Around the Parish – September 29, 2024

Beginning next weekend, we will be updating our Parish Prayer Chain to be the Parish Prayer List. We want to be able to make sure we are praying for those who are in need. While we all need prayers each and every day, we want to make sure that our Parish Prayer List is dedicated to those who are in acute need of our prayers. Therefore, starting with next week’s bulletin, Sunday, October 6, we will start fresh. Everyone who is placed on the list will remain on for a total of 1 month (4 weeks). At that point, our staff will remove their name from the list. If the condition of the person worsens or they are still in need of prayers for acute situations, feel free to contact the office again and we will re-add them to the list for the next bulletin. We understand that there are people with chronic conditions in our world that need prayers, and we should always be praying for them, but we wish to keep our parish prayer list dedicated to those who are in immediate need of prayers. The deadline for the bulletin is Tuesday morning by 10am each week. To be included in our prayer list, call the parish office, or fill out the form:

If someone’s condition improves and you’d like to share a praise report for answered prayers, please let us know! These updates are a powerful reminder of the impact and importance of prayer, bringing hope to all who pray. Please also know of my ongoing prayers for you and your family.

One of the most meaningful ways to pray for someone is by having a Mass offered for their intentions. We are currently accepting more Mass intentions for our parish community and would greatly appreciate your requests. Masses can be offered for both the living and the deceased. To schedule a Mass or learn more, please contact the parish office. The suggested offering for a Mass is $10.

Starting on Monday, October 7, 2024, the parish office will only be open on Mondays by appointment. If you wish to make an appointment for any Monday meetings with parish staff, please contact the parish office by the Thursday before.

Here are a few thoughts for the week ahead:

Let’s not forget that when sometimes it seems like everything is falling apart, what is really happening is that God’s plan is getting things ready to fall into place. When we place our worries in God’s hands, He puts peace in our hearts. It is not our job to fix others, change others, or to judge others. It is our job to pray for others and be an inspiring example for them; but then, leave the rest in God’s hands.

Pax et Bonum, Fr. Andy

The Power and Tradition of Mass Intentions

The Mass is considered the greatest prayer of intercession in the Church. This is because it is the perfect offering of Christ to the Father, making present the Paschal Mystery of His death and resurrection. Traditionally, a Priest may be requested to offer a Mass for a specific intention, even if the requester cannot be physically present.

Offering Masses for the Deceased:

Having a Mass offered for a deceased person is an ancient and commendable practice. A Mass is offered to pray for the departed, that they may find peace in heaven. Since each Mass holds infinite value, requesting one or several Masses is of tremendous benefit to the person prayed for, as well as their family, who can take comfort in knowing that their intention is united with the prayers of the Church.

The Mass: Center of Christian Life:

Every Mass is a precious gift from God. It is the center of the Church’s life, known as “the source and summit of the Christian life,” because in the celebration of the Mass, we are brought back to Jesus’ Last Supper, the first Mass. We consciously recall the love of God poured out for us through the life, death, and resurrection of His only Son, Jesus Christ. At each Mass, all the intentions of God’s people, both living and deceased, are included. As Pope Paul VI noted in his motu proprio “Firma in Traditione,” the faithful, moved by an ecclesial and religious sense, join their own sacrifices to the Eucharistic sacrifice, participating more intensely and supporting the Church’s needs, especially its ministers.

Requesting a Mass Intention:

Anyone may request a Mass Intention for a living person, a deceased person, members of a family, or a special intention appropriate to the celebration of the Eucharist, such as World Peace, Vocations, or Respect for Life. The Church allows only one intention per Mass.

Offering a Mass Stipend:

The normal stipend offering for a Mass is $10. However, a Mass Offering can be more or less than the suggested amount, depending on the financial position of the person requesting the Mass. Envelopes for Mass intention requests are available at the entrances of the church. These envelopes can be placed in the collection basket or returned to the parish office. The requester may also ask for a card to be sent to notify someone that a Mass Intention has been requested (one card per intention). Please note that the name of the person(s) requesting the Mass is not announced.