What Is a Mass Card and Its Role in Grieving?

A Mass card (also called a memorial or remembrance card) is a small printed card used in Catholic practice to notify family or friends that a Mass has been, or will be, offered for the repose of the deceased. They are tangible expressions of spiritual support and serve to comfort the bereaved by showing that prayers are being offered for their loved one.

Mass cards often include religious imagery, a short prayer or verse, and the name of the person for whom the Mass is offered. They are typically given at funerals, wake gatherings, or sent to families as a sign that a Mass will be celebrated in the departed’s memory.

Symbolism of Mass Cards

Mass cards carry powerful symbolic meaning. The imagery (saints, crucifix, Marian icons) and prayers printed on the card reflect themes of faith, hope, and the promise of eternal life. In Catholic belief, offering a Mass for the dead is seen as a profound act of charity that benefits the soul of the deceased.

Beyond personal consolation, Mass cards reinforce communal bonds—letting the grieving family know that the parish or community is praying with and for them.

Common Prayers and Verses on a Mass Card

Popular prayers and short verses commonly found on Mass cards include:

• The Lord's Prayer — A central Christian prayer asking for God’s guidance and mercy.
• Psalm 23 — "The Lord is my shepherd..." — a passage of comfort and trust.
• Ave Maria — Traditional Marian prayer seeking Mary’s intercession.
• Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep — a comforting poem often used on memorial cards.
• Short intercessory prayers asking God to receive the departed soul into eternal rest.

How to Get and Send Mass Cards

Mass cards can be obtained from several places and are easy to send to the bereaved:

• Parish or church office: Many parishes provide Mass cards and will record the intention when a Mass is scheduled.
• Funeral homes: Often carry Mass cards or can assist families with obtaining them.
• Religious stores and online shops: Offer printed cards and options for donating a Mass.

When sending a Mass card, it is customary to include the name of the deceased, date (if known), and a short note of condolence. If you make a donation to the parish for a Mass, the parish office will typically provide the card to indicate the intention has been recorded.

Perpetual Mass Cards

A perpetual Mass (or perpetual Mass enrollment) arranges multiple future Masses—sometimes indefinitely—offered for a deceased person. Organizations and certain parishes maintain registers for perpetual Masses, ensuring ongoing prayers and Mass intentions for the departed.

Families interested in perpetual Masses can usually enroll their loved one through the parish or through societies that coordinate multiple Mass intentions over time. Perpetual Mass cards indicate that the deceased will be remembered in an ongoing series of liturgical prayers.

Honoring Through Prayer

Mass cards are a meaningful way to communicate spiritual solidarity. They tell grieving families that prayers will be offered in their loved one’s name, which can be a significant source of comfort and consolation.

Whether for a single Mass, a set of intentions, or a continued series of Masses, the card symbolizes the community’s care and the spiritual assistance that the family will receive.

Conclusion

Mass cards for the deceased are simple yet profound tokens of faith and support. They link prayer, ritual, and community—offering consolation to grieving loved ones and honoring the memory of the departed through liturgical prayer.

If you wish to offer a Mass for someone, contact your parish, funeral home, or a reputable religious society. A Mass card both notifies the family and serves as a lasting reminder that their loved one is being prayed for.