Saint Michael the Archangel Parish Mass Intentions Policy

In our parish, there are many requests for scheduling Mass intentions. The following policies are now being implemented in order to accommodate the great number of Mass requests in a reasonable and fair manner.

In order to give the opportunity for all parishioners to schedule a Mass intention for their loved ones and to accommodate recently deceased individuals, the Mass intention book will open for twelve (12) months according to the liturgical calendar from the First Sunday of Advent until the Feast of Christ the King. Mass intentions may not be scheduled for more than one year in advance.

Guidelines for Mass Intentions

• Universal Church disciple as contained in the 1983 Code of Canon Law (canons 945-958) strictly regulates the offerings made for the celebration of Mass.
• Canon Law permits us to keep Mass intentions only for those Masses that can be celebrated by our priests within a calendar year. Consequently, some intentions may have to be sent to the Chancery or to the Missions for distribution to other priests who will be able to celebrate those Masses.
• 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 (including the Lord Jesus or the Holy Spirit); in thanksgiving for an answered prayer from a Blessed or a Saint; or for a prayer intention (so long as the intention is not trivial and does not contradict Church teaching in faith or morals).
• Lengthy intention listings may be edited for the sake of brevity. Since the purpose of publishing the intention in the parish bulletin is to notify the family and friends of the intention, we suggest the omission of middle initials, titles, etc. Please be sure to indicated if the person for whom the Mass is requested is living or dead.
• A maximum of six (6) intentions per year from any one individual may be scheduled at the parish with no more than two (2) scheduled for a weekend Mass. Additional Masses may be requested; however, they may be sent to the Chancery or to the Missions.
• Requests will be honored on a first-come, first-served basis in the order in which the requests are received at the Parish Office.
• A $10 stipend, as determined by diocesan policy, is to accompany each Mass request. Intentions will not be recorded until the stipend is received. Canon Law requires that all stipends taken for Mass intentions be said for the intention as designated. If the person requesting the intention is unable to off the stipend, the intention will still be honored.
• Requests for Mass intentions must be made through the parish office.
• Please note that Mass intentions may be requested for Sundays, most Holy Days, and weekdays throughout the year. Mass intentions cannot be scheduled for Holy Thursday, Easter Vigil, or All Souls' Day (November 2). As required by Canon Law, one Mass every Sunday and Solemnity must be scheduled for the intentions of our parishioners (i.e. "For the people of the parish"). Scheduling of multiple 'stipended' intentions for one Mass (a collective intention) is permitted only twice a week.
• Mass requests will be granted as close to the requested date and time as possible. If it is not possible to comply with the primary request, the next closest date and time will be scheduled.
• The schedule of Mass intentions is subject to change and there is no promise that they will be said on the scheduled day due to priest illness, schedule changes, vacations, etc. If a change occurs, an attempt will be made to contact the concerned parties ahead of time, but that is not always possible.
• Payment is required at time of placing Mass Intentions by either cash or check.