Dear Parishioners,
It has been two months since the parish started using Mass Intentions Online. It has been going extremely well and we have received many comments on the change. Parishioners have said they like it for several reasons. First, they can go online and look at available dates through 2027 for themselves and choose one that best fits their needs. Secondly, we’ve heard that many appreciate the convenience of it. The vast majority of requests are now coming online. Of course, you can still come into the parish office, and our receptionist can assist you with reserving a Mass intention.
With the implementation of the new program, several things have changed that you may want to know. The suggested donation is now $10 for a weekday Mass, and $15 for weekend Masses or major solemnities like Christmas. Another change is that now, on weekends, there can be up to two intentions for each Mass. You might notice that on some weekend Masses, the program only allows for one intention. These intentions were made before the new policy went into effect. When you are choosing a date, you will see that the next available date will be about two weeks in advance. The reason for this is so that we can get all of the intentions listed in the bulletin. If you see a date that you want before that two weeks and it is available you can call the parish office and they can assist you.
In addition, the new program allows us to also to accommodate memorials. When on to the website, click on “Request Memorial” on the top right side of the page:
• Sacristy Candle | Sits near the Tabernacle | Sun. to Sat. | Suggested donation: $25 | This candle will be lit all week in memory or in honor of someone. The names will be listed in the bulletin every week. You will find this memorial on Sundays every week of the year.
• All Souls Day | Suggested donation of $10 for each name | The list of the names will be remembered at all of the Masses on the first weekend of November. You will find this memorial under the Sacristy Candle on Sundays during the month of October.
• Christmas Flowers | Suggested donation of $20 per plant | Each poinsettia that you see has been given in remembrance or honor of loved ones whose names will be memorialized online. You will find this memorial on Saturdays during the season of Advent.
• Easter Flowers | Suggested donation $20 per plant | Each flower that you see has been given in remembrance or honor of loved ones whose names will be memorialized online. You will find this memorial on Saturdays during the season of Lent.
• Mother’s Day | Suggested donation $10 for each name | The list of the names will be remembered at all of the Masses on Mother’s Day. You will find this memorial under the Sacristy Candle on Sundays starting five weeks before Mother’s Day.
• Father’s Day | Suggested donation of $10 for each name | The list of the names will be remembered at all of the Masses on Father’s Day. You will find this memorial under the Sacristy Candle on Sundays starting five weeks before Father’s Day.
You can access and request Mass intentions and memorials online at shfla.org/intentions.
Over the past few months, many people have also used our new, online Prayer Wall. Here you are able to submit prayer requests for the sick, for the deceased, for those in the military, or for a special occasion. At times, we have been unable to approve certain requests because they didn’t meet the spirit of our Prayer Wall. We will not include any political rhetoric. Each prayer request remains up for one month. The requestor may than add it again.
You can submit your prayer requests on our website at shfla.org/prayerwall.
Peace and All Good,
Fr. Mike
