Mass intentions remain popular with Catholics

Such intentions are offered during Masses for the next calendar year, either in church or the parish Friary if requests are too numerous.

The tradition remains popular because "people want to make sure this person is remembered," according to Rev. Alvin Somerville, OFM Conv., pastor. "It's belief in the resurrection of the dead."

All Souls Day falls on Nov. 2, and pastors in the Albany Diocese spoke with The Evangelist about the popularity of Mass intentions on this day and just about every day of the year.

Tolls for thee

In addition, "we provide envelopes for their use for intentions at a special Mass on All Souls Day and one Mass a week during November," Father Urban said.

The Mass intention book at St. Adalbert's fills up quickly each year and is brought up with the offertory and placed in front of the altar during weekend Masses.

For the Polish community that makes up the majority of the parish, the notion of remembering loves ones on All Souls Day is ingrained in their culture, and Catholics in Poland celebrate the day in a special way, Father Urban pointed out.

"Everybody goes to their hometown. It's the time for family reunions and meals, and the cemeteries are ablaze with candles," he said.

Many requests

The Franciscans, Sacred Heart Fathers, Carmelites and Society for the Propagation of the Faith are some of the groups to which parish Mass intentions are sent; when this happens, the Masses are posted on a bulletin board in church.

Among the alternatives for Mass intentions are sanctuary lamps, bulletin memorials, donations toward altar linens, or altar bread and wine.

Requesting a Mass intention still seems to be popular among Catholics because "people are into that form of faith, and it has that religious significance that these people are remembered," Father Shinos said. "It's part of their upbringing."

Remembrance

The Conventual Franciscan Friars send fliers asking parishioners for their intentions, "and they include all of those in Masses at the Provincial," Father Kapinus said. "At the parish, we don't do anything special. That seems to cover it for us."

Such fliers are sent to all parishes under the order's care in the dioceses of Albany, Syracuse and in North Carolina, he pointed out.

Meeting the need

Retired priests celebrate private Masses in the Friary, and if there are too many requests for Mass intentions at church, they are remembered during these private Masses. Sometimes, intentions are sent to missions in Costa Rica or Brazil.

The Mass stipend offered for an intention is $10 (see related article), but Father Somerville hoped such a donation isn't misinterpreted. "People don't buy a Mass. It's an offering made to God, and this person will be remembered in the Mass," he said.

(10-28-99) [[In-content Ad]]