Mass Stipend

In Catholic Canon Law, a Mass Stipend is currently referred to as an "offering" (stips) freely given, rather than a "stipend" (stipendium), or payment as such. The offering is made by members of the church to a priest for saying a Divine Liturgy or Mass.^[1]

This is usually a small donation, depending on the size of the parish. At the discretion of the family, community or individual in question a wedding or funeral typically results in comparatively larger donations given at a collection or afterwards. It is considered immoral to demand payment for a sacrament (the sin of simony); stipends are seen as gifts.^[2]

References

1.  Herbermann, Charles, ed. (1913). "Stipend". Catholic Encyclopedia. New York: Robert Appleton Company.
2. Cathy Caridi, J.C.L. "Mass Intentions and Stipends". Catholic Exchange. Retrieved 2013-08-07.