During November, the Church calls us to commend to the Lord our departed brothers and sisters—the Souls in Purgatory—so that they might enter into the glory and joy of heaven. To have a Mass or several Masses offered for a person who is deceased is an ancient and commendable practice.  The Church considers the Mass the greatest possible prayer of intercession because it is the perfect offering of Christ to the Father by making present the Paschal Mystery of His death and resurrection. Every celebration of the Eucharist takes us back spiritually to the Last super, Gethsemane, Calvary, and all that followed. Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross is sacramentally perpetuated and made present ever anew in the Eucharist.
 
Since each Mass is of infinite value, requesting one or several Masses is of tremendous benefit for the person prayed for as well as for the family, knowing that their intention is joined with the prayer of the Church. Therefore, so many of us seek to book a Mass intention for our loved ones. Canon Law requires that only one intention be taken per Mass with a few exceptions. (Cf. Canon 948). The practice of taking more than one offering for a single Mass or collective or multiple intentions, while not the norm, is permitted in the Diocese of San Jose provided that it does not occur more than once a week.
 
The Mass Intention book for January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025 is now open. 
Though no policy can fully address all the spiritual, theological and practical issues associated with Mass Intentions, the following guidelines will regulate all Mass intentions requested at St. Cyprian Parish in order to give equal opportunity to all  to book a Mass intention for their loved ones and to accommodate recently deceased individuals:
 

1. Anyone may request a Mass Intention: a deceased loved one; a living person who is sick or suffering; a living person who is celebrating a birthday, anniversary or other special moment in their life; in thanksgiving to God (including the Lord Jesus or the Holy Spirit); in thanksgiving for a prayer from a Blessed or a Saint; or for a prayer intention (so long as the intention does not contradict Church teaching).
2. A Mass intention may not be requested for a prayer intention that contradicts Catholic moral doctrine.
3. Lengthy intention listings cannot be published in the Bulletin and must be edited for the sake of brevity.  Each intention is limited to either two names or one group.  Please be sure to indicate if the person for whom the Mass is requested is living or dead. 
4. A maximum of twelve (12) Mass intentions per year from any one individual may be scheduled at the parish with no more than four (4) scheduled for a weekend Mass.
5. Requests will be honored on a first-come, first serve basis in the order in which the request is received at the Parish Office. 
6. There is a suggested $10 Mass offering, but NOT REQUIRED, as determined by our Ecclesiastical Province.  You may still request a Mass intention even if you do not have the suggested $10 Mass offering.
7. Please note that Mass intentions may be requested for Sundays, most holiday and weekdays throughout the year.  Mass intentions cannot be scheduled for Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Vigil, or All Souls Day (November 2).  One Mass every Sunday and on Holy Days of Obligation will be scheduled for the intentions of our parishioners known as Misa Pro Populo (Mass for the for the People) as required by Canon Law.   
8. Mass requests will be granted as close to the requested date and time as possible.  If it is not possible to comply with the primary request, the next closest date and time will be scheduled. 
9. The schedule of Mass intentions is subject to change according to the Mass schedule and there is no promise that they will be said on the scheduled day due to priest illness, schedule change, diocesan obligation, etc.  Attempt will be made to contact the concerned parties ahead of time, but that is not always possible. 

10. We understand that there are situations which call for urgent prayer. In an event of an emergency or urgent prayer request, you may approach the priest before Mass and make your request known to him. Oftentimes, the priest may include the prayer request in the General Intercessions at Mass that day. You may also write that intention in the book of intentions located at the church entrance.
11. Masses can be booked by calling or visiting our parish office at (408)-739-8506 or via email at [email protected]  or [email protected] . 

 
Peace in Christ,
Fr. Robain