To request a Mass Intention for a loved one or a special event, please contact the parish office at 413.773.3311. Suggested donations for Mass Intentions are $15 each. Intentions will be printed in the weekly bulletin. Requests can be posted anonymously.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states: “From the beginning, the Church has honored the memory of the dead and offered prayers in suffrage for them, above all the Eucharistic sacrifice, so that, thus purified, they may attain the beatific vision of God” (CCC 1032).

A Mass Intention is a specific Intention for which the Mass is offered. Intentions can be requested on behalf of the living and the dead. Examples include healing for a loved one who is sick, a special anniversary, a birthday or other remembrance. Most often they are offered in memory of a friend or loved one.

Origins. This practice dates back to the early Church and we recognize the importance even today. When we face the death of someone, even a person who is not Catholic, to have a Mass offered for the repose of his soul and to offer our prayers are more beneficial and comforting than any other sympathy card or bouquet of flowers. To have a Mass offered on a birthday, anniversary or special need is appropriate, beneficial and appreciated.
 Offering Mass Intentions for Deceased Loved Ones.

Our Beliefs. It may seem counterintuitive to offer a Mass intention for a person who has died, as their time on earth is finished. However, the practice of offering Mass Intentions for the deceased is associated with the Catholic belief in purgatory. As Catholics, we believe souls who die in a state of sin go through a purification process before entering heaven. We offer Masses for our deceased loved ones to assist them in their journey to enter heaven. We pray with hope that the graces imparted by the Mass help them further towards eternity with God.

Graces. The graces that come with having a Mass said for a special intention are immense. The Mass unites the Church on earth to the Church in Heaven. The intentions of the Mass are lifted by the Body of Christ in its entirety. Because the dead can no longer pray for themselves, these graces are especially important. Pope Francis said that offering the celebration of the Eucharist for the dead “is spiritual help that we can give to their souls, particularly to the most abandoned ones.”