STIPEND

A 'stipend' is a form of payment or salary, such as for an internship or apprenticeship. Stipends are usually lower than what would be expected as a permanent salary for similar work. This is because the stipend is complemented by other benefits such as accreditation, instruction, work experience, food, accommodation, and personal satisfaction. Universities usually refer to money paid to graduate research assistants as a stipend, rather than as wages, to reflect complementary benefits.
A stipend may also be a small amount ($2.65/hr) paid by the government to persons over the age of 60 who work in the public schools through the Foster Grandparent Program. Participants' income may not be greater than $12,765 per year if single and $17,115 per year combined income for a married couple.
A 'Mass stipend' is the payment, usually inordinately nominal, to a priest for saying a Divine Liturgy or Mass. Usually a donation, it can range from $5 in a small parish to $50 for larger parishes or major events. Weddings and funerals typically have much larger donations given, but that is usually at the discretion of the family or individual in question. However, it is unlawful to demand payment for a sacrament, and stipends are seen as gifts.
The term also has a specific use in the Church of England, meaning the salary of a 'stipendiary minister', one who receives payment directly from the diocese (as opposed to other forms of disbursement such as free use of a house in return for clerical duties, known as house-for-duty).