Whenever a priest celebrates Mass, he has at least two specific intentions.  The first intention is to celebrate the Mass according to the rubrics the Church provided for how to say the Mass.  The second is to apply the grace of that Mass toward a specific need or intention. This second intention, commonly called “the intention of the Mass,” are special intentions offered to God as prayers of intercession and thanksgiving in and through the Eucharist.  Since the graces of the Mass being infinite, many intentions can be offered up at a single Mass. While a priest may only accept one intention at a single Mass, he may have many other intentions not attached to an offering. In addition, the faithful may bring their own intentions to the Mass, which they each carry privately and place upon the altar spiritually in prayer.

Mass Intention Policies

At Holy Family Parish, there are many requests for Mass Intentions. If you would like to offer a Mass for a living or deceased loved one, please call or visit the parish office. In order to allow room for everyone, our parish asks that you follow these guidelines.

Masses for parish members:

• limit of four the first year after death
  • two weekends, holy days, holidays
  • two weekdays
• limit of two after the first year
  • one weekend, holy day, holiday
  • remaining on weekdays

Masses for non-parish members:

• limit of two the first year after death
• limit of one after the first year

Please limit Christmas and Easter intentions to one every 5 years. There is a $20 offering per intention. Masses are scheduled up to one year in advance. We no longer schedule intentions without dates. Additional Mass intentions will be sent to retired priests of our diocese or to missions.

A Mass Intention may be set 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

A Mass Intention may not be requested for:

• An unknown or "private" intention
• A prayer intention that contradicts Catholic moral doctrine