Mass Cards
When you suddenly find yourself in need of a way to honor the passing of a friend, relative, or acquaintance, whether you will be attending the services or not, you have several options.
Many people send flowers. Flowers are beautiful, and are always welcomed by the family. They may be taken home by family and friends after the services, used at the gravesite, or even re-used at a religious service later in the week. Flowers are very traditional, and often there are more than enough arrangements at the service. Flowers can also be quite expensive.
Many families are now requesting that donations be made to a favorite charity, "in lieu of" (instead of) sending flowers. A charitable donation is certainly a caring way to express your respect of the deceased, and one that can help others in the future. Many who make a donation still feel that they do not want to arrive "empty handed" at a wake.
Another nice option, whether on its own or along with flowers or a donation, is to purchase a Mass card in memory of the deceased. Mass cards can be purchased at the rectory of most Catholic churches, and can also be purchased through the mail. Through the mail, the cards are offered by various Catholic charities. You make a donation, and the charity sends you a supply of Mass cards, which you then complete.
The cards offered at churches have a range of prices and looks. There are very simple cards, usually available for a five dollar donation. Some churches, such as St. Mary’s in Billerica and St. Michael in North Andover, offer quite elaborate cards for around fifteen dollars. These larger cards come with several different choices of picture (mostly artistic renderings of Jesus and/or Mary), and are presented in hard bound "leatherette" books in red, white, or blue. These cards make a nice keepsake for family and friends. The name of the deceased is recorded and they are remembered in masses said at the church.