Introduction

At the Diocesan Laity Retreat held on 30th-31st August, 2024 at Ss. Peter and Paul Pro-Cathedral in Oye Ekiti, one of the key resolutions was to “encourage the faithful to improve their participation in booking Masses for personal intentions.”

This practice, according to our Retreat Director, Rev. Fr. Anthony Idowu Bankole, holds profound spiritual significance, as it allows individuals to bring their specific needs, prayers, and gratitude before God in the context of the sacred liturgy. Whether seeking guidance, healing, expressing thanks, or any other intentions, booking a Mass is an opportunity to unite personal intentions with the power of the Eucharist. We thereby resolved to embrace the practice!

Why Book Mass?

Below are some important reasons among others, why the lay faithful should regularly engage in this practice to fostering their spiritual growth:

1. Spiritual Support: Booking a Mass for a specific intention allows the faithful to unite their prayers with the powerful intercession of the Church, especially during the celebration of the Eucharist. It is a way to receive spiritual support and strength for personal needs, whether for health, guidance, peace, or gratitude. In James 5:16, it is written, “Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” This emphasizes the importance of prayer and intercession, particularly in the context of the faithful gathering in prayer. Also, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, no 1368 teaches that the Eucharist is a communal act of prayer, where the faithful are united with Christ’s sacrifice for their intentions. Pope Benedict XVI in his Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Sacramentum Caritatis (2007) on the Eucharist as the Source and Summit of the Church's Life and Mission,  highlighted the Eucharist as the "source and summit" of Christian life, emphasizing that it is the most powerful way to bring our prayers and intentions before God.

2. Intercession for Loved Ones: When you book a Mass for someone else—whether a loved one in need, the deceased, or someone going through difficult times—it is a beautiful act of intercession. The Mass, as the highest form of prayer, is an opportunity to ask God to shower His blessings and mercy upon those who are remembered. In 1 Timothy 2:1-2, St. Paul urges believers, “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for all people... that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” This teaches the importance of praying for others. Along this line, the Church encourages the faithful to pray for the living and the dead, as seen in the practice of offering Masses for the deceased. This is rooted in the belief in the communion of saints and the intercessory power of the Mass (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1371). Our holy father, Pope Francis often speaks about the need for intercessory prayer, especially for those in need, underscoring that the Church is a community of prayer (General Audience, 30th October, 2013).

3. Renewal of Faith: Participating in the Mass with a personal intention in mind strengthens one's faith and trust in God. It helps to foster a deeper connection with God, knowing that the faithful are actively engaging with the sacred liturgy for their specific needs. Jesus says, "Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them" (John 6:56). The Eucharist is an opportunity to renew our faith and deepen our relationship with Christ. The Church teaches that the Eucharist strengthens and renews our faith, as it unites the believer with the body of Christ in a unique and powerful way (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1391). Pope St. John Paul II, in his Encyclical Letter Ecclesia de Eucharistia on the Eucharist in its Relationship to the Church, emphasizes the Eucharist as the foundation for living and growing in faith, stating that the Eucharist is essential for spiritual renewal and the growth of the Christian life.

4. Gratitude and Thanksgiving: Booking Masses is not only for petitions but also for expressing thanksgiving. It is a powerful way to thank God for His blessings, answered prayers, and ongoing support in our lives. St. Paul in his First Letter to the Thessalonians 5: 18 exhorts the faithful, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” The Mass provides an ideal occasion to offer thanks to God for His blessings. The Eucharist is referred to as the "Sacrifice of Praise," which includes offering thanks to God for His gifts and graces (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1360). Pope Francis in his Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium on the Proclamation of the Gospel in Today’s World, also called the faithful to give thanks to God, emphasizing the Eucharist as a way of participating in God's loving action in the world (Evangelii Gaudium, 2013).

5. Unity in the Body of Christ: The act of booking a Mass for a personal intention is not just a private prayer but a communal act. The whole Church—priests, deacons, and the congregation—prays together, creating a sense of unity and solidarity in faith. In 1 Corinthians 10:17, St. Paul states, “Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all share the one loaf.” The Eucharist is a sign of the unity of all believers in Christ. The Church also teaches that the Eucharist is the bond of unity for all Christians, as it makes the faithful participants in the Body of Christ (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1396). Pope John Paul II, in encyclical letter Ut Unum Sint (1995) on Ecumenism, emphasized the importance of unity among Christians, particularly in the Eucharist, which draws the faithful together in one body.

6. Fulfilling a Catholic Tradition: Booking Masses for personal intentions is a rich Catholic tradition, supported by centuries of Church practice. By participating in this tradition, the faithful are aligning themselves with a long-standing practice of seeking God’s grace and intervention in their lives. In Acts 2:42, the early Christians “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” The practice of offering Masses for intentions is a continuation of this ancient tradition. In essence, the Church has a long tradition of offering Masses for the living and the dead. This is rooted in the early Christian practice of celebrating the Eucharist for specific intentions (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1371). Pope Benedict XVI, in his Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Sacramentum Caritatis on  the Eucharist as the source and summit of the Church's Life and Mission (2007), called the Eucharist “the living memory of the Church,” emphasizing the importance of this tradition in the life of the Church, both for personal intentions and for the Church as a whole.

7. Power of the Eucharist: The Eucharist is the source and summit of Christian life. Through the celebration of Mass, the faithful are given an opportunity to offer their intentions to God in the most powerful form of prayer, trusting in the efficacy of Christ's sacrifice. During the Last Supper, Jesus institutes the Eucharist, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body... Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins” (Matthew 26:26-28). The Eucharist is a powerful means of grace. The Church further teaches that the Eucharist is the source and summit of Christian life, the ultimate act of divine worship, and a powerful channel of God’s grace for all who receive it worthily (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1324). Pope Benedict XVI further emphasized the transformative power of the Eucharist, urging the faithful to recognize its grace-filled power in shaping their lives and intentions (cf. Sacramentum Caritatis, 2007).

From the foregoing, it is clear that booking Masses for personal intentions is not only a deeply spiritual practice but also an integral part of the Catholic tradition, carrying profound blessings for individuals and the Church as a whole.

Given the above reasons, I will also want us to accompany our intentions with a reasonable stipend. Some of us may want to argue that it is a payment for the intentions. No! It is not.

Using the experience of the Jews when some of their soldiers died and they had to send money to Jerusalem for supplication, having realized that they had amulets with them (cf. 2 Macc. 12). Apart from this, the issue of stipend is governed by Canons 945-958. I also believe that the practice of offering a stipend with a Mass intention is deeply rooted in both Biblical and Church teachings and I want to raise the following points in support:

1. Biblical Foundation of Offering Gifts for Worship: In the Bible, the concept of offering gifts in the context of worship and sacrifice is foundational. In Philippians 4:18, St. Paul acknowledges the financial support the Philippians provided for his ministry: "I have received full payment and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God." Here, the Philippians’ material offerings are seen as an act of worship, contributing to the work of the Gospel. In another place, St. Paul says, "Do you not know that those who work in the temple eat of its food, and those who serve at the altar partake of its offerings?" (1 Cor. 9:13). One can say that the act of giving money has a connotation of making a commitment to the intention one asks for, and so supplying needs to the temple thereby supporting the Church’s mission, enabling the clergy to continue their ministry, including the celebration of Mass.

2. Support for Priests and the Church: The Church teaches that the material support of the clergy is necessary for the effective carrying out of their duties. In 1 Timothy 5:17-18, St. Paul writes: "Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,' and, 'The laborer deserves his wages." This passage supports the idea that those who serve the Church and lead in spiritual matters should be supported for their work. The stipend for Mass intentions provides material support to priests, allowing them to focus on their pastoral and sacramental duties.

3. The Role of Sacrifice and Offering: The Catholic Church has long held that offerings, including Mass stipends, are a way to participate in the sacrifice of the Mass. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 2100) teaches that: "The only perfect sacrifice is the one that Christ offered on the cross as a total offering to the Father's love and for our salvation. By uniting ourselves with his sacrifice we can make our lives a sacrifice to God." Offering a stipend along with a Mass intention reflects a small personal sacrifice in union with Christ’s supreme sacrifice on the cross. This offering is not a "payment" for Mass, but a spiritual participation in the work of the Church, as both the Church and the faithful collaborate in offering prayer and support.

4. Historical Tradition of the Church: The practice of offering Mass stipends has been a long-standing tradition in the Church. The Second Council of Lyon (1274) and other synods issued decrees to formalize the practice, ensuring that stipends were not exploited for commercial gains. Pope Paul VI in his 1967 Apostolic Letter issued “Motu Proprio” Ministeria Quaedam encouraged Priests to be conscientious about not exploiting the faithful and to maintain a proper focus on the spiritual nature of the priesthood. This historical context underscores the importance of maintaining the livelihood of clergy through the faithful’s offerings, which also allows priests to dedicate themselves fully to their spiritual mission.

5. The Spiritual Value of Offering: In addition to supporting the clergy, the Church teaches that offering a stipend for a Mass intention also has a spiritual significance. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 1359) emphasizes that: "The Eucharist, the sacrament of our salvation.....Through Christ, the Church can offer the sacrifice of praise in thanksgiving.

By offering a stipend with a Mass intention, the faithful contribute to the worship of God, recognizing the significance of the Mass as a gift that brings grace not only to the one for whom the Mass is being offered but to the one offering the stipend as well.

From the foregoing, the Biblical and Church teachings affirm that Mass stipends are a means of supporting the clergy, participating in the sacrificial act of the Mass, and fostering a spirit of generosity and sacrifice in the life of the faithful. It is a practice that aligns with both Scripture and Church tradition, underlining the importance of supporting the mission of the Church while also growing spiritually through the offering.

In conclusion, booking Masses accompanied with a reasonable stipend, for personal intentions is a powerful and meaningful way for the lay faithful to deepen their relationship with God, seek His grace, and contribute to the life of the Church. It is not only an expression of personal faith but also an act of solidarity within the larger Catholic community. Whether for oneself or others, this practice offers an opportunity for intercession, thanksgiving, and renewal, all within the context of the sacred and transformative power of the Eucharist. By embracing this tradition, the faithful can experience spiritual blessings while supporting the Church’s ongoing mission.

I hope the reasons outlined above will inspire us to embrace the great opportunity the Church is offering through the practice of booking Masses for our personal intentions. This act of faith provides us with a profound way to connect with God, seek His grace, intercede for others, and give thanks for His blessings. By participating in this sacred tradition, we open ourselves to receiving abundant spiritual blessings, strengthening our relationship with God and contributing to the life of the Church. Let us seize this opportunity to deepen our faith and allow the transformative power of the Eucharist to guide us in our journey of faith.

God bless you all!

References

Pope Benedict XVI (2007). Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Sacramentum Caritatis on the Eucharist as the source and summit of the Church's Life and Mission

Pope Francis (2013). Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium on the Proclamation of the      Gospel in Today’s World

Pope Francis (2013). General Audience, 30th October, 2013.

Pope John Paul II (2003). Encyclical Letter Ecclesia de Eucharistia on the Eucharist in its   Relationship to the Church

Pope John Paul II (1995). Encyclical Letter Ut Unum Sint on Ecumenism

Pope Paul VI (1967). Apostolic Letter issued “Motu Proprio” Ministeria Quaedam

The Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 1324

The Catechism of the Catholic Church, no 1359

The Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 1360

The Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 1368

The Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 1371

The Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 1391

The Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 1396

The Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 1419

The Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 2100

The Code of Canon Law (New Revised English Translation) (1983). Canons 945-958.

The Holy Bible

• 1 Corinthians 9:13
• 1 Corinthians 10:17
• 1 Thessalonians 5: 18
• 1 Timothy 2:1-2
• 1 Timothy 5:17-18
• 2 Macc. 12
• Acts 2:42
• James 5:16
• John 6:56
• Matthew 26:26-28
• Philippians 4:18

The Second Council of Lyon (1274)

Reading Challenge!

All the references in this piece were sourced from the internet; the Church documents are free and accessible! Choose any of them for reading per week, and within a short time, aim to complete them all! This exercise will not take much of your time.

I encourage you to take on this challenge.

God bless you!