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Canon law of the Catholic Church |
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In the Catholic Church, a Mass stipend is a donation given by the laity to a priest for celebrating a Mass for a particular intention. Despite the name, it is considered as a gift or offering (Latin: stips) freely given rather than a payment (Latin: stipendium) as such.[1]
This is usually a small amount of money determined at the discretion of the family, community or individual in question, and may vary depending on the occasion and number of attendees. As it is considered simony for priests to request payment for a sacrament, the donors decide upon the form and amount of stipend, and are received as gifts.[2][3] Typically, the diocese sets a minimum donation for Mass stipends, and donors are asked to cover this amount for expenses.
Code of Canon Law, canon 945 states that
In accordance with the approved custom of the Church, any priest who celebrates or concelebrates a Mass may accept an offering to apply the Mass for a specific intention.[4]
The donation of a stipend for the celebration of a Mass dates back to the eighth century.[5]