April
2008
HONORARIA
FOR MASSES
Our
Mass stipends having not been modified for over fifteen
years, we are obliged to adjust the rates within the Society
of Saint Pius X in Canada as follows:
For ONE MASS (low or sung): $20
For a NOVENA OF MASSES: $200
For THIRTY GREGORIAN MASSES: $800
CLARIFICATIONS;
1)
The stipend in no way corresponds with the value of a Mass,
which is of infinite value. Expressions such as: “How much
does a Mass cost?” or “How much is it for a Mass?” are inaccurate
and should not be used. The correct form is: “What is the
stipend (or honorarium) for a Mass?”
2)
Given the small number of faithful priests and the great
number of Masses which we are asked to offer, it is a) impossible
for us to make the distinction between “a sung Mass” and
“a low Mass”, and it is for this reason that the stipend
is the same for both; b) almost impossible for us to give
specific dates when the Masses will be celebrated.
3)
Mass stipends are not gifts to help the Society in our various
ministries, or with the upkeep of our chapels, schools or
priories. The stipends are given to the priest who actually
celebrates the Mass and he cannot make use of the money
until the Mass has been offered. Mass stipends are the sole
revenue for the personal needs of the priests of the Society
and the amount received as honoraria for Masses is not included
in the monies received as gifts for the Society. For this
reason, since they are not shown in our books as “charitable
donations”, it is not possible for us to give income tax
receipts for Mass stipends.
4)
We ask those who wish to have Masses said to please indicate
clearly on a piece of paper the intention and the name of
the donor and to include it and the stipend in an envelope
to our attention.
We
thank you for your gracious cooperation and assure you of
our prayers for all your intentions.
“At
the moment of the Consecration, in virtue of the words of
the priest, Heaven opens and the King, Jesus Christ, followed
by the angels, His courtiers, comes down from Heaven”. (St.
Gregory the Great).
Devotedly
yours in the Holy Family,
Father
Arnaud Rostand
