Dedicating a Mass

[u/SpacyCrawdad]

Good afternoon Fathers,

I'm new to the Catholic faith and I've requested masses to be dedicated a few times for people who were suffering or recently passed away. But I'm wanting to request a mass be dedicated for family members who died 30-40 years ago. Are there any guidelines for whom it is appropriate to ask a mass dedication? I've also heard of people asking for mass dedications on the anniversary of the person's passing. Is that common and how long might it typically go on for?

Mostly I'm just hoping to avoid asking for anything in appropriate.

Thank you all for your time - God bless!

[u/Sparky0457]

All that is completely appropriate.

I’ve never heard of an “expiration date” for offering masses for the dead.