The tradition of offering Mass for specific intentions dates back to the earliest days of the Church. St. Augustine notes in his Confessions, his mother, St. Monica requests, “One thing only I ask you, that you remember me at the altar of the Lord.”
Mass intentions may be for: a deceased person; a living person who is sick or suffering; a living person celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or other special moment in life; in thanksgiving to God; or for a special prayer intention (provided the intention is not trivial or contrary to Church teaching in faith and morals).
By offering a monetary donation, or stipend, for the Mass, “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” (can. 946). It is important to note this offering is not for the graces but to assist with the materials of the Mass and for the priest’s support. The spiritual weight and value of the Mass is infinite and incalculable!
Sacred Heart Parish, in accordance with Universal Church discipline, as contained in the Code of Canon Law(can. 945-958) is allowed to reserve Mass intentions up to one year from the date the request is made.
As a courtesy, the parish bulletin publishes Mass intentions, specifically to notify family and friends of the intention. Such listings may include anniversary or birthday, however lengthy intentions may be edited for brevity and to fit in the appropriate space.
Mass requests are honored in the order in which they are received at the parish office. To request a Mass intention, you may call the parish office at 508-943-3140 or email [email protected].
A $10.00 Mass offering, as determined by the Catholic bishops of New England, is to accompany each Mass request. The Mass intention is only considered reserved once the offering has been received; if the requesting person is unable to make an offering, the priest may still be able to accommodate the intention, but this should be mentioned in the request. Payment may be made by cash or check.
As a courtesy to all parishioners, please consider reserving Mass intentions for weekday Masses rather than only on weekends.
The Mass schedule is subject to change due to priest illness or travel. If such a change occurs, every attempt will be made to contact the reserving party in advance, but this may not always be possible. In such a case, the Mass intention will be said on the earliest possible date after the change.