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Hi C.L.,
It is the custom of the Church to have the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass
specifically offered for the dead or the living, in exchange for an [donation|stipend].
This does not of course exclude individuals lifting up private intentions
during the Mass, nor does it mean that those who assist do not receive
a benefit from the Mass but:
- One, the dead, can only gain full benefit from
a Mass if it is offered for them by the priest.
- Two, having a Mass offered
allows the whole community to pray for an individual (which is why they
are announced).
In short, having a Mass offered is a particular potent
way to pray for an individual and serves as a way of communicating the
grace of Christ's saving sacrifice to individuals who cannot be present
or receive the Eucharist.
Eric
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