A Mass card is a card that tells someone a Mass will be offered for a particular person, usually someone who has died. You get one from a parish or a Catholic religious community by requesting a Mass and giving the customary offering; the card is signed or stamped to confirm that the Mass will be celebrated. Catholics give Mass cards instead of, or along with, flowers at a wake or funeral, and also for the living: for birthdays, illnesses and anniversaries.
What a Mass card is (and is not)
- A Mass card represents a real Mass. When you buy a Mass card, you are really requesting a Mass intention; the card is the sign of it. The offering supports the priest and the Church, not the card itself. See Mass intentions.
- An enrollment card is different. “Spiritual enrollment” or “perpetual enrollment” cards enroll a person in the ongoing prayers and Masses of a religious community, often for life or forever. They are not a specific Mass on a specific date.
- A sympathy card is different again. Some shops sell cards with the words “Mass card” printed on them, but if no Mass has been requested from a priest, it is only a greeting card.
Where to get a Mass card
- Your parish office. Request a Mass intention, give the offering and ask for a card. The parish will fill in the name, date (if known) and signature.
- The parish of the deceased. Families appreciate a Mass offered in their own church, where they may be able to attend.
- Religious communities and mission societies. Many orders accept Mass requests by post or online and mail a card to you or directly to the family. Choose a recognized Catholic community and check whether the Mass is individual or included in a collective intention.
How much does a Mass card cost?
The cost is the Mass offering set by the diocese, commonly around $10 to $20 in the United States for a single Mass. Enrollment cards and special cards for Gregorian Masses (thirty consecutive Masses) cost more because they involve more Masses or ongoing prayers. If you cannot afford an offering, ask anyway: priests are encouraged to celebrate Masses for the needy even without one (canon 945 §2).
What to write in a Mass card
Keep it short and personal. The card usually already says that a Mass will be offered; you add the names and a brief message.
For someone who has died:
- The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for the repose of the soul of [Name]. With deepest sympathy, [your name].
- We have asked for a Mass to be offered for your mother. She is in our prayers, and so are you.
- Thinking of you and praying for [Name]. May she rest in peace.
- A Mass will be offered for [Name] on the first anniversary of his death. With love and prayers.
For the living:
- A Mass will be offered for your intentions on your birthday. God bless you!
- A Mass will be offered for your healing and recovery. We are praying for you.
- A Mass will be offered in thanksgiving for your 50 years of marriage.
For the wording of the intention itself, see Mass intention examples.
Mass card etiquette
- When to give it: at the wake, at the funeral, by mail afterward, or at the first anniversary. There is no deadline.
- Where to put it: at a wake, Mass cards are usually placed in a basket near the guest book or the casket.
- Should the family thank you? Families often send a thank-you note for Mass cards, but no one should expect one.
- Non-Catholic families: a Mass card is still a kind gift. Add a line explaining that it means a Mass will be offered for their loved one, which is the greatest prayer Catholics can give.
- Flowers or a Mass card? Many Catholic families say “in lieu of flowers, Mass cards are appreciated.” When in doubt, a Mass card is never out of place.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a Mass card for a non-Catholic?
Yes. A Mass may be offered for anyone, living or dead (canon 901).
Will I know when the Mass is celebrated?
Parish Mass cards often list the date. Cards from religious communities usually say the Mass will be offered without giving a date, especially if the Masses are celebrated by missionary priests.
Can I buy a Mass card at a shop?
You can buy a blank card, but it only becomes a Mass card when a priest or parish accepts a Mass intention for it. Make sure a real Mass is being requested.
Can several people sign one Mass card?
Yes. A group of coworkers or friends can share one offering and sign one card. Normally one offering means one Mass, so the card represents one Mass from the group.