Mass intentions  
While the old catechism taught it was “a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead, that they may be loosed from sins” (2 Maccabees 12:46), it is not only in November but throughout the year that a large majority of Masses are said for either named dead or for the Holy Souls.

This raises the question whether Catholics are more concerned with getting the dead “into heaven” than they are with the living. Is it not time we more often celebrated life and well-being, by, for example, having a Mass offered in thanksgiving for a wedding anniversary or as birthday or Christmas presents, or for the intentions of a friend who is struggling or under pressure?

Having a Mass offered for a housebound parishioner, or for the mourning relatives of the recently dead, would be a lovely gift.

Ann Lardeur
Chaldon, Surrey