From the Desk of Father Nathan

St Gabriel Catholic Church | Pompano Beach
God Bless You All

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 | October 20, 2024

From The Desk Of Father Nathan | October 20, 2024

It’s election mode time. Everything we say and do will be perceived with a political outlook. But at the same time as the Church, we need to be the voice of Christ. Mother Teresa on the “Great Destroyer of Peace – Abortion. The passage below is the voice of Mother Teresa at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington D.C. on February 5, 1994. I believe her wisdom and concerns are so relevant today. Here you go.

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From The Desk Of Father Nathan | September 29, 2024

From The Desk Of Father Nathan | September 29, 2024

On October 1, Catholics around the world honor the life of St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus, or St. Thérèse of Lisieux on her feast day. St. Thérèse was born January 2, 1873 in Alençon, France to pious parents, both of whom are scheduled to be canonized in October 2016. Her mother died when she was four, leaving her father and elder sisters to raise her.

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From The Desk Of Father Nathan | September 22, 2024

From The Desk Of Father Nathan | September 22, 2024

St. Vincent dePaul, (April 24, 1581 – September 27, 1660) was a French priest who dedicated his life to helping the poor and is considered one of the most important figures in history of charity. He was canonized by Pope Clement X in 1737 and declared the patron saint of all charitable works.

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