Mass Offerings in the Archdiocese of Vancouver

The following 3 articles from The B.C. Catholic explain the history, meaning and rules of Mass Offerings in the Archdiocese of Vancouver. They appeared in print on October 17, 24 and 31, 2005.

Origin of Mass offerings

By FATHER DONALD LARSON

The B.C. Catholic - The suggested offering for a Mass intention in the Archdiocese of Vancouver will become $10 effective Nov. 1, All Saints Day. Each issue of The B.C. Catholic until then will carry a brief column of explanation about the practice of Mass offerings.

In the early Church, the faithful presented Offertory gifts at the celebration of the Mass: bread and wine, as well as gifts for the support of the clergy and the needy. Originally the gifts were food items, but these were soon replaced by gifts of money. The offerings were mainly for the support of the priests and the poor.

This practice changed in medieval times, when it became common for votive Masses to be offered for the intentions of specific groups or individuals, for example, guilds, confraternities, wealthy patrons. By the 11th century individual Mass intentions were widespread. At this time it also became common for priests to celebrate private Masses.

Today the practice of Mass offerings is not common everywhere in the world, but in some areas Mass offerings remain an important source of income for the clergy.

Father Larson is the pastor of St. Joseph's Parish in Langley.

The meaning of Mass offerings

By FATHER DONALD LARSON

The B.C. Catholic - The suggested offering for a Mass intention in the Archdiocese of Vancouver will become $10 effective Nov. 1, All Saints Day. Each issue of The B.C. Catholic until then will carry a brief column of explanation about the practice of Mass offerings.

The meaning of Mass offerings has changed somewhat throughout history.

The most basic and original meaning of Mass offerings was financial support for the Church and her work. Often Mass offerings have been a major source of income for the support for the clergy, the care of the poor, and other Church works.

As sacrificial gifts, Mass offerings have also been a means for the devout lay faithful to identify themselves with the sacrificial offering of Christ in the Mass. Jesus has given everything out of love for us, and we are called to share in His generous self-giving. Mass offerings are one expression of this sacrificial attitude.

Mass offerings have also allowed the lay faithful to join themselves to the work of the priest. The laity are not intended to be passive observers within the Church. They are to generously share in the Church's work and in the Church's worship. Mass offerings can deepen the laity's sense of active participation in the priestly work of the Church.

Father Larson is the pastor of St. Joseph's Parish in Langley.

Rules about Mass offerings

By FATHER DONALD LARSON

The B.C. Catholic - The suggested offering for a Mass intention in the Archdiocese of Vancouver will become $10 effective Nov. 1, All Saints Day. This is the last in a series of brief columns of explanation about the practice of Mass offerings.

The norm for Mass offerings is this: a priest says Mass once a day for one intention and receives one Mass offering. Often, however, the situation is more complicated, and so Mass offerings are regulated by the following prudent rules of financial management:

• One Mass must be said for each offering, except in special circumstances.

• A Mass may be said for more than one intention only when all the donors have given explicit permission beforehand, and when the time and place of the Mass have been publicized beforehand. This may not be more than twice a week per church. In addition, a 1991 norm of the Archdiocese of Vancouver required permission from the Ordinary for such a Mass.

• A priest may only retain one offering per day, except on Christmas. When several intentions are combined in the same Mass the priest may only retain the suggested diocesan offering. Any additional offerings must be sent to the Chancery. On Christmas a priest may retain up to three offerings for Masses said.

• Except in rare circumstances, a priest may only accept one Mass offering per day. If he offers the Mass more than once during a day he may accept more than one offering; however, he may only retain one offering. The other is to be sent to the diocese. When a priest concelebrates a second Mass on a day he may not accept an offering for that Mass.

• A priest is not obliged to accept Mass offerings, but if he accepts an offering he has an obligation in justice to ensure the requested Mass is said by himself or another priest.

• If a priest transmits a Mass intention to another priest he must also remit the full offering.

• A priest may not retain more offerings than he can say in one year.

• The priest is to maintain an accurate record of Mass offerings.

• The ecclesiastical region (or diocese) may establish a suggested amount for a Mass offering. However, a priest may accept a lesser amount, or a greater amount if it is voluntarily offered.

• Effective Nov. 1, 2005, the suggested offering for a Mass intention in the Archdiocese of Vancouver will be $10.

Father Larson is the pastor of St. Joseph's Parish in Langley.