Kurnool Diocese Issues Decree to Ensure Transparency and Accountability in Mass Intentions

Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, July 20, 2026: The Diocese of Kurnool has promulgated a comprehensive decree introducing uniform norms for the collection, administration, recording and celebration of Mass intentions, reinforcing transparency, accountability and faithful pastoral stewardship across the diocese.

The decree, issued by Bishop Johannes Gorantla OCD, will take effect on 1 August 2026, while provisions relating to the diocese's Internal Financial Audit system will come into force on 1 January 2027.

Rooted in the Code of Canon Law and recent Vatican legislation, including the Dicastery for the Clergy's 2025 decree on the pastoral meaning of Mass offerings, the new norms reaffirm that offerings made for Mass intentions are voluntary expressions of faith and ecclesial communion rather than payments for spiritual benefits. They also clarify that such offerings exist primarily to support the clergy and should not be treated as ordinary parish income.

The decree formally establishes the diocese's long-standing practice of centrally distributing Mass intentions among diocesan priests, ensuring equitable support for clergy, faithful fulfilment of Mass intentions, financial transparency and canonical accountability. Under the new regulations, all Mass intentions received by parishes, institutions, shrines and pastoral centres must be forwarded to the diocesan curia unless otherwise authorised by the bishop.

To strengthen accountability, every parish, institution, shrine and pastoral centre is required to maintain an official Mass Intention Register and Receipt Book, issue receipts for every Mass intention received and preserve these records permanently. In addition, monthly reports containing receipts and summaries of Mass intentions must be submitted to the diocesan curia by the tenth day of the following month.

The decree also provides detailed norms governing Foundation Masses, Gregorian Masses, Novena Masses, Triduum Masses and Ordinary Masses. It stipulates that neither priests nor parishes may demand an amount exceeding the diocesan-approved Mass stipend, while reaffirming the faithful's freedom to make additional voluntary offerings.

Emphasising the pastoral and canonical responsibility entrusted to priests, Bishop Gorantla states that clergy are personally accountable for the faithful celebration of Mass intentions and the accurate maintenance of records. He cautions that negligence in recording, transmitting or administering Mass intentions constitutes a violation of Church discipline and weakens the trust of the faithful.

Beginning in January 2027, the Diocese of Kurnool will introduce an Internal Financial Audit system to review parish financial records, Mass Intention Registers, receipt books, remittances and compliance with diocesan financial policies. Parish priests will also be required to submit an annual Certificate of Compliance as part of the accountability framework.

Concluding the decree, Bishop Gorantla described the new norms as more than administrative regulations, saying they express fidelity to the Church, respect for the faithful and a commitment to justice among the clergy. The decree also revokes all previous diocesan customs and practices that are inconsistent with the newly promulgated norms.

Source : Indian Catholic News