PAYING MONEY TO BOOK MASS… RIGHT OR WRONG?
INBOX QUESTION
“Good afternoon. Please I want you to clarify me on the reasons why we pay some money to book Mass? I really need to know so as to clarify my sister who is also a catholic but realy never understood the reasons 4 that.”
RESPONSE:
Catholics are NOT compelled to pay for Masses offered up for someone’s special intention. They are simply reminded that giving a “stipend” (usually N100 or depending on the diocese) is the custom. Priests can still offer the Mass for your intention if you cannot afford the money. Giving stipends for special intention Masses is the custom because it is only fitting and proper that there should be some token of APPRECIATION for the special service rendered. And this custom definitely has scriptural approval. Wrote the Apostle Paul: “Who serves as a soldier at any time, at his own charges? . . . Who feeds the flock, and eats not of the milk of the flock? . . . So also the Lord ordained that they, who preach the gospel, should live by the gospel.” (I Cor. 9:7-14). Of course the gift of God is not to be purchased with money; however, a form of thanksgiving is recommended. In most cases, these stipends are usually used by the Priests for charity.
Catholics are NOT compelled to pay for Masses offered up for someone’s special intention. They are simply reminded that giving a “stipend” (usually N100 or depending on the diocese) is the custom. Priests can still offer the Mass for your intention if you cannot afford the money. Giving stipends for special intention Masses is the custom because it is only fitting and proper that there should be some token of APPRECIATION for the special service rendered. And this custom definitely has scriptural approval. Wrote the Apostle Paul: “Who serves as a soldier at any time, at his own charges? . . . Who feeds the flock, and eats not of the milk of the flock? . . . So also the Lord ordained that they, who preach the gospel, should live by the gospel.” (I Cor. 9:7-14). Of course the gift of God is not to be purchased with money; however, a form of thanksgiving is recommended. In most cases, these stipends are usually used by the Priests for charity.
Let us learn to appreciate God in little things. A little stipend would not make us poor. If we happen to visit other protestants churches, they request a higher stipend, and we quickly pay without thinking twice…
May the good Lord continually grant us the grace to always appreciate him in the ordinary things of life.
