Question on Mass Intention/Stipend

[nana3]

Nana3: i beg your pardon but I didnt say it was a stipend that was what the person said that i was addressing my opinion to.Honestly i thought it was an offering to.

Sorry, I misunderstood then. I hope we are okay then. Forgive me.

 

[nana3]

A few points:

1. The standard Mass stipend is set by the local Ordinary.
2. Usually (but not in every diocese) a weekday Mass stipend is just the priest’s stipend whereas a Sunday Mass stipend contains the priest’s stipend and a “music fee.”
3. While a priest can only keep one stipend per day (visiting priest fees excluded), stipends are still paid for other Masses with the money donated to whatever has been indicated by the local Ordinary (usually the priest’s parish).
4. If a parish promises to say a Mass at a specific time and place then it must honor it (extenuating circumstances excluded).

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Now, in the case presented perhaps the parish is having difficulty with finances so it is trying to meet its music costs by shuffling Masses around with a priority given to those intentions that have paid the music fee. This “solution” should not be done since it gives the appearance of trafficking in the sacraments and canon law (c. 947) states that that is to be avoided at all costs (no pun intended).

However, with all of that said, one should also pay the suggested Mass offering unless there is a real financial hardship. Priests should never exclude a Mass intention based on how much is given. But people should also not short the Mass stipend unless there’s actual hardship or difficulty.

What may have happened is that, given the large number of Masses requested, the parish decided it didn’t qualify in their opinion as a hardship case. After all, you were still able to contribute $100 which is no small amount. So the parish decided to simply fit the Masses in where they could.
I’m not saying that’s the right thing to do, but it might be the way they viewed it.

$100 is no small amount but it is for 20 Masses. If I had to pay the amounts they asked for I would not been able to afford it. It would have been $400 and that is a big difference. This parish is well off. We just built a new church and yes we have to contribute to the building fund every week for the church is not paid for yet. They usually have a collection for when the insurance is due. They make a separate collection for the music ministry and the flowers that decorate the church at Easter and Christmas times. So they have separate collection for what you mention.

I will just say that they had no excuse for changing the Mass time on me. I will include the email my holy priest friend sent me in his own words. I hope to talk to my pastor tomorrow. Here is what my priest friend wrote to me:

“Canon Law is quite clear and detailed on the subject of mass offerings. You could probably find a copy of the applicable canons online with associated commentary. The relevant canons are cc. 945-958. Before I look myself and paste what I find below, I’ll say this. It is unlawful to charge a fee for mass, that’s why it’s called an offering strictly speaking, and not a stipend. It is likewise unlawful to change an intention after an offering has been accepted for a specific mass, regardless of how much or how little the offering was. Your pastor should be well aware of these laws and should inform his staff on how to appropriately manage Mass offerings from the faithful. So bottom line is you are right. I’d be happy to say Masses for your cousin if you would like. Our suggested offering for any Mass is $10, but again whatever offering your family could give is fine.”

 

[AloysiusBologna]

FYI…from St Pius XlWebsite (2015)

Request a Mass intention

To request ss intention, please note the following fees:

For one Mass: $20
For a novena of Masses (9 consecutive Masses): $200
For a series of Gregorian Masses (30 consecutive Masses): $800

Clarifications:

The stipend in no way corresponds with the value of a Mass, which is of infinite value. Expressions such as: “How much does a Mass cost?” or “How much is it for a Mass?” are inaccurate and should not be used. The correct form is: “What is the stipend for a Mass?”
Given the small number of priests and the great number of Masses which we are asked to offer, it is almost impossible for us to give specific dates when the Masses will be celebrated.
Unlike other donations which are given directly to the Society or its chapels, Mass stipends are given directly to the priest who celebrates the Mass and therefore these are not classified as tax-deductible contributions; consequently, it is not possible for us to give an income tax receipt.
We ask those who wish to have Masses said to please indicate clearly on a piece of paper their name, the intention of the Mass to be said (including, if applicable, the name of any person(s) for whom the intention is associated) and to put this information and the stipend in an envelope for the priest (celebrant). Also, please indicate whether the person for whom a Mass is intended is deceased or living.
NB: Those unable to pay this new stipend rate should speak with their local pastor in order to request a Mass for a lower stipend.
Where to send Mass requests
Regina Coeli House
District Secretary
11485 N. Farley Road
Platte City, MO 64079

Please include a check for the proper amount made out to:
Society of St. Pius X
and note detailing how many Masses and their respective intentions.

 

[InThePew]

FYI…from St Pius XlWebsite (2015)

Request a Mass intention

To request ss intention, please note the following fees:

For one Mass: $20
For a novena of Masses (9 consecutive Masses): $200
For a series of Gregorian Masses (30 consecutive Masses): $800

This is too much like a price list for my liking. I have nothing against a standard / set amount ($10 in my diocese) but this needs to be expressed in such a way as to make clear that this is not a required amount and those who are unable to pay do not need to ask for a dispensation!