Mass Offerings and Intentions by Fr. Joseph Evinger
It has been a common and noble practice in the Church that the faithful ask the priest to pray for them, for their loved ones, or for the deceased at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. When they request these Mass intentions many faithful attach a Mass stipend (gift of money) to the intention in gratitude to the priest and to the Church.
You may wonder, where does this money go? The Code of Canon Law c. 946 states: “The Christian faithful who give an offering [i.e. stipend] to apply the Mass for their intention contribute to the good of the Church and by that offering share its concern to support its ministers and works.”
For example:
In the Diocese of Bismarck when a priest offers one Mass in a day, which includes the requested intention from a specific person, the Mass stipend will be given to the priest. If he celebrates a second Mass or third, etc. in the same day, he may receive the money from only the first Mass with a stipend attached. The stipends from the other Masses are then sent to the diocese to be placed in the Education Fund for Seminarians.
Presently in the Diocese of Bismarck the recommended Mass offering is ten dollars ($10). Though one is not obligated to give money for a Mass or Masses, one is highly encouraged to support our clergy and the works of the Church. At the same time, it is the priest’s obligation to offer the Mass intention even if there is no stipend attached to the Mass intention. When anyone makes a Mass offering for a specific intention, it is assumed, if he or she gives $10, that person is asking for one Mass with the requested intention, if $20 two Masses, etc. unless the person making the offering specifically says otherwise.
According to Canon Law c. 534 it is also the responsibility of the pastor or parochial administrator on all Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation to offer a Mass for the people in his jurisdiction for their holiness and salvation. He receives no stipend for these Masses.
Lastly and most of all, the Church encourages people to offer Mass for their families, loved ones, and deceased relatives and friends regularly. In the dying words of St. Monica to St. Augustine her son, “Bury my body wherever you will; let not care of it cause you any concern. One thing only I ask you, that you remember me at the altar of the Lord wherever you may be.”