Towards a New Understanding of Mass Stipends

Paweł Kaleta

doi:10.18290/rnp20303-10

Paweł Kaleta John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Poland https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6159-0997

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18290/rnp20303-10

Keywords: Mass stipends, Mass offerings, Canon law, the Sacrament of the Eucharist

Abstract

The term of “Mass stipends” have been preserved in the longstanding and venerable tradition of the Church. Their justification can be found in the Apostolic letter Firma in traditione and in the 1983 Code of Canon Law. Even so, understanding their meaning is not clear and often confused with buying sacraments or a type of financial payment for a service rendered. From a historical viewpoint, the Mass stipend seems to trace its origin to the offertory of the Mass. It was during the Offertory that the faithful, who were participating in the Eucharistic celebration, offered their gifts. This study explores the concept of the so-called Mass stipend and their evolving form in the practice of Church. For a proper understating of Mass offerings, it is important to point out that they must be coherent with the Eucharistic theology of sacramental sacrifice, of the close connection between the celebrant and the people in their common act of worship, and of the gratuity of this great gift of the Lord to his people. Ultimately, Mass offerings contribute to the good of the Church and share its concern to support its ministers and works.

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