Offering a Mass for a special intention is a long-standing tradition in the Catholic Church. These special intentions are offered to God as prayers of intercession and thanksgiving, and it is usually considered that special graces are obtained for whom the Mass is said. In and through the Eucharist, we pray for the deceased, for those who are ill, for those who face various difficulties or challenges. Often, people request a Mass in thanksgiving for God’s grace helping them through a particularly challenging time of life. It is important to note that, while the graces of the Mass being infinite, many intentions can be offered up at a single Mass. While a priest may only accept one intention at a single Mass, he may have many other intentions not attached to an offering. In addition, the faithful may bring their own intentions to the Mass, which they each carry privately and place upon the altar spiritually in prayer.
Masses are offered for many reasons; for the souls in purgatory or in remembrance for someone who is deceased, or someone who is ill or having a special occasion. A Mass Intention may be set for:
A Mass Intention may not be set for:
Sources: https://stmaryoldtown.org/mass-intentions/ and https://www.stmichaelcary.org/mass-intentions