A Mass card, also known as a Mass offering card, memorial card or a remembrance card, is a greeting card given to someone to let them know that they, or a deceased loved-one, will be remembered and prayed for in the intentions at a Mass. The card-giver can obtain a Mass card from the parish office, give his or her offering/donation, and, if desired, choose a weekend when the Mass will be offered for his/her intention. He/she will then give or send the card to the recipient, which lets the recipient know that he/she, or a deceased family member, or some other intention will be prayed for at the Mass. 

The most common occasion for offering a Mass is for the repose of a departed soul. This tradition began quite early in the Church, as there are epitaphs on tombs as early as the 2nd century, which beg for prayers for the deceased person; the Canons of Hippolytus, from the first half of the 3rd century, mention the offering of prayers for the dead at Mass. The saints and early church fathers spoke of remembering the dead at the Mass, and encouraged the faithful to pray for those who had died.  A Mass card can also be requested at any time you have a special intention to offer.

At St. Vincent's, Mass cards are available at the Parish Office during office hours.  Please stop by or call with the name of the person and the weekend you would prefer (except Easter, Christmas, Mother's Day, Father's Day, and All Saint's Day).  The usual donation is $15.  Your intention and the name of the person requesting the intention will also be listed in the weekly bulletin.

Alternatively, you can place an envelope clearly marked "Mass Card" with your donation and information (name of deceased, name of person requesting the Mass, and your name [if different]) into the Sunday collection, and, if desired, a card can be picked up later.