A Catholic Mass card is a church donation requesting an offering of Mass for a particular intention. Masses are usually offered to pray for the ill, deceased and those in difficult circumstances. The donor receives a Mass card confirming the Mass offering.
Mass is the highest form of Catholic prayer and, according to the Vatican, the sacrament of the Eucharist during Mass is the "source and summit of Christian life" and the "sum and summary of Christian faith." When Mass is offered for a particular person, the unified prayers of the priest and congregation are devoted to that person. Masses are usually offered for the repose of departed souls, healing the sick, personal intentions, and in thanksgiving. A Mass card details the intention and confirms the Mass offering; this card is usually sent to the family, in the case of a bereavement, or to the person for whom Mass is offered. In recent years, it is becoming more popular to celebrate Mass for birthdays, graduations, and other special occasions.
