It is a Catholic tradition to have Masses said in honor of someone to offer comfort for our relatives, friends, and loved ones. A Mass card, or Mass intention, is a greeting card given to someone to let them know that they, or someone deceased, will be remembered and prayed for in the intentions at a Mass.

The most common occasion for offering a Mass is for the repose of a departed soul. This tradition began quite early in the Church; the saints and early church fathers spoke of remembering the dead at the Mass, and encouraged the faithful to pray for those who had died. Mother's Day, birthdays, and Christmas are also popular occasions for offering Mass, as well as any time you may have a special intention to offer.
 

Mass cards at St. Joseph Church can be obtained for $10 per Mass by the following means:

• In-person from the parish office
• By placing your intention in an enveloped marked "Mass Intentions c/o Donna," along with the $10 stipend per Mass, in the collection basket at Mass
• By mail to the address below:

                   St. Joseph Church
                   440 St. Joseph St.
                   Lancaster, PA 17603

• By phone (717-397-6921), along with placing the $10 stipend per mass in the collection basket in the manner listed above, or sending it by mail to the address listed above
• By email, addressed to Mary Ellen ([email protected]), along with placing the $10 stipend per mass in the collection basket in the manner listed above, or sending it by mail to the address listed above.