Hi Jerri,

Thanks for the question.

You said:

• How can I explain to people, in a simple way, the proper way to offer personal intercessory prayers at daily Mass?

All anyone has to do is, either verbally or silently, offer their prayer intention during any part of the Mass that leads up to the Eucharistic Consecration when the [celebrant|priest] says:

This is My Body. [and] This is the Cup of my Blood.

That's it!

Many, if not most parishes, have a period after the homily, were prayer intentions are read by lectors. They also include prayers for the Pope and the local bishop as well. If nothing is mentioned related to your personal prayer intention, you can mention it here, either aloud or in silence.

There are also individual and families who wish to ensure either a living or departed loved one is perpetually remembered at Mass, so they enroll them in a Mass membership, where Masses will be offered for their loved one on a:

• daily
  
• weekly, or
  
• annual
  

basis. A small stipend usually accompanies this. Your pastor, local priest, local Catholic bookstore, or religious house (monastery or convent) should be able to tell you where you can get a Mass card for this purpose.

Hope this helps,

Mike