If you are Catholic, you know that if someone gives you a mass card, this means that a person or situation that is important to you will be remembered and prayed about during an upcoming Mass. This is a kind gesture, and much like any other gifts you receive during your difficult time, it deserves recognition and thanks.
Jump ahead to these sections:
- How to Say ‘Thank You for the Mass Card’ in a Card or Letter
- How to Say ‘Thank You for the Mass Card’ in a Text or DM
- How to Say ‘Thank You for the Mass Card’ on the Phone or in Person
As you write out your family’s funeral thank you cards, you may be wondering how to acknowledge this unique gift. Let us help you with this. Here are some examples of how to thank others for the gift of a mass card.
How to Say ‘Thank You for the Mass Card’ in a Card or Letter
Most etiquette guides that offer suggestions on how to write a thank you note after a funeral say that you should acknowledge gifts, donations, and kind acts. While most recommend that you send thank you notes for sympathy cards received, mass cards do not fall into this category.
Here are some suggestions on saying thank you for the mass card in a funeral thank you note or letter. Only one note needs to be sent on behalf of the entire family.
1. “It was so kind of you to arrange a Mass in my father’s name. All the members of our family appreciate this kind gesture. Thank you so much!”
It’s common for one person to give thanks on behalf of the extended family. Feel free to use words like “we” and “us” when writing a family thank you note. You may even want to sign it, “The ‘Deceased Name’ Family.”
2. “Thank you so much for attending Mom’s funeral. We loved hearing stories about Mom from the time you were roommates in Chicago. We would also like to thank you for the memorial mass you arranged for her.”
When you lose someone, you want to know that they live on in other people’s memories. Thank people who take the time to share positive or funny stories with you.
3. “Our family would like you to know how touched we were to receive the mass card from you. As you know, our sister’s faith was an essential part of her life. We deeply appreciate your kind gesture.”
To obtain a mass card, a person usually donates to the local parish. When you thank someone for this gift, you thank them for arranging for the Mass and the monetary donation. Whether you prefer to acknowledge the financial aspect of the gift is up to you.
A donation made to obtain a mass card is usually different than a donation made to the church.
4. “Thank you so much for your kind gestures during this difficult time. We appreciate all the support you have given to our entire family.”
If you aren’t Catholic, you may wonder how to thank someone for a mass card. This generic thank you acknowledges the gift without getting too specific. Receiving this gift does not mean that you are required to attend a service at the Catholic church.
5. “Thank you so much for the donation for Fred at St. Joseph’s. We would also like to thank you for the beautiful plant you sent to the funeral home. Fred cherished your friendship, and we know that he missed your weekly chats over coffee while he was in the hospital.”
It’s kind to acknowledge meaningful relationships the deceased had with others. It’s not only your family that mourns the death of your loved ones. Others in the community also miss your loved one.
How to Say ‘Thank You for the Mass Card’ in a Text or DM
Masses are often said for deceased Catholics. The congregation prays for the soul of the dead, so they may leave purgatory and enter heaven. These prayers are also said at a Catholic funeral.
Although we don’t recommend that you send a thank you note over text or direct messaging, we know that others would disagree. Of course, it is better to acknowledge the receipt of a gift in this manner than ignoring the present altogether. Here are some samples of how you can thank others for a mass card.
6. “I just received the notification that you arranged a Mass for Mom. That was so kind of you! I shared this information with my siblings, and we all send our thanks.”
Most people write a little less formally when composing a text or DM than when writing a funeral thank you note.
7. “The mass card just arrived in the mail. Thank you so much for arranging this for Samantha. We are all leaning on our faith during this difficult time, so this gesture is greatly appreciated.”
You may also receive a mass card via email. It may also be placed inside another sympathy card.
8. “I just received notice that mass will be offered for my grandfather. Thank you for arranging this.”
Pope Leo XIII wrote this regarding Mass: “The grace of mutual love among the living, strengthened and increased by the sacrament of the Eucharist, flows, especially by virtue of the sacrifice [of the Mass], to all who belong to the communion of saints.”
9. “I just wanted to let you know how much your support and kind gestures have meant to me. I’m not sure how I would have gotten through the last few weeks without you.”
Here’s an example of a general thank you that you may want to send if you aren’t Catholic and aren’t sure of the significance of a mass card.
10. “It gives our family peace to know that our mom is remembered by many. Thank you for arranging for a Mass to be offered for our mom.”
A mass card may notify you of one Mass or a series of Masses. You may arrange Mass for your loved one as well.
How to Say ‘Thank You for the Mass Card’ on the Phone or in Person
Some people have a difficult time talking about emotional subjects soon after they happen. If you think that a phone or in-person conversation would be difficult, consider sending a handwritten (or texted) thank you note. Otherwise, calling someone on the phone to thank them is a kind gesture.
Here are some phrases to consider using as you thank someone over the phone or in person.
11. “You know how hard the last few weeks have been for us. When I received the mass card in the mail today, it felt like a warm hug from you. Thank you so much!”
You may also want to acknowledge any other kindnesses your friend offered during your loved one’s illness.
12. “I just wanted to call and thank you for arranging for the Mass offered for Paul. Your faith always inspired Paul, and this gesture would have meant the world to him.”
Some people are inspired to talk more openly about relationships after losing a loved one. You may want to take this opportunity to tell your friends how much they mean to you.
13. “Thank you so much for the mass card. My non-Catholic friends don’t understand why my faith is so important to me. I’m so thankful to have you in my life because you understand me so well.”
While it’s a blessing to have earthly brothers and sisters, it is also comforting to have brothers and sisters in faith.
14. “You are such an amazing friend. Thanks for everything you’ve done for the family in the last several weeks. We appreciate the meals, the rides to the airport, and the gas gift cards. Thanks also for the mass card and attending both the visitation and funeral Mass.”
While writing a thank you card to a person who sent flowers may feel right, you might want to call those who went above and beyond during your difficult time.
15. “I will always remember your thoughtfulness after losing my mom. I wish I would have supported you more when you lost your dad last year, but I didn’t know what to say or do. My siblings and I were really touched to receive the mass cards. Thank you so much.”
A telephone call or visit will make it easier for you to speak from the heart.
Speak from the Heart
The best thank you cards are those written from the heart. Use this opportunity to share with others how much they mean to you. Most people don’t do this enough.
As you write thank you cards following your family member’s death, you may think about what thoughtful acts meant the most to you. If you are Catholic, knowing that your loved one will be remembered in prayer by other believers may offer the greatest comfort. You may also appreciate the memorial contributions people made to honor your deceased family member.
You may also appreciate any stories about your loved one and photographs that others share with you. Think about what gave you the greatest comfort when you lost your loved one so that you know how to provide solace to others going through a similar situation.