Vatican issues new norms for Mass intentions

The Vatican’s Dicastery for the Clergy recently issued a decree updating the Church’s norms governing Mass intentions and stipends. Pope Francis has approved the decree, which replaces the 1991 instruction Mos Lugiter, and which will take effect on Easter Sunday.

Canon 945 of the Code of Canon Law still applies, affirming that priests may receive offerings for celebrating Mass according to specific intentions. But bishops conferences or provincial councils may now permit priests to accept multiple offerings from different donors for a single Mass with a “collective intention”, but only when all donors have been explicitly informed and have freely consented.

“Such consent of the donors can never be presumed,” the document states. “In the absence of explicit consent, it is always presumed that consent has not been given.”

The decree also reaffirms that offerings for Mass intentions must never be treated as commercial transactions, noting that such practices would constitute simony – the forbidden buying or selling of spiritual things.

Cardinal Lazzaro You Heung-sik, prefect of the Dicastery for the Clergy, explained that the new regulations came after “profound consideration” and extensive consultation with bishops, clergy and faithful worldwide.

The document addresses the growing challenge of clergy shortages in many regions, making it difficult to fulfil all requested Mass intentions while preserving their spiritual significance.

Bishops are instructed to properly educate clergy and faithful about these regulations and maintain accurate records of Masses, intentions and offerings. The decree emphasises that priests should celebrate Mass for the intentions of the faithful, “especially the poorest, even without receiving any offering”.

The norms also prohibit substituting promised Masses with simple mentions during liturgies, categorising such practices as “gravely illicit”.

A notable pastoral provision allows diocesan bishops to redirect surplus Mass intentions to parishes or mission territories in need, promoting solidarity within the universal Church.

FULL STORY

Vatican decree allows collective Mass intentions while prohibiting commercialization of offerings (By A.C. Wimmer/Catholic News Agency)

New Decree clarifies discipline on Mass Intentions and collective offerings (Vatican News)