Convalidation donation?

[HolleyWilliams]

Hello

My husband and I are having our marriage validated on this coming Saturday and I wondered if it was expected/acceptable to offer the Priest a donation for conducting the ceremony?

If so, what sort of sum might be about right?

Many thanks.

 

[ChristopherM]

We gave the priest $20 for doing ours…

would have given him more if I could afford it

 

[HolleyWilliams]

Thanks, give me an idea at least!

 

[FrDavid96]

Hello

My husband and I are having our marriage validated on this coming Saturday and I wondered if it was expected/acceptable to offer the Priest a donation for conducting the ceremony?

If so, what sort of sum might be about right?

Many thanks.

Holley,
While it may be socially “expected” it is by no means required. The Sacraments are always available free-of-charge. While it is acceptable to “charge” a wedding fee, this fee pays for the utility bill, cleaning, etc (and in some cases includes an offering to the priest if the bishop has established a certain dollar amount). But that offering to the priest is always voluntary, and the Sacraments are never denied to anyone who is either unable or unwilling to make it.

First, ask what you can afford? and never think that you should give more than that.

Then ask yourself how much “work” the priest put into making the wedding happen. You said it’s a convalidation. If that priest worked 2 years doing paperwork to make this happen, then perhaps a little more (but not more than you can afford) might be appropriate. If the priest’s labors were minimal, then a minimal offering might be appropriate.

One more suggestion, for the sake of propriety, put it inside a card or envelope, and use cash.

 

[HolleyWilliams]

Thank you.