Should Catholic Masses be offered for those who oppose Church teachings?

By Wally Arida

In a recent article, we found the following question regarding the offering of Masses for non Catholics specifically those who are publicly opposed to the teachings on the Catholic Church. We publisht the question in its entirety. We also provide a link to the response that was published in response to this question.

Here's the question:

Q: I recently read in our parish bulletin that a Mass was being offered for the "Intentions of ---" (name omitted here, but published in the bulletin), a person who is still alive and who holds a high-profile public office. The individual is Christian but not Catholic and has signed laws or has taken positions which support abortion rights, embryonic stem-cell research and same-sex unions. May a Mass be offered by a priest, publicly, for the intentions of a living non-Catholic (or one whose "intentions" oppose our Church teaching?) If so, should it be? We certainly should be praying for this person's conversion -- of both their faith and their positions -- but I think offering a Mass for their intentions could lead the faithful to further confusion, and possibly may be scandalous. -- M.B., Brookfield, Connecticut

This topic really intrigues us and we would like to know what you think. So we thought we should have some fun and get your thoughts about it.

There are people who are not Catholics, not Christians, publicly pro-choice, anti-Life, anti-Pope, anti-Church activists, etc.

Should our priests offer our Catholic Masses to those who openly disagree with the teachings of the Catholic Church?

What do you think? Post your thoughts below. Let's see what you all have to say.

 CLICK HERE to view the full article and the theological response to the question above.