A Mass intention should be short, clear and specific: who the Mass is for, and why. Most parishes record intentions in one line, such as “For the repose of the soul of Maria Lopez” or “In thanksgiving for 50 years of marriage of John and Rose Kelly.” Below are more than sixty examples you can copy for the most common situations, followed by tips on wording and a template request you can send to your parish.
If you are new to Mass intentions, start with my guide on how to request a Mass intention.
The basic formula
Almost every intention follows one of these patterns:
- For a deceased person: For the repose of the soul of [Name].
- For a living person: For [Name], for [blessing or need].
- Thanksgiving: In thanksgiving for [favor or event].
- Private: For the special intention of [Name].
Bulletins often mark the dead with a cross: “† Maria Lopez”. Tell the parish clearly whether the person is living or deceased.
Mass intentions for the deceased
- For the repose of the soul of Thomas Brennan.
- For the eternal rest of Maria Lopez.
- For the soul of Joseph Nguyen, on the first anniversary of his death.
- For the repose of the soul of Grace Okafor, requested by her children.
- For the deceased members of the Kowalski family.
- For the repose of the souls of Michael and Anne Byrne, our beloved parents.
- For Peter Russo, who died on December 2, and for all who mourn him.
- For the soul of Baby Lucia Romero.
- For all the faithful departed, especially those who have no one to pray for them.
- For the souls in purgatory.
More wordings for funerals, anniversaries and All Souls Day are on Mass intentions for the dead.
Birthday Mass intentions
- For Maria Santos, in thanksgiving on her birthday.
- For John Doe on his 80th birthday, for God’s continued blessing and good health.
- In thanksgiving for the life of Anna Kim on her 18th birthday, and for guidance in the years ahead.
- For Fr. Michael Reilly on his birthday, for strength and joy in his priesthood.
- For the repose of the soul of David Clarke, on what would have been his 60th birthday.
Dozens more, including a sample request letter, are on birthday Mass intention examples.
Mass intentions for the sick
- For the healing of Rosa Martinez.
- For Daniel Cho, who is undergoing surgery, for a successful operation and a full recovery.
- For the recovery of Helen Walsh from cancer.
- For strength and peace for James O’Neill in his illness.
- For Mary Thompson, that she may be comforted in her final illness and receive the grace of a holy death.
- For all the sick of our parish and those who care for them.
- For the mental and emotional healing of a family member (special intention).
Thanksgiving Mass intentions
- In thanksgiving for the safe birth of Sophia Garcia.
- In thanksgiving for the recovery of Paul Mensah.
- In thanksgiving for 25 years of marriage of Mark and Lisa Brown.
- In thanksgiving for the 50th wedding anniversary of Robert and Joan Hughes.
- In thanksgiving for favors received through the intercession of St. Joseph.
- In thanksgiving for the gift of life and the blessings of the past year.
- In thanksgiving for the 25th anniversary of the priestly ordination of Fr. Anthony Mwangi.
- In thanksgiving for the successful completion of studies of Grace Adeyemi.
Students, exams and work
- For Kevin Tran, for success in his board exams.
- For Ana Ruiz as she begins college, for wisdom and perseverance.
- For all the students of St. Mary’s School at the beginning of the school year.
- For Joseph Lee, for God’s guidance in finding employment.
- For the success of a new business (special intention of the Ortega family).
- For all who are unemployed in our parish.
Marriage, family and children
- For Daniel and Emily, preparing for their wedding.
- For the newly married couple, James and Chiara Rossi.
- For a married couple facing difficulties (special intention).
- For Mary and Paul Smith, that God may bless them with a child.
- For a safe pregnancy and delivery for Laura Bianchi.
- For baby Noah Williams on the day of his baptism.
- For the Garcia family, for peace and unity in their home.
- For our children and grandchildren, that they may grow in faith.
Spiritual intentions
- For the conversion of a loved one (special intention).
- For the return to the sacraments of John Miller.
- For Pope Leo XIV and for the Church.
- For vocations to the priesthood and religious life from our parish.
- For Fr. Thomas and all the priests of our diocese.
- For peace in the world.
- For the protection of the unborn.
- For a happy death for all members of the Novak family.
Special intentions
If you do not want the details published, use a special intention:
- For the special intention of Margaret Davis.
- For a special intention (requested by A.B.).
- For a special intention of the Hernandez family.
The priest offers the Mass for your intention; God knows the details.
Tips for wording your intention
- Use full names, spelled exactly as you want them to appear in the bulletin.
- Say whether the person is living or deceased. It changes the wording and how the bulletin prints it.
- Keep it to one line. Parishes often shorten long intentions.
- Give your own name as the requester, separately from the intention.
- Avoid private medical or family details if the intention will be published. Use “special intention” instead.
- One intention per offering. If you want several people remembered separately, request separate Masses (why).
- Mention a date if it matters (anniversary, birthday, surgery day), and allow the parish to suggest the nearest available Mass.
Template request to your parish
Dear Parish Office,
I would like to request a Mass with the following intention: [intention, e.g. “For the repose of the soul of Thomas Brennan”].
The person is [living / deceased]. If possible I would like the Mass on [date] or the nearest available date.
Requested by: [your name and phone number].
Please let me know the customary offering and whether you would like me to pay by check or online. Thank you.
Mass intentions and Prayers of the Faithful
Parishes sometimes also include the intention’s name in the Prayers of the Faithful. If you are writing the petitions yourself for a family Mass, see Prayers of the Faithful examples and how to write the Prayers of the Faithful.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most common Mass intention?
“For the repose of the soul of N.” for someone who has died. Among intentions for the living, birthdays and thanksgiving for anniversaries are the most common.
Can I write “for the intentions of N.”?
Yes. “For the intentions of N.” asks the priest to offer the Mass for whatever that person is praying for. It is common for birthdays and anniversaries.
Can one Mass be offered for both a living and a deceased person?
Parishes vary. Some allow “for the living and deceased members of the Brennan family”; others prefer one intention per Mass. Ask the parish office.
How far in advance should I request a Mass?
For a specific date, a month or more ahead is wise, especially around All Souls Day, Christmas and Easter. If the date is flexible, a week is usually enough.
Sources
- Code of Canon Law, canons 901 and 945–958
- Congregation for the Clergy, decree Mos iugiter (1991)