Mass Intentions
It is an ancient and noble practice to pray for the living and the dead at Mass. The greatest and most powerful prayer we have is the Mass, since the fruits of the Mass are the very fruits of Jesus' redemption made present to us. Therefore, so many of us seek to book a Mass intention for our loved ones. In our parish there are many requests for scheduling Mass intentions.

Canon Law requires that only one intention be taken per Mass. 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 for January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025 is now open. We will accept Announced Mass Intentions. One Announced Intention will be taken per Public Mass, published in the bulletin and read out loud during the Universal Prayers (prayers of the faithful).

Guidelines for Mass Intentions

• Universal Church discipline as contained in canons 945 – 958 of the 1983 Code of Canon Law strictly regulates the offerings made for the celebration of Mass. 
• 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). 
• A Mass intention may not be requested for a prayer intention that contradicts Catholic moral doctrine. 
• 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.  Please be sure to indicate if the person for whom the Mass is requested is living or dead. 
• A maximum of ten (10) Announced intentions per year from any one individual may be scheduled at the parish with no more than Five (5) scheduled for a weekend Mass.  
• Requests will be honored on a first-come, first serve basis in the order in which the request is received at the Parish Office. 
• 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. 
• Please note that Mass intentions may be requested for Sundays, most holiday and weekday Masses throughout the year.  Mass intentions cannot be scheduled for Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Vigil, or All Souls Day (November 2).  One Mass every Sunday and on Holy Days of Obligation must be scheduled for the intentions of our parishioners known as Pro Populo (For the People) as required by Canon Law.  Scheduling of multiple ‘stipend’ intentions for one Mass is prohibited by Canon Law.   
• Announced 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. 
• 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, diocesan obligation, etc.  Attempt will be made to contact the concerned parties ahead of time, but that is not always possible.

• Masses can be booked, by calling the office at (239)472-2763 or via email at parishoffice@saintisabel.org