Dear Walter:

Masses said for the dead are an ancient tradition. It is hard to believe that this tradition fell by the wayside. But, then again I know there are many errant priests who disparage what they call the "devotional Church." I applaud your pastor for restoring this tradition.

During the each Mass we offer prayers for those in purgatory, but parishioners can ask the priest to say Mass specifically for their loved one. We should always pray for our departed loved ones that they may be released from purgatory and enter the glory of heaven.

The efficacy of Mass intentions is that a person can have a Mass said for their departed loved one. We should always be in prayer for our departed loved ones. This is one way to do that.

There is no such thing as "can't afford" asking for a Mass intention as indicated below in the quotes from Canon Law and my note of the practice here in the U.S.

As for the millions who do not know about Mass intentions or cannot get on the calendar because it is full, that is why we offer a blanket prayer for those in purgatory in the prayers of the Mass. Also, additional intentions can be made during the "Prayers of the Faithful".

People can also offer the Mass personally for their intentions. During the consecration I offer the Mass for my intentions, especially for my deliverance clients. I just say under my breath, "I offer this Mass for my clients, for my grandparents, and ....."

God hears all prayer, whether it is a personally offered intention, a Mass intention, or a general blanket intention for those in purgatory.

I have no idea what you mean about "people's differing social status, education, popularity, wealth, etc." Those distinctions do not exist in the next life and have nothing to do with this topic.

There are quite a few Canon Law statues that regulate stipends and Mass intentions for an individual §901, 945-958.

Canon Law 901 states, "A priest is entitled to offer Mass for anyone, living or dead." A Mass intention can be requested for a living person, but most often the Mass intentions are for departed loved ones.

Also concerning stipends:

Can.  945 §1. In accord with the approved practice of the Church, any priest celebrating or concelebrating is permitted to receive an offering to apply the Mass for a specific intention.

§2. It is recommended earnestly to priests that they celebrate Mass for the intention of the Christian faithful, especially the needy, even if they have not received an offering.

Can.  946 The Christian faithful who give an offering to apply the Mass for their intention contribute to the good of the Church and by that offering share its concern to support its ministers and works.

Can.  947 Any appearance of trafficking or trading is to be excluded entirely from the offering for Masses.

Can.  948 Separate Masses are to be applied for the intentions of those for whom a single offering, although small, has been given and accepted.

Can.  949 A person obliged to celebrate and apply Mass for the intention of those who gave an offering is bound by the obligation even if the offerings received have been lost through no fault of his own.

Can.  950 If a sum of money is offered for the application of Masses without an indication of the number of Masses to be celebrated, the number is to be computed on the basis of the offering established in the place where the donor resides, unless the intention of the donor must be presumed legitimately to have been different.

Can.  951 §1. A priest who celebrates several Masses on the same day can apply each to the intention for which the offering was given, but subject to the rule that, except on Christmas, he is to keep the offering for only one Mass and transfer the others to the purposes prescribed by the ordinary, while allowing for some recompense by reason of an extrinsic title.

§2. A priest who concelebrates a second Mass on the same day cannot accept an offering for it under any title.

Can.  952 §1. It is for the provincial council or a meeting of the bishops of the province to define by decree for the entire province the offering to be given for the celebration and application of Mass, and a priest is not permitted to seek a larger sum. Nevertheless, he is permitted to accept for the application of a Mass a voluntary offering which is larger or even smaller than the one defined.

The amount set for the stipend here in the United States I believe is $5.00-$10.00. Priests are obliged to accept Mass intentions from people who cannot afford the stipend. Thus, money is never an issue.

This tradition is a one of the ways the Church allows us to pray for loved ones in purgatory. There is nothing sinister about it. It is a wonderful tradition. the Church never forgets those who cannot offer a Mass Intention through the prayers of the Mass. The Church is a good mother.

God Bless,
Bro. Ignatius Mary