Does anyone know of a Catholic Mass Trust Fund where someone can deposit funds which can be used to request Masses on specific dates or after the death of the depositor?

-- Nick Cianci (nickc@rocketmail.com), February 11, 2001

Answers

-- (_@_._), February 11, 2001.

I don't know about other churches, Nick but at mine, we don't pay for Masses to be said. We just ask. I would think that you could talk to your parish office and arrange something in the event of your death...if it's your death you speak of. I know that many, many Masses are said at our church after a loved one has passed and they are just requested by the deceased's family. My advice...talk to your church about it.

-- jackiea (jackiea@hotmail.com), February 12, 2001.

Nick,

Similarly to Jackiea, our church just has a book for mass intentions, and if you want to add yours, get there and sign up.

Frank

-- Someone (ChimingIn@twocents.cam), February 12, 2001.

Jmj

Wow, Jackiea and Frank! That must be a brand-new trend.

All my life, wherever I have lived, there has been a "customary stipend" expected to be donated (though not demanded) when the intention for a Mass is presented at a rectory. I believe that bishops have usually suggested an appropriate amount. When I say "appropriate," I am referring to an amount needed to sustain the physical plant and the private needs of the priest(s) of the parish. In other words, the money is not a "payment for the Mass" (which would be a sacrilegious practice known as simony), but rather a donation that helps keep the priest and the parish alive and ticking. This is in keeping with what St. Paul repeatedly said about the fact that we must support those who teach us God's word. If a parish does not request or accept stipends, the parishioners must be very generous in the Sunday collections!

God bless you.
John

-- J. F. Gecik (jgecik@desc.dla.mil), February 12, 2001.

You'd be surprised, John. Our parish is thriving because of the generosity of the parishioners. We are going to have a full time daycare soon, not just a mother's day out. Construction will begin soon, as well, for a building for the CCE classes, instead of the portable buildings being used now. Plus, the size of the classes have grown by leaps and bounds. The rectory is in the final stages of receiving a "make over". :) And we are also in the process of doing a wonderful landscape project. Garden of memories, etc. We receive a bulletin from our church that has all sorts of information in it, including how much is donated and what all it is spent on. Running a church is much more costly than I would have thought. So, I guess it's because we are so generous, as you said. :)

-- jackiea (jackiea@hotmail.com), February 12, 2001.

I'm glad John made the references to the expected ''stipend'' that was customarily paid for not only masses, but many other services we get from a parish priest. I had not wished to introduce that. Too many people are judgmental, any time a priest or rectory states the stipend or costs; and a mass by definition is a free offering to God. -But priests do not live on our handshake, or on thin air. They don't pull down big salaries, and they are usually up with the chickens each morning, before dawn. Their occupation is not much fun, really.

Paul said it plain, the laborer deserves his wage.

When my wife and I were at the shrine of Saint James in Spain, we arranged masses for many of our loved ones, not just the deceased. The young volunteer in the rectory accepted a stipend for each one. I gave it with all my heart and humility, because I could see the enormous graces abounding in this great cathedral, being afforded me and my family! Actually, I wasn't ''charged'' any money. I was just told the customary amount, or what I could afford to give.

Why would I enter a Neimann-Marcus dept. store, pick and choose what I needed, and leave without a stipend? We were at a wine-tasting in Napa a few days ago. The sips we were given amounted to about 10 ounces all told. They charged me $5 each, me and my wife. Didn't I pay them gladly? A mass offered for the souls of my departed loved ones is infinitely more than all the treasures of this life! But NO--

If we are told a stipend for the mass is usually donated, someone will always say: ''These priests are all leeches, living off the poor people.'' Our Lord Jesus Christ must have been one, too. He accepted the food, drink and hospitality of good people; and He blessed them with His Divine presence. A mass offered for the souls of my departed loved ones is *worth* infinitely more than all the treasures of this life!

-- eugene c. chavez (chavezec@pacbell.net), February 12, 2001.

Greetings: Gods word says that though faith in Christ you are saved, its a gift. Thats the gospil turn from your sins and be saved. Jesus paid your debt. If it cost you money its not from God. I hope the Lord opens your eyes to the freedom in Christ. Jesus loves you! Romans 5:1 Therefore, being justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Nich there is no reason to pay for what Jesus has done for you, he died for your sins once for all time and he forever lives to justify you if you put your faith in him. Purgatory isnt in Gods word Jesus has already sufferd for those who know him.

-- Alex is saved by Jesus (Jesusislife@Christianemail.com), February 13, 2001.

Thank you dear Alex Jr. For someone who thinks ''religious activity'' will not save you,'' you spend a lot of time in this Catholic forum. You probably think this ''work'' is going to help save you. Is the man who sold you a Bible for $15 a bad man? It should have been free. Is a priest who gives worship to God in the temple supposed to live on air? Look in your Bible. The priests in the Temple of Jerusalem were supported by the people of God. I think you're just jealous because you preach in this place, (badly) and don't make a penny! Don't feel bad. I don't either. My Lord and Saviour is Jesus Christ. He saves me because I keep His holy Words. His Church is the Catholic Church. Someday you will come into it and receive the last sacraments. just before you die. See you in Purgatory, AlexJr!

-- eugene c. chavez (chavezec@pacbell.net), February 13, 2001.

You won't see him much there (if at all), Eugene, because I think you'll be out in quite a hurry. Why? Because Alex, Jr., will be reverting considerably before his death and will pray for your poor soul, remembering you fondly for these days in which you have helped him.
JFG

-- J. F. Gecik (jgecik@desc.dla.mil), February 14, 2001.

Greetings: Faith the subtance of things not seen, Walk by faith and not by sight. God provides to those who truly serve him and to preach the gospil is wonderful, I would rather see people in heaven then tske there money. Jesus saves

-- Alex recevied a gift from Jesus life (Jesusislife@Christianemail.com), February 14, 2001.

We are running a trust called Mass Trust for helping the poor in villages

-- Immanuel Jeyakumar (rvjk7@yahoo.co.in), February 13, 2004.