Baptism "donation"

[nomie]

Hi there!
I hope this in the right thread
I just received the sacraments of initiation at the easter vigil, but I have a question. When we got married or when my son was baptised, we had an envelope with money which we gave to the priest afterwards as a thank you. Does the same thing usually happen at adult baptism? It had crossed my mind earlier but it had been such a hectic week. I was thinking of putting extra into my weekly offering? What have others done? Just so you know,I have written notes of thanks to the RCIA team ( I don’t want you to think I forgot about them)

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Hi there!
I hope this in the right thread
I just received the sacraments of initiation at the easter vigil, but I have a question. When we got married or when my son was baptised, we had an envelope with money which we gave to the priest afterwards as a thank you. Does the same thing usually happen at adult baptism? It had crossed my mind earlier but it had been such a hectic week. I was thinking of putting extra into my weekly offering? What have others done? Just so you know,I have written notes of thanks to the RCIA team ( I don’t want you to think I forgot about them)

You can get the pastor/priest something for his office, or some other personal gift, or a small gift of money for him to use as he wishes. I know a pastor here who used to save these little cash “donations” in the desk drawer and use them when someone knocked at his door looking for food money or help paying for medicine, or dipers.

 

[pnewton]

This seems to be an odd practice. I did not know Catholics did that. Frankly, it sounds a little like simony. I did not do this nor was it mentioned when I went through the Easter Sacraments. It doesn’t seem appropriate.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

This seems to be an odd practice. I did not know Catholics did that. Frankly, it sounds a little like simony. I did not do this nor was it mentioned when I went through the Easter Sacraments. It doesn’t seem appropriate.

It wouldn’t be appropriate if it was required or expected.
It’s neither required or expected.

 

[pnewton]

It wouldn’t be appropriate if it was required or expected.
It’s neither required or expected.

Thanks. I could understand a gift for a baptism when a priest or deacon does this privately at a time apart from Mass. I tried to give my priest something for my child’s baptism because it did take extra time and he wouldn’t take it. When I insisted, he put it in the poor box.

 

[Joannm]

We gave our Neophytes a gift. One of them registered as a parishioner and gave a donation in her new envelopes, but that was to the parish not the priest.

 

[nomie]

Thanks for your ideas & insights. Hope you have a great weekend!

 

[graceandglory]

This seems to be an odd practice. I did not know Catholics did that. Frankly, it sounds a little like simony. I did not do this nor was it mentioned when I went through the Easter Sacraments. It doesn’t seem appropriate.

I didn’t do anything like that when my kids were all baptized at Easter Vigil a few yrs ago. I’m just a poor single mom. My priest treated me just fine afterward, and nobody suggested I pay him. So it’s all good. (I also think that sometimes it’s regional)

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

We gave our Neophytes a gift. One of them registered as a parishioner and gave a donation in her new envelopes, but that was to the parish not the priest.

A gift to the parish is also just fine. A post above spoke about the extra time for an infants Baptism. Many do not realize how much time many pastors put into the RCIA process.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

I didn’t do anything like that when my kids were all baptized at Easter Vigil a few yrs ago. I’m just a poor single mom. My priest treated me just fine afterward, and nobody suggested I pay him. So it’s all good. (I also think that sometimes it’s regional)

A card with just a personal “Thank You” note, without anything else is also just fine.

 

[pnewton]

A gift to the parish is also just fine. A post above spoke about the extra time for an infants Baptism. Many do not realize how much time many pastors put into the RCIA process.

That was me and my priests actually teaches the RCIA. That is why we support the Church so he can receive at least some compensation, even if it seems like it is never enough. I would not ever want to see a time when we would have to pay for baptism, the Eucharist or Reconcilliation. The priest must be supported by all those able to give, so that those unable to give have free access to the Sacraments. It is a far better system than a pay as you go for the Sacraments.

The reason I mentioned Baptism as different would apply only when a couple desired a separate, private ceremony for an infant. As with a wedding of qunicenera, if the priest is asked to pull extra duty, it is right that he should receive extra as a form of overtime.

 

[searcher_geoff]

Hi Niome
I have been involved in the RCIA program for a few years now and I do not think any one anywhere would expect a donation because what we have freely be given we freely pass on. If you wish to thank someone with a gift feel free to express yourself. The smile on the faces of those baptised and welcomed into the church is the greatest gift they give me. May God bless you in your courage to ask Cheers Geoff

 

[pnewton]

Hi Niome
I have been involved in the RCIA program for a few years now and I do not think any one anywhere would expect a donation because what we have freely be given we freely pass on

Geoff,

How about a big “Thank you” from all of us who have gone through the program.