Stations of the Cross during Lent:  Noon at St. Mary’s Church,                                                                                                                               5pm at Sacred Heart Church

Lenten Observation and Concern: Mass Intention Shortage

Catholics believe that the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is the greatest form of prayer available to the Church. It is not simply a prayer for our intentions but the highest form of worship that can be offered to God. Because of the infinite value of Christ’s sacrifice, every Mass carries an eternal weight of grace. When a Mass intention is offered for a loved one, the Church believes this prayer, in union with the Eucharist, is incredibly powerful, and that God responds to the prayers offered in this way.

In the Catholic Church, obtaining a Mass intention is a deeply meaningful and spiritual way to honor someone, whether they are living, deceased, or celebrating a special occasion. Obtaining a Mass intention is an act of love, faith, and hope. It is a way of offering the highest prayer of the Church for someone in need, whether they are living, deceased, or celebrating a special occasion. It brings the person closer to the heart of the Church’s prayer life and invites God’s grace to touch them in a profound and life-changing way. It also reminds us that we are never alone, and that the Church, in its communion, prays for and with us, bringing us closer to God.

The practice of offering Mass for someone, whether for healing, repose of the soul, or a significant life event—holds great value and significance. The Mass is the central act of worship in the Catholic faith, where the Church celebrates the sacrifice of Christ. Through the Eucharist, Catholics believe that the graces of Christ’s Passion, Death, and Resurrection are made present. When a Mass intention is offered for someone, whether they are sick, deceased, or celebrating a milestone like a wedding anniversary, the faithful are asking God to apply the graces of that sacrifice for the benefit of that person. This can be a powerful means of intercession.

For someone who is ill, offering a Mass intention asks for God’s healing grace and strength. For a deceased person, a Mass intention helps to offer prayers for the repose of their soul, asking that they may be purified and brought into the fullness of God’s presence. For special occasions like a wedding anniversary or other celebrations, a Mass intention can be an expression of gratitude, seeking God’s continued blessing on the individuals involved.

In offering a Mass intention, Catholics are engaging in a beautiful act of charity. The Mass is an incredible gift of prayer because it is not just a personal prayer, but a communal one—offered by the whole Church. This is particularly significant when Mass is offered for someone who has passed away, as the faithful believe it helps them in their journey toward Heaven. Even for someone who is still living, the graces received through the Mass are seen as a way to spiritually support and help them grow closer to God. Offering Mass for someone on their anniversary, for example, is a way of asking God’s blessing on their marriage, a recognition of the sacrament of marriage, and a prayer for ongoing love, joy, and fidelity in their relationship. It’s also an act of thanksgiving for the many graces received over the years.

Our supply of Mass intentions here at Holy Family Catholic Community is nearly exhausted. Please consider offering Mass intentions for your loved ones, be they living or deceased. According to the Code of Canon Law, every Christian can ask a priest to offer a Mass for a particular intention, for both the living as well as the eternal salvation of the dead. An individual may ask a priest to offer a Mass many reasons, among them being in remembrance for a deceased loved one, for the repose of their souls, for a relative or friend who is sick for healing, in thanksgiving, for the intentions of another person such as a birthday, wedding anniversary, family reunion, or any remembrance.

Requests may be made by dropping the request in the weekend collection, by phone 585-728-2228 and talk to Connie Becker, our Parish Secretary, or by mail, or coming to office 206 Fremont Street, Wayland, NY 14572. Please include ALL of the following: 1. Name of person(s) for whom Mass is being offered. 2. Whether Mass is being offered “In Memory Of” (for deceased) or as a “Special Intention” (for illness, birthday, anniversary, etc.) so the appropriate card can be mailed. 3. Name and address of person(s) to whom card should be mailed, if necessary. We are experiencing a serious shortage of Mass Intentions. It is a wonderful way to spiritually connect with our beloved deceased, as well as an opportunity to celebrate the memory and faith of family members. PLEASE CONSIDER SCHEDULING MASS HONORING ALSO LOVED ONES ANNIVERSARY, BIRTHDAY, OR SPECIAL OCCASION

St. John Paul II emphasized the graces that come when a Mass is offered. “The Church believes that she will be heard, for she prays in union with Christ her Head and Spouse, who takes up this plea of His Bride and joins it to His own redemptive sacrifice.” Fr. John

Mission Statement

To live the Great Commandment
Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord, your God with all your heart,
with all your soul, and with all your mind.’  And
‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’
Matthew 22: 37-38