Pro Populo - Praying for All Intentions Brought to Me

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
     Canon 534 states that a pastor is obliged to apply a Mass for the people entrusted to him on each Sunday and holy day of obligation.  A pastor who has the care of several parishes is bound to apply only one Mass for the entire people entrusted to him.  After the New Year, you will begin to notice that one out of the four Sunday Masses will be offered Pro Populo. The term Pro Populo means for the people.
     St. Augustine, writing in the 4th Century recalls his mother’s dying wish, “One thing only I ask you, that you remember me at the altar of the Lord.” When a priest offers a Mass he is asking God to apply special graces for a particular person. Mass intentions carry infinite spiritual weight when applied to either the living or dead.
     Offering Mass Pro Populo is one of the ways that I pray for all the intentions people bring to me - a sick mother, a grieving widow, a wayward son, a unemployed husband etc.  Even if you have not asked me to pray, rest assured that your needs are being prayed for especially at Mass.
     Yours in Christ,
     Fr. Slezak