Mass Intention Policy

Individuals beyond the scope of an immediate family member may request a Mass Intention. It should not be presumed that individuals honoring a loved one are solely requested by the deceased’s immediate family. Often at the time of death or subsequent anniversaries, friends, neighbors, and other parishioners contact the parish directly to schedule a Mass Intention. Requests are honored on a first-come, first-serve basis in the order in which the request is received. The date of request shall be deemed the postmark.

Each weekend, one Mass intention is set as Missa Pro Populo (Mass for the People), so another Mass intention cannot be scheduled for that Mass. The Missa Pro Populo intention cannot be swapped for a different Mass intention.

Ten Mass intentions may be requested for a single remembrance or special intention by a single individual per calendar year. No more than two can be scheduled for a Sunday (Vigil for Sunday - Saturday Evening) or Holy Day. 

Mass intentions cannot be scheduled for:

• New Year's Day (Mary, the Holy Mother of God)*
• Ash Wednesday
• Holy Thursday
• Easter Vigil
• Easter Sunday
• Mother’s Day
• Memorial Day
• Father’s Day
• Independence Day
• Ascension of the Lord*
• Labor Day
• All Saints*
• All Souls (November 2)
• Veterans Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Immaculate Conception*
• Christmas Eve
• Christmas Day*

Canon Law requires that all stipends taken for Mass Intentions be said for the intention designated. 

One Mass every weekend, known as Pro Populo (For the People), is required by canon 534. The Pro Populo Mass is for the intentions (personal prayers and petitions) of the living members of St. Boniface Parish and St. Meinrad Parish. A pastor who has the care of several parishes is bound to apply only one Mass for the entire people entrusted to him each weekend and Holy Day. Scheduling of multiple "stipended" intentions for one Mass is prohibited by Canon Law.

Because we get so many requests for Mass intentions, we cannot accept requests for novenas (nine consecutive Masses). Contact the Custodian of Mass Intentions at Saint Meinrad Archabbey, where novena Masses can be offered by one of the priest-monks.

For more information about Mass Intentions, contact finance@myparishfamily.church or call 812-357-6050.

An envelope for Mass Intentions is included in the monthly envelope packet. Please make sure your check is made payable to the parish church, clearly marking in the memo Mass Intentions (6100.700). A check for Mass Intentions cannot include any other funds, such as a gift to the parish.

If you use online giving, you can make one-time or recurring gifts using debit cards, credit cards, or eChecks (ACH) at these links:

St. Boniface Parishioners: Make a Gift Here

St. Meinrad Parishioners Make a Gift Here

* Holy Day                                                                                                                      

Updated November 2024