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Bethany Forum Pro
Joined: Oct 16 2006 Location: Texas
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Posted: Oct 21 2010 at 10:20am | IP Logged
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I was wondering if it is inappropriate to have a mass said for a non-Catholic? As I posted in the prayer requests, my grandfather just passed away. He was not Catholic, but was a Christian, could I have a Mass said for him?
Thank you.
__________________ Bethany
Wife to Mike, Mommy to Amelia (6/02), Sarah (10/03), Martha Grace (10/05), Rebecca Anne (12/07), Laura Catherine (3/10) and Reed Michael 7/4/14.
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JodieLyn Forum Moderator
Joined: Sept 06 2006 Location: Oregon
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Posted: Oct 21 2010 at 12:42pm | IP Logged
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I don't see why not. I've had several people have masses said for my dad after he died and he was not Catholic.
__________________ Jodie, wife to Dave
G-18, B-17, G-15, G-14, B-13, B-11, G-9, B-7, B-5, B-4
All men who have turned out worth anything have had the chief hand in their own education.
-Sir Walter Scott
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Michaela Forum All-Star
Joined: Feb 25 2005 Location: Washington
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Posted: Oct 21 2010 at 2:35pm | IP Logged
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Yes. We had Mass said for my dad when he died. He wasn't Catholic and the priest knew it because dad cleaned the rectory for over a decade.
__________________ Michaela
Momma to Nicholas 16, Nathan 13, Olivia 13, Teresa 6, & Anthony 3
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hylabrook1 Forum Moderator
Joined: July 09 2006
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Posted: Oct 21 2010 at 2:52pm | IP Logged
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I agree that a Mass would be perfectly appropriate. You are already praying for your grandfather's soul, right? The Mass is a particular kind of prayer. Especially since you have other family members who are Catholic, and so would appreciate what it means to have a Mass said for the soul of someone who has passed on, it would be a good idea.
Peace,
Nancy
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KC in TX Forum All-Star
Joined: Aug 05 2005 Location: Texas
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Posted: Oct 21 2010 at 8:12pm | IP Logged
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Lots of people have had mass said for my SIL and she was not Catholic. It's a comfort for my brother who while lapsed is Catholic.
__________________ KC,
wife to Ben (10/94),
Mama to LB ('98)
Michaela ('01)
Emma ('03)
Jordan ('05)
And, my 2 angels, Rose ('08) and Mark ('09)
The Cabbage Patch
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stacykay Forum All-Star
Joined: April 08 2006 Location: Michigan
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Posted: Oct 22 2010 at 9:55am | IP Logged
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When my parents each passed away, we had two different priest friends who offered Masses for their souls. My parents were Episcopalian, and both of the priests knew that. I also had many friends send Mass cards for my parents, my mil had Gregorian Masses said for them.
In Christ,
Stacy in MI
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Elena Forum All-Star
Joined: Aug 13 2006 Location: Ohio
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Posted: Oct 25 2010 at 9:28pm | IP Logged
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I think it is appropriate and fine to have a mass said as well.
The only caution I would add is that if you have family members who are anti-Catholic, it might not be a good idea to share it with them. I have come across some non-Catholics who have taken offense to things like having a mass said or praying a rosary etc. The mass intention will be posted in the bulletin and that should be enough.
So sorry for the loss of your grandfather. May he rest in peace.
__________________ Elena
Wife to Peter, mom of many!
My Domestic Church
One Day at a Time
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CatholicMommy Forum All-Star
Joined: Feb 07 2007 Location: Indiana
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Posted: Oct 25 2010 at 10:09pm | IP Logged
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Our priest just gave a LONG homily on this very topic recently!
It is fine to have a Mass said for someone who is non-Catholic, but out of respect for their choice to NOT BE a Catholic, the Mass intention should not be publicly announced. IE it can say "intentions of the Smith family" or something along those lines. And it should be for the salvation of their souls, eternal rest, and the like - NOT for their conversion to the Faith, if that makes sense.
That is the summary of the long homily, without the candid stories to back up the points
__________________ Garden of Francis
HS Elementary Montessori Training
Montessori Nuggets
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guitarnan Forum Moderator
Joined: Feb 07 2005 Location: Maryland
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Posted: Oct 25 2010 at 10:30pm | IP Logged
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Father Z (whose blog, What Does the Prayer Really Say?, is one of my favorites) addressed this very question recently and he says yes, by all means. We should pray and have Masses said for our beloved dead, regardless of their faith while they were alive with us on Earth.
Bethany, you are so sweet to think of doing this for your grandfather's soul.
__________________ Nancy in MD. Mom of ds (24) & dd (18); 31-year Navy wife, move coordinator and keeper of home fires. Writer and dance mom.
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