Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception

Mass Intentions
One of the greatest acts of charity is to pray for the living and the dead.  The greatest and most powerful prayer we have is the Mass, since the fruits of the Mass are the very fruits of Jesus' redemption.   For that reason, all are encouraged to have Mass offered for loved ones who have died, or even for the living who have some need.   This is an ancient Catholic practice, and all are encouraged to take it up.
 
In our parish there are many requests for scheduling such Mass intentions.  The following policies are now being implemented in order to accommodate the numerous Mass requests in a reasonable and fair manner.
 
In order to give the opportunity for all parishioners to schedule a Mass intention for their loved ones and to accommodate recently deceased individuals, the Mass Intention book will open for twelve (12) months according to the liturgical calendar from the First Sunday of Advent until the Feast of Christ the King.  Mass intentions may not be scheduled for more than one year in advance. 

Guidelines for Mass Intentions

1. Universal Church discipline as contained in the Code of Canon Law (canons 945 – 958) of the 1983 Code of Canon Law strictly regulates the offerings made for the celebration of Mass.

 

2. Canon Law does not permit us to keep Mass intentions for only those Masses that can be celebrated by our priests within a calendar year.  Consequently, some intentions may have to be sent to the Bishop’s Chapel Fund for distribution to other priests who will be able to celebrate those Masses.

 

3. A Mass intention may be requested for a Mass for: a deceased loved one; a living person who is sick or suffering; a living person who is celebrating a birthday, anniversary or other special moment in their life; in thanksgiving to God (including the Lord Jesus or the Holy Spirit); in thanksgiving for a prayer from a Blessed or a Saint; or for a prayer intention (so long as the intention does not contradict Church teaching).

 

4. A Mass intention may not be requested for a prayer intention that contradicts Catholic moral doctrine.

 

5. Lengthy intention listings cannot be published in the Bulletin and must be edited for the sake of brevity.  Since the purpose of publishing the intention in the Bulletin is to notify the family and friends of the intention, we suggest the omission of middle initials, titles, etc.  Each intention is limited to either two names or one group.  Please be sure to indicate if the person for whom the Mass is requested is living or dead.

 

6. A maximum of six (6) intentions per year from any one individual may be scheduled at the parish with no more than two (2) scheduled for a weekend Mass.  Additional Masses may be requested; however, they may be sent to the Bishop’s Chapel Fund.

 

7. A maximum of six (6) Masses per year may be scheduled at the parish for any one intention.  Additional Masses may be requested; however, they may be sent to the Bishop’s Chapel Fund.

 

8. Requests will be honored on a first-come, first serve basis in the order in which the request is received at the Parish Office.

 

9. A $10 stipend, as determined by diocesan policy, is to accompany each Mass request.  Intentions will not be recorded until the stipend is received.  Canon Law requires that all stipends taken for Mass Intentions be said for the intention as designated.

 

10. Requests for Mass Intentions must be made by filling out the form (found on the Welcome table or online). Completed forms with stipends may be dropped in the weekly collection basket; mailed to the Parish Office; or done online from the Parish website.

 

11. Please note that Mass intentions may be requested for Sundays, most holiday and weekdays throughout the year.  Mass intentions cannot be scheduled for Holy Thursday, Easter Vigil, or All Souls Day (November 2).  One Mass every Sunday must be scheduled for the intentions of our parishioners known as Pro Populo (For the People) as required by Canon Law.  Scheduling of multiple ‘stipended’ intentions for one Mass is prohibited by Canon Law.  

 

12. Mass requests will be granted as close to the requested date and time as possible.  If it is not possible to comply with the primary request, the next closest date and time will be scheduled.

 
13.  The schedule of Mass intentions is subject to change according to the Mass schedule and there is no promise that they will be said on the scheduled day due to priest illness, schedule change, vacations, etc.  Attempt will be made to contact the concerned parties ahead of time, but that is not always possible.

Payment is required at time of placing Mass Intentions by either Check or Credit card.
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