Memorial Mass Policy
A Memorial Mass is considered a private mass, often requested upon the immediate anniversary (i.e. 1 month, 40 days) of the passing of a loved one and sometimes upon the first annual anniversary of the deceased, or even some later annual anniversary.
Regrettably, as Fr. Michael is on his own at the parish and as priests are not supposed to be celebrating more than one Mass per day unless it is truly necessary as on Sundays, or for a funeral, wedding, nursing home or school mass, he himself is not able to celebrate Private Memorial Masses for anniversaries.
However, the parish will endeavour to find an outside priest to celebrate such private Memorial Masses at the request of the family if they are able to obtain the services of a priest, if available. There is no guarantee of being able to do this. Unfortunately due to health reasons, Pastor Emeritus, Rev. Leslie Tamas is no longer able to assist in this regard. The only weekdays that are assigned to accommodate Memorial Masses are Monday, Wednesday or Thursday. The set time would normally have to be at 6:00 pm.
If it is an annual anniversary, we draw your attention to the following. If the family acts promptly following the funeral, there is a very good chance that they can book a memorial mass for their loved one on or very close to the date they want the following year at one of the regular mass times through the parish. The new mass intention book for the upcoming year is usually open to book mass intentions by mid-summer for the following year. And of course mass requests can be booked at the office during regular weekday office hours – Tuesday to Friday – 9 am to 3:30 pm.
To assist with this option of having a mass offered for the repose of the soul of a loved one on their annual anniversary we offer multi-intentional masses on Tuesday nights and Friday nights (during Winter schedule), Friday mornings (during Spring/Summer schedule) and on Saturday mornings, with up to five intentions available at these masses.
Hopefully, the above will better service the needs of our parishioners.
Stipends for the visiting priest and musician (if requested) are at a set rate payable directly to the priest and musician (if applicable). Music fees are set by the musician.
God bless you for your understanding and co-operation.
