How to Offer a Mass?

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David2010

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I am aware of offering a Mass for people who pass away; however, I recently came across the suggestion that Masses can also be offered for the living, even for myself. (I have never offered a Mass, period.)

Is this correct?
And, if so, how do I offer a Mass? Do I ask my priest to offer this Mass on behalf of so-and-so? Or do I meditate on it during Mass, asking God to accept this Mass for so-and-so?
 
Do you go to the EF or OF?

In the Canon (EF), before the Consecration, there are three prayers. One for the Church, one for the living and one to invoke the saint. Here are the English translations:

*Te Igitur: For the Church
Most merciful Father, we humbly pray and beseech Thee, through Jesus Christ Thy Son, Our Lord, to accept and to bless these + gifts, these + presents, these + holy unspotted Sacrifices, which we offer up to Thee, in the first place, for Thy Holy Catholic Church, that it may please Thee to grant her peace, to preserve, unite, and govern her throughout the world; as also for Thy servant N . . . our Pope, and N . . . our Bishop, and for all orthodox believers and all who profess the Catholic and Apostolic faith.

For the Living
Be mindful, O Lord, of Thy servants and handmaids N . . . and N . . . and of all here present, whose faith and devotion are known to Thee, for whom we offer, or who offer up to Thee this Sacrifice of praise for themselves and all those dear to them, for the redemption of their souls and the hope of their safety and salvation: who now pay their vows to Thee, the everlasting, living and true God.

Communicantes: To Invoke the Saints
In communion with, and honoring the memory in the first place of the glorious ever Virgin Mary Mother of our God and Lord Jesus Christ; also of blessed Joseph, her Spouse; and likewise of Thy blessed Apostles and Martyrs, Peter and Paul, Andrew, James, John, Thomas, James, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Simon and Thaddeus, Linus, Cletus, Clement, Sixtus, Cornelius, Cyprian, Lawrence, Chrysogonus, John and Paul, Cosmas and Damian, and of all Thy Saints. Grant for the sake of their merits and prayers that in all things we may be guarded and helped by Thy protection. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.*

Just fill in the blanks for the living, the Pope and the bishop.

After the Consecration, there are a series of other prayers (still EF), asking for grace etc. And a prayer for the dead which is as follows:

Be mindful, also, O Lord, of Thy servants and handmaids N . . . and N . . . who are gone before us with the sign of faith and who sleep the sleep of peace. To these, O Lord, and to all who rest in Christ, grant, we beseech Thee, a place of refreshment, light and peace. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

Again, just fill in the blanks.

Also, offering a Mass or a chaplet of the rosary etc., for a specific intention is all just about that… your intentions. You can offer a Mass simply be praying, before Mass, “O Lord, I offer this Mass to thee for [list your intentions]”.
 
David2010 said:
I am aware of offering a Mass for people who pass away; however, I recently came across the suggestion that Masses can also be offered for the living, even for myself. (I have never offered a Mass, period.)

Is this correct?
And, if so, how do I offer a Mass? Do I ask my priest to offer this Mass on behalf of so-and-so? Or do I meditate on it during Mass, asking God to accept this Mass for so-and-so?
Click to expand...
I think the best is “for the intentions of Mr. So-and-So”, that gives space for everything.
 
How about giving a small stipend for the priest to offer a mass. Is that an option for someone who is alive?
 
TrueLight said:
How about giving a small stipend for the priest to offer a mass. Is that an option for someone who is alive?
Click to expand...
Yes, even if it is for the priest, himself.

EF = Extraordinary Form

OF = Ordinary Form
 
You may have a Mass offered for anyone you wish by contacting the parish office and paying the stipend – usually $10. The stipend goes to the priest who offers the Mass for you. As you probably know, they receive only a small salary. You will be given a card to give the person for whom you requested the Mass (if living). You can give the card to the family, if the person is deceased. There is sometimes a long wait due to the number of Masses people arrange for family and friends. You can specify “special intention” if the request is not for an ill or deceased person.

Or, you can write to Aid to the Church in Need, P.O. Box 220384, Brooklyn, NY 11222-0384, and request a Mass for yourself or another, and your stipend will go to a poor priest in another country. Sometimes, these priests receive no salary whatsoever. You will be mailed a card to give the person for whom you requested the Mass. You should specify whether they are living, or ill, or deceased. I often use Aid to the Church in Need for Masses I request. They are offered promptly.

Jim Dandy
 
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