Office: Mon–Fri 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (closed 12–1)

Mass & PrayerMass Intentions

Mass Intentions

Have a Mass offered for a loved one, living or deceased, for a special intention, or in thanksgiving — and light the sanctuary lamp in their memory.

Since the earliest centuries Catholics have asked that a Mass be offered for a particular person or need. The whole Mass is prayed for that intention and the name is read aloud during the prayers of the faithful. It is one of the most loving things you can do for someone who has died, and a beautiful way to mark an anniversary, a recovery or a birthday.

How it works

  1. Choose the kind of intention

    Announced Masses have the name read at that Mass and printed in the bulletin; there is one intention per Mass, so popular dates go quickly. Unannounced intentions are offered by a priest at a Mass without a public intention, usually within the month, and can be requested at any time.

  2. Pick a date

    Weekday Masses are usually available two to three months ahead; Sunday Masses and anniversaries book up to a year ahead. The office keeps the book and will offer the nearest free date.

  3. Make the offering

    The customary offering in the Archdiocese of Toronto is $10 per Mass. It is not a fee — no one is ever refused for lack of means — but a way of sharing in the support of the priest and parish. Pay at the office, by envelope marked "Mass intention", or by e-transfer to giving@stcolumbatoronto.ca with the intention in the message.

  4. Receive a Mass card

    If the Mass is for someone else's loved one, the office can give you a card to send to the family confirming the date.

Sanctuary lamp and memorial candles

The sanctuary lamp that burns beside the tabernacle may be offered for an intention for one week (suggested offering $25), and the two large candles at the shrine of Our Lady for one month ($40). Intentions are listed in the bulletin.

Request a Mass intention

This intention is for

The office confirms the date by phone or email within two business days.

Opens your email app so you can review and send your request.

Questions

Can a Mass be offered for someone who is not Catholic?

Yes. A Mass may be offered for any person, living or deceased, of any faith or none.

Can I request several Masses at once?

Yes — many families request a Mass on the anniversary of death each year, or a series of Masses. If we cannot accommodate all of them, the extra intentions are sent, with the offerings, to missionary priests who have few of their own.

Will the name be printed?

Announced intentions appear in the weekly bulletin. If you prefer privacy, ask for the intention to be listed as "special intention".

Questions? Call the office at 416-555-0142 or email office@stcolumbatoronto.ca.