A Mass Intention is a specific offering of a mass in honor of or in memory of someone by name at a specific mass time on a specific date. A Mass Intention is traditionally offered as a gift to someone who is grieving a recent loss or celebrating a milestone. During the Mass, these Intentions are heard when the presider or lector says, “That the intention of this Mass for _______ may be pleasing and acceptable to God.”

Background

When a priest celebrates the Holy Mass, he has three intentions: first, to offer the Mass reverently and validly in accord with the norms of the Church. Second, to offer the Mass in union with the whole Church and for the good of the whole Church. Third, to offer the Mass for a particular intention, such as the repose of the soul of someone who has died.

Therefore, the effects of the Mass bring certain benefits or fruits. The general fruits of the Mass are the effects upon the whole Church — to the living faithful as well as the poor souls in purgatory. For this reason, in the Canon of the Mass (the Eucharistic Prayer), a special mention is made for both the living and the dead. The special ministerial fruits of the Mass are applied to the particular intention of the Mass, i.e., “for whom the Mass is offered.” The special personal fruits of the Mass benefit the celebrating priest who acts in the person of Christ in offering the Mass and to the people who are in attendance and participate in the offering of the Mass.