Mass Intentions

What Is a Mass Intention?

A Mass intention is when a Mass is offered for a particular person or need.

This might be:

someone who has died

someone who is sick or struggling

a family intention

thanksgiving

a special anniversary or situation

Every Mass is always offered for everyone.
But one intention can be named and remembered in a special way.

What Happens When a Priest Offers Mass?

When a priest celebrates Mass, he always has three intentions:

To celebrate the Mass properly and reverently

To offer the Mass for the whole Church, living and dead

To offer the Mass for one particular intention

When you ask for a Mass intention, it is this third intention that you are requesting.

Why Ask for a Mass Intention?

The Mass is the greatest prayer of the Church.

At Mass:

Jesus Christ offers Himself to God the Father

His death and resurrection are made present

God’s grace is poured out on the world

When a Mass is offered for someone, the priest asks that the grace of this sacrifice may help that person in a special way.

There is no prayer more powerful than the Mass.

Who Benefits from the Mass?

Every Mass helps people in three ways.

1. Everyone

Every Mass is offered:

for the whole Church

for the living

for the dead

This happens at every Mass, even when no names are mentioned.

2. The Named Intention

The person or intention you ask for receives a special share of the prayer of the Mass.

This is why people ask for Masses to be offered for loved ones.

3. The Priest and the People Present

The priest who celebrates the Mass, and the people who attend and pray, also receive spiritual help.

Because we are human and limited, more Masses bring more help.
This is why people often request several Masses, especially for someone who has died.

Mass Intentions for Someone Who Has Died

The Church has always prayed for the dead.

We offer Masses for them because:

we believe in life after death

we believe prayer can help them

we believe love does not end when someone dies

Offering a Mass for someone who has died is one of the kindest and most loving things you can do.

Masses can also be offered for people who were not Catholic.

Mass Intentions for the Living

You may also request a Mass for someone who is alive, for example:

someone who is ill

someone facing a difficult time

a family or marriage

thanksgiving for something good

guidance or strength

This is completely normal and encouraged.

What Happens at the Mass Itself?

At the Mass:

the priest offers the Mass for the stated intention

the intention is remembered during the central prayer of the Mass

the name or intention is often announced

Even if the name is not read out, the Mass is still truly offered for that intention.

Is the Mass Only for That One Person?

No.

Every Mass is always offered:

for everyone

for the whole Church

for the salvation of the world

Naming one intention does not exclude anyone else.
It simply gives special attention to that person or need.

Can I Offer My Own Intentions at Mass?

Yes.

Anyone attending Mass may:

pray for the priest’s stated intention

or quietly pray for their own intentions

Both are good and pleasing to God.

Why Is the Priest’s Role Special?

The priest has a special role.

At Mass, he acts in the person of Jesus Christ, offering the sacrifice of the Mass on behalf of the Church.

Because of this, when a priest offers a Mass for a particular intention, it has a special spiritual value.

This is why people ask a priest to offer a Mass.

Why Is There Only One Intention Per Mass?

The Mass itself has unlimited value.

However:

Church law allows a priest to accept only one offering (stipend) per Mass

so only one main intention is assigned to each Mass

That intention may include:

one person

several people

or a general intention

For Whom Can a Mass Be Offered?

A Mass may be offered for:

anyone living or dead

Catholics or non-Catholics

The intention must not:

go against Christian teaching

or cause confusion or offence

You may also ask for a private intention, where no name is announced.

What Is a Mass Stipend?

A Mass stipend is a voluntary donation usually given when requesting a Mass.

Important to know:

it is not paying for the Mass

the Mass can never be bought or sold

it helps support the priest and parish

Our diocese recommends £10, but:

no one should ever feel unable to ask for a Mass because of money

If you cannot give an offering, please still ask.

How Do I Request a Mass Intention?

You can request a Mass intention by:

contacting the parish office

or speaking to the priest

Please let us know:

the name of the person or intention

whether the person is living or deceased

if you have any preferred dates (which may not always be possible)

Because many people ask for Masses, some intentions may be offered privately.

After the Mass

It is good to stay for a short time after Mass to say thank you to God.

This is a special moment to pray:

for the person you asked the Mass for

for yourself and your family

for the Church and the world

A Final Word

Requesting a Mass intention is a simple but very powerful act.

It places someone you care about:

into God’s hands

at the altar

at the heart of the Church’s prayer

There is no greater prayer than the Holy Mass.