What are Mass intentions?
When a priest celebrates Mass each day, he offers each Sacrifice of the Mass for a particular person or intention. By doing so special graces from God are applied upon that person or intention. Offering prayers for the dead at Mass goes back to AD 235. Canon Law also confirms this practice and states, “In accord with the approved practice of the Church, any priest celebrating, or concelebrating is permitted to receive an offering to apply the Mass for a specific intention” (Can. 945 §1).
For whom can I request a Mass be offered?
Anyone may ask a priest to offer a Mass for several reasons. For example, Masses can be offered for the intentions of another person (such as on a birthday, anniversary, or healing after an injury or sickness), in thanksgiving, or as is most common, for the repose of the soul of someone who has died.
Why do we pay money to request a Mass intention?
Canon Law also states, “The Christian faithful who give an offering to apply the Mass for their intention, contribute to the good of the Church and by that offering share its concern to support its ministers and works” (945 §2). This refers to a longstanding practice in the Church of offering a specified amount of money to the Church for a particular intention offered by the priest. This is not the act of selling something sacred for money (simony), but it is for the purpose of supplying items for Mass and for the support of the priest. In the Dioceses of Albany, the standard offering for a Mass stipend is $15.
How can I request a Mass intention here at St. Luke?
There are now a few ways to request a Mass intention at St. Luke:
- Drop your intention with your Mass offering in the collection basket on the weekend in an envelope, Attn: Linda. Be sure to put your phone number if requesting a specific date and time, so you can receive a confirmation call.
- Request an intention online here. You can submit your intention, and make your offering for the Mass stipend via check or credit card, all online.
- Please call Linda during business hours (M–F 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM). 518-346-3405 or 518-836-5319 for any assistance or questions.
Where can I find the intention schedule for Masses here at St. Luke?
The bulletin contains the Mass intention schedule for each week. This is one of the primary reasons why a parish publishes a bulletin in the first place—it is the official public announcement of a parish’s Mass intentions.
Are Mass intentions announced before Mass at St. Luke?
Mass intentions are announced before, and sometimes during Mass at St. Luke’s. However, nowhere in Canon Law does it state that there is an obligatory requirement to mention names at Mass. Mentioned or not, the intention is still applied. That’s the bountiful blessing of the Holy Eucharist. The “spiritual value of a single Mass is infinite.”
“Remember, Lord, your servants…and all gathered here, whose faith and devotion are known to you. For them, we offer you this sacrifice of praise or they offer it for themselves and all who are dear to them: for the redemption of their souls, in hope of health and well-being, and paying their homage to you, the eternal God, living and true.”
— The Roman Canon (Eucharistic Prayer I)
Choose a Mass card to send
When appropriate, you may wish to send a Mass Card to the family or person. Suggested appropriate times would be; recently deceased or when requesting a Mass for healing from an injury or sickness, birthdays, and anniversaries. The office will customize your card and deliver or mail it to the family. This information will be entered when you click the button above and are brought to the Mass intention request site.
You may also add a personal message which will be printed on the card in handwriting or cursive font.
Be sure to note the “letter” below the card selection. You will enter it on the last page on the Mass intention request site by clicking the button above.
Inside Verse:
The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass
will be offered for the repose
of the soul of ________
on May 5, 2024 8:00 AM
Rev. Dominic P. Isopo
Cross (graphic)
With the sympathy of _________ (left side)
Inside Verse:
The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass
will be offered for the intentions
of ________
on May 5, 2024 8:00 AM
Rev. Dominic P. Isopo
Cross, Birthday or Anniversary (graphic)
At the request of _________ (left side)
Inside Verse:
A Spiritual Gift of Healing
The Holy Sacrifice fo the Mass
will be offered for the intentions of
____________
at the request of
_____________
on May 5, 2024 8:00 AM
May God’s healing presence comfort you.
Rev. Dominic P. Isopo
Inside Verse:
The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass
will be offered for the intentions
of ________
on May 5, 2024 8:00 AM
Rev Dominc P. Isopo (right side)
Cross, Birthday or Anniversary (graphic)
At the request of _________ (left side)
Light a Candle
Did you know you can also light a real candle in the church for someone even if you cannot physically visit St. Luke’s?
If you would like to light a prayer candle when requesting a Mass intention, the following will be added to your card if you choose to send one. A candle has been lit for you in St. Luke’s Church and will burn for five days.