Intentions at Mass

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Ora_et_Labora_1

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What is the difference, if any, in asking a priest to celebrate a Mass for a particular intention and not asking him (and I “offer” the Mass for that intention)?
 
What is the difference, if any, in asking a priest to celebrate a Mass for a particular intention and not asking him (and I “offer” the Mass for that intention)?
Good question. I’m waiting for answers, too.
 
Do you mean the difference between your offering your participation at Mass vs. the priest offering the sacrifice for your intent? And does that distinction perhaps answer your question?
 
Do you mean the difference between your offering your participation at Mass vs. the priest offering the sacrifice for your intent? And does that distinction perhaps answer your question?
Maybe it’s that, if by offering my participation at the Mass that means I offer it for a particular intention. In any case, what is the difference?
 
When you participate in the Mass there is a spiritual benefit, or merit. You offer that merit for someone elses need - that is a great gift.

When the priest offers Mass, He is offering the Perfect Sacrifice of Jesus on the altar in Heaven. That is the greatest gift there is. If he offers that Gift for a particular need, that is a greater benefit than the gift of your participation is.

I think.
 
Good question, Ora, and one that I asked my priest recently. My spouse died and I was attending one of the masses that had been offered for him. Since I attend daily mass, I asked him whether or not I should offer a stipend to have specific masses said for him, or might I offer these daily masses myself through my own intention?

He replied that any time we make our specific intention in offering our mass for a decedent, it is equally valid as though I had paid a stipend and got it on the church’s books. The one difference, Father said, was that HE must make the intention HIS for that decedent when HE offers the mass.
 
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