Dear Friends,
This weekend and for the whole of November, we fondly remember all our near and dear departed ones. Some of the earliest Christian writings outside the New Testament, like the Acts of Paul and Thecla and the Martyrdom of Perpetua and Felicity (both written during the second century), refer to the Christian practice of praying for the dead. Praying for the deceased members of the family as part of their family night prayers was also an ancient practice of oriental Christians. The early Fathers of the Church encouraged this practice which they believed had been inherited from the Apostles. Tertullian (A.D. 160-240) wrote about the anniversary Masses for the dead, advising widows to pray for their husbands. St. Augustine remarked that he used to pray for his deceased mother, remembering her request: “When I die, bury me anywhere you like, but remember to pray for me at the altar” (Confessions, Book 11, Chapter 13, 35-37).
What is a Mass intention? Offering a Mass for our departed family members is an age-old and venerable custom. This is why we have Mass intentions announced at every Mass. A Mass intention may be requested 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 for His blessings, in thanksgiving for a favor received through the intercession of a Saint, or for a prayer intention (so long as the intention does not contradict Church teaching). We announce these intentions at every Mass here at St. Matthias.
Opening our 2025 Book of Mass Intentions: In our parish there are many requests for scheduling Mass intentions. Our 2025 Book of Mass Intentions will be opened on Monday, November 11, 2024, 8:30 AM in the Parish Office. There have been increasing requests for additional Mass intentions during unforeseen special occasions such as death, month’s mind, etc., Last year, considering these, I had allowed additional intentions with the existing intention for the Mass. In such cases, we will be accepting only one additional intention, which will be announced in the Universal Prayers (Prayers of the Faithful). It may not appear in the bulletin. Please know that, as per the laws of the Church, stipend/offering for these additional Mass intentions will be sent to the Mission Office of our Diocese or to missionary priests overseas.
So, is stipend the cost of a Mass? It is very important for us to know that the stipend is NOT the cost of a Mass. In fact, the Code of Canon Law uses the word “offering,” not “stipend” – to highlight that this is a suggested amount of offering. To require payment would be wrong, and in fact the code specifies that priests should “celebrate Mass for the intention of the Christian faithful, especially the needy, even if they have not received an offering” (945.2). In my 40-plus years of priesthood, many people have asked me, “How much does a Mass cost?” I always answered that there is no cost or fee because the graces flowing from Mass are of infinite value. I further clarified that there is a suggested offering, but if that’s unaffordable, you can donate something less or nothing at all, and the Mass will still be offered for the intention you desire. More details will be in next Sunday’s bulletin.
Let us make this traditional prayer ours: Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
Your brother in Christ,
Fr. Abraham Orapankal