wholly purified,” so that they may be able to enter into the light and peace of Christ:

“Put this body anywhere! Don’t trouble yourselves about it! I simply ask you to remember me at the Lord’s altar wherever you are.” (St. Monica to St. Augustine)

Then, we pray [in the anaphora] for the holy fathers and bishops who have fallen asleep, and in general for all who have fallen asleep before us, in the belief that it is a great benefit to the souls on whose behalf the supplication is offered, while the holy and tremendous Victim is present…. By offering to God our supplications for those who have fallen asleep, if they have sinned, we . . . offer Christ sacrificed for the sins of all, and so render favorable, for them and for us, the God who loves man. (CCC 1371)

Contact the parish office to request the offering of a Mass intention.