A Message from Father Nathan
My dearest people closest to my heart!
God bless you and your generous heart.
Understanding Why We Offer Masses for Our Intentions
Why? And for what? Are reasons to celebrate a Mass intention
I do appreciate that lots of people offer a Holy Mass for so many intentions. It’s clear that you take prayer and the Mass very seriously. God bless you.
I thought we need a bit of catechism on “Why? And for what? Understanding the reasons to celebrate a Mass intention?
Mass is first and foremost an act of worship.
It is the source of the summit and the highest form of prayer in Catholicism, honoring God the Father through the sacrifice of Christ. We Catholics believe that in the Mass, we unite ourselves spiritually to Jesus’ offering on the Cross, which is made present on the altar in an unbloody manner.
Graces flow abundantly through the celebration of the Eucharist
—for the person offering, for those prayed for, and for the whole Church.
Reasons to offer a Mass (intentions):
Masses can be offered for many intentions. Common ones include
1. For the dead, probably the most common reason. Catholics believe in purgatory—a state of purification before entering Heaven. Offering Mass helps the souls of the faithful departed.
2. For the living. Thanksgiving – To thank God for blessings, birthdays, anniversaries, and recovery from illness.) Healing – For physical and spiritual healing. Guidance and Strength – difficult times, decisions, or temptations. Conversion – for loved ones who have strayed from faith. Special Intentions –Personal requests known only to the person offering it.
3. For the Church and the World. Peace, justice, vocations to the priesthood/religious life, sanctification of the clergy, etc. Spiritual Value of the Mass. Infinite Value (because it’s Christ’s sacrifice.) Impart Grace to those prayed for and to the one offering the Mass. It can be applied to both the living and the dead, unlike most prayers, which benefit primarily the living.
Bring Your Intentions to the Altar
Hence, Holy Masses could be offered for anything. We know as Catholics our life should revolve around the altar. Whatever affects and pertains to our life can be and should be brought to the altar to remember and pray for.
With lots of love and blessings.
Ever wanting to be faithful to your service,
— Fr. Sahayanathan Nathan
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Past Messages from Father Nathan
From The Desk Of Father Nathan | April 20, 2025
Easter Sunday. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of the Christian faith. Fulfilling God’s plan of redemption and the promise of eternal life.
From The Desk Of Father Nathan | April 13, 2025
Holy Doors Pilgrimage Trip Report. We are back, healthy and renewed. We had a great pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi. Everyone stayed healthy. The places we visited were more than I expected! I have realized that I have yet to learn an ocean of knowledge about our Catholic faith.
From The Desk Of Father Nathan | April 06, 2025
Become a Prayer Warrior. Time is Precious & With Age we Gain Time. There is no doubt that most of our parishioners are age 63 plus. Some may be quick to assume that because of our age, we cannot do a lot to contribute to the community and to society. It’s so unfortunate to think that.
From The Desk Of Father Nathan | March 30, 2025
I am in Rome on the Holy Doors Pilgrimage with a Group of Parishioners. Please keep us in your prayers. Preparations have begun for Holy Week and Easter. We have planned the liturgies and all the details they involve. I wish and pray that our people have a meaningful celebration of Holy Week and Easter.
From The Desk Of Father Nathan | March 23, 2025
We made our ABCD Goal!!! Thanks to our amazing Parish. From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank each and every one of you, for your contribution, collaboration, and involvement in achieving our goal for the ABCD. We made it!
From The Desk Of Father Nathan | March 16, 2025
Catholic Jubilee 2025. Pope Francis has opened the Holy Doors is Rome. St Gabriel Parishioners will be on pilgrimage to visit the Holy Doors.