**A Different Approach**

Under VIRTUES AND VICES in *A CATECHISM OF CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE* | CATHOLIC TRUTH SOCIETY, Q.322<sup>1</sup> reads:

> **322. Which are the Seven Spiritual Works of Mercy?**      
>[...]     
> **7.** To pray for the living and the dead.

*MattGutting's* and *AthanasiusOfAlex's* answers have done a good job explaining some aspects of the Catholic practice and basis.

Catholics are familiar with the following Fatima Prayer:

> 'O my Jesus, pardon us, and save us from the fire of hell; draw all
> souls to heaven, especially those most in need.'

Thus to answer *[b]ased on this difference, is it possible to say which purpose is more important?* I would say the most important would be praying for the one most in need. Thus to me, praying *more and with greater intensity* (mass, rosary, etc.) and offering sacrifices and mortifications for a   family member, a friend, or a colleague languishing in a gravely sinful life would rank above the holy souls in purgatory whose salvation is assured.

Similarly, my supplications would focus more on the sick or gravely injured, the unemployed or in a some other material need among those whom I love and I ought to pray for, whilst still saying the customary prayers for others not in their situation.

On the other hand, it is easy to forget to pray for the holy souls in purgatory, among whom may be a family member (natural or Christian e.g. priests and religious in one's life, godparents, etc.), a friend, or a colleague. Since the holy souls cannot help themselves, in this sense the holy souls in purgatory are most in need. 

Perhaps rather than focusing on which is more important, it behooves us to continually pray for the living and the dead without expecting a reward, purely for the Love of the LORD and others for his sake. The LORD is generous, *we will be blessed, because [some of those who we pray for] cannot repay us. We will be repaid at the resurrection of the just*<sup>2</sup>.

<sup>1. [Q.322, Virtues, Gifts of the Holy Spirit and the Counsels | PENNY CATECHISM](http://www.catholictreasury.info/catechism/cat25.php).</sup>     
<sup>2. [Lk 14:13-14](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+14%3A13-14&version=RSVCE).</sup>