An offering is made to the priest who says Mass, to provide for the things necessary for the Sacrifice, and to assist in the support of the priest.
1. Since the early years of the Church the faithful, wishing to participate more fully in the oblation, made offerings of bread and wine for the consecration.
Today offerings are also made of vases and flowers, candle and candlesticks, altar linens, vestments and sacred vessels as well as monetary donations for the Mass.
2. Many Catholics have the laudable custom of leaving a certain amount of property or money in their wills, in order to have Masses offered for them after their death.
A requiem Mass is said in black vestments, and with special prayers for the dead. Masses said for the dead for thirty consecutive days are called Gregorian Masses.