Yes, I've seen this in many parishes. In fact, some of my family members prefer Mass intentions to traditional gifts for Christmas or birthdays. The is no gift greater than Christ's Sacrifice.
What a beautiful gift!
Another parish practice are the monthly offerings. For a small stipend, we can have the Sanctuary Lamp, the Altar Bread and/or the Altar Wine, offered up. These are usually done in memory of deceased relatives or entire families. Throughout the month, each time I look at the Sanctuary Lamp flickering through the red glass, one cannot help but pray for those individuals.
BTW - our church has its own antique press for making altar bread.
**In fact, some of my family members prefer Mass intentions to traditional gifts for Christmas or birthdays. The is no gift greater than Christ's Sacrifice.**
I'll have to pass this on to my kids! LOL!