Mass-Offerings
As the special fruit of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass accrues to those to whom the latter is particularly applied, it is customary for the faithful to make a special offering to the Priest for this purpose. This offering is also called a stipend.
The usual offering or stipend for a Low Mass is one dollar; for a High Mass, different sums, according as they are fixed in different localities and according to the character of the High Mass. The Priest is not at liberty to change these rates.
The offering should invariably be given in advance. This should not be considered a matter of business on the part of the Priest, so much as a matter of conscientiousness and religious propriety on the part of the petitioner for the special fruit of the Mass, whom custom requires to make an actual offering in connection with the Mass. It does not seem proper to make the offering after the Mass is over.
In the case of poor people who cannot afford to make an offering for a Mass, not even in favor of a deceased relative at the time of death, the Priest may donate the Mass; in which case he makes the offering himself, or sacrifices that which is otherwise his due, in favor of another.
Persons wishing to have a Mass said or sung on a certain date, should make the arrangements together with the offering some time in advance.
As High Masses usually take the precedence of Low Masses and require more special arrangements, these should be made even sooner in advance.
In having Low Masses said, one should not insist too much on the time and place for their celebration, as the Priest cannot usually bind himself in that way.
Masses for the Dead in black vestments can be said only on certain days; hence, one dare not insist too much on their being said on a particular date.
A Requiem Mass for the Third Day, Seventh Day, or Thirtieth Day after death, or Month’s Mind, as the latter is called, as well as for an Anniversary, which cannot be said on the proper date in deference to the rules of the Church, requiring the Mass of the feast-day to be celebrated only; may, however, be said on the first day after such date not impeded by the rules of the Church. Parties insisting on such Masses being said on the date proper, or wishing to have other Masses for the dead said on a day not open to them by the rules of the Church, must be satisfied to have the Masses said in vestments of the color appointed for that day.
