My daughter was just baptized and her godmother told me it is customary to give the priest who performs the sacrament a monetary gift. I had not known this and was wondering if others are familiar with this custom. Also, how much money are we talking? I would love to hear from anyone with a clue. Thanks.
It is certainly never required to give a priest a gift- but it certainly is nice to give them some monetary renumeration for their time and trouble. I would suggest $25-$50 and up for a remembrance would be nice.
An "Honorarium" of $50.00 - Cash inside an appropriate card -- is traditional. Alternatively, my husband suggest making a donation to the parish in the Priest's name + inviting the Priest to the reception assuming you are having one.
We gave the Priest/Deacon a card with $50 for each of my childrens Christenings. We also gave the alter boys $10 each. We were told that it was optional but I figured they came in when it was convenant for us so it was well worth it.
In my church, Baptisms are a separate ceremony. We usually give a larger than normal "donation" on the next Sunday. We usually attach a little "thank you" note to it, as well. I am usually too crazy with all the other details/preparations to worry about any thing extra on that day. (Our families throw BIG parties, etc.) That said, you need to do what you feel is right. I am sure the priest isn't going to remember if you do or don't give something. If you have a little extra, it is a nice gesture but if you don't, times are hard, don't worry about it.
I believe we gave our priest a $50 gratuity when my son was baptized. It was really just a way to show our appreciation and since we didn't know him very well personally (as in, what his hobbies were or anything) we couldn't get him anything more personal. The gift was to thank him for being a part of this important moment in our child's life, and for his time and assistance.
Yes, I think it is. I have 2 sons that were baptized and I gave each of the priests a gift of $50. I liked both priests that's why it is was $50 but I don't think you have to give that much. Hope this helps.
Many people give priests a monetary gift for the sacraments of Baptism and Matrimony. At some parishes priests (or deacons) require the parents/Godparents to attend a special Baptismal Prep class. Some people pay them for their time.
Regardless of if you attend one of these or not, a monetary donation (either made to the priest or church) is normally expected. Most of the time the priest donates it back to the church, so consider it a donation to either.
$50 is a typical amount that I've heard of for a baptism.
Our daughter's baptism was private, so yes, we gave the priest a gift of $50 in a thank you note.
If it is a group baptism, I don't know if the same level of gift is appropriate.
The gift is never required.
When my daughter was baptized we gave our priest $50. It was a group ceremony with about 12 families that took place on a Sunday afternoon after mass(Mother's day actually.) We were one of few people who gave the priest an envelope after we finished so I don't think you're the only one. The importance of giving it directly to the priest is so that it doesn't become a 'church donation.' You could send a thank you note in the mail but be sure to address it directly to the priest rather than the church. I wouldn't feel obligated though; it's completely up to you and depends on how close you are to the priest too.
Yes, it is customary to give the priest a gift. It is an extra donation to cover the costs associated with performing the sacrament including the priest's time. Depending on if your baptism is a private ceremony or not and what you can afford, I recommend $50-100.
I gave my priest $50 after my baptism.
Yes, give him a gift. $25 is what I would give...or a gift certificate to a nice restaurant. They have an incredibly difficult vocation of sacrifice for us...and invite him over for dinner some time! They love to be part of our families!
Yes, I understand any extra duties performed, the priest recieves a "gift". We just put $25.00 in a Thank You note and gave it to him as he left the baptism luncheon at our home that day.
We did not give the priest a gift but we did make a donation to the church of $100.
I am cahtolic and this is normal. About $50 or so. I think they just put it back into the church anyway. It is just a nice gesture for their time of blessing your family and your child.
R.
Hi E.,
It is customary to give a gift of $25-50 to the priest or deacon who performed the ceremony. The amount really depends on the parish you are in. If you are talking about the Cathedral, they are used to getting $50-75. If you are talking about a small city parish, closer to $25...We don't think twice about spending money on the cake, pretty dress, and party. If it a personal family friend, he may tell you that the ceremony is his gift to your family. Otherwise, the Baptism of your child is done on his time and he should be compensated in some way. (unless he drops your child in the font <g>) People come to priests all the time and ask for their time and help (often monetary) and it is given freely. Mostly that comes from their pockets.
Don't worry if the gift wasn't the day of the Baptism. Most people are trying to do 10 things at once that day. A nice thank you note with a check is nice. Enjoy your baby girl.
S.
We've had children baptized at different parishes(all catholic and we've moved a few times) each parish had a different "suggestion" for the amount $25 - $30 which in all cases went back to the parish. I'd suggest calling the parish office and asking what's customary at your parish. I've been "late" with our monetary thank you for ALL 4 of our kids :-) I'm positive you're not alone.
I think my sister-in-law gave the church/priest $50. M.
I've never heard of that. We didn't give anything other than the fee that was due when we went to the class (which they said was simply to cover the expenses).
We gave our priest $80.00 for the church. I had heard that it was customary so we did it.
We did not give anything when our three children were baptized as babies. The baptism is simply an added 10-15 minutes of the service and I had never heard of giving the priest a gift.
