Hi, Jackie —

Thanks for the question.

When the notice said:

Masses for the Dead are requested.

It was saying that the family would appreciate having Masses said for the departed loved one.

Any Catholic or non-Catholic can do this by going to any rectory (the place where priests live.)
and ask that one or more Masses be said for the intents of the departed loved one:
"[David | Dorothy] Deceased".

This is a great act of charity for anyone to do and a great act of love for the departed loved one.

Because the Scriptures confirm that a worker is worth his wage (Luke 10:3-9), it is normal to give, what's called, a stipend to the priest. It's not absolutely necessary, but justice does call for something.

In the Boston area, to have a Mass said for a faithful departed loved one, the stipend is usually around $10.00, though this may vary from parish to parish, city to city, state to state, and for that matter, from country to country.

Just ask the secretary at the rectory:

What is the usually parish stipend for the priest?
{Some times, under certain circumstances, the priest won't ask for a stipend.}

Based on your original question, you may have a related question.

What is the purpose of a Mass card if my mother is already in Heaven?

Hope this helps,

Mike

Side note: For those with a deep devotion to the Holy Souls, check out my other web site at:

http://www.HelpersOfTheHolySouls.com