Convalidation Question

[heart4home]

We will be having our marriage convalidated, and I wondered if it is appropriate to give something to our priest for his time?

As a fairly new Convert, I’ve really no clue on what is acceptable in this type of situation. I wouldn’t want to offend our dear priest with my actions, so want to know what is considered proper.

Thank you.

 

[lizaanne]

We will be having our marriage convalidated, and I wondered if it is appropriate to give something to our priest for his time?

As a fairly new Convert, I’ve really no clue on what is acceptable in this type of situation. I wouldn’t want to offend our dear priest with my actions, so want to know what is considered proper.

Thank you.

Congratulations!!!

Yes - it is entirely appropriate to give your priest a small stipend for his time. How much really depends on your area - are you in a big city like Chicago where it is expensive to live, or a small town where a larger amount could be embarrassing? Is the convalidation taking place after a regularly schedule Mass, or is Father saying a private Mass for you and your guests?

I would suggest anything between $50 and $100, but again it will depend on a number of factors.

~Liza

 

[joandarc2008]

One thing you might want to take into consideration is whether or not your priest is a Secular Clergy (meaning he is strictly a diocesan priest) or if he is Religious Clergy. If he is Religious Clergy and you give him any monetary stipend he will most likely have to turn it back over to his order. In these cases something such as a gift certificate to a restaraunt or a Catholic book store is always in order.

 

[HAnne]

One thing you might want to take into consideration is whether or not your priest is a Secular Clergy (meaning he is strictly a diocesan priest) or if he is Religious Clergy. If he is Religious Clergy and you give him any monetary stipend he will most likely have to turn it back over to his order. In these cases something such as a gift certificate to a restaraunt or a Catholic book store is always in order.

Thank you so much for pointing this out!!! We have a Convalidation coming up as well and this is EXCELLENT advice!!!

 

[Annabelle_Marie]

We will be having our marriage convalidated, and I wondered if it is appropriate to give something to our priest for his time?

As a fairly new Convert, I’ve really no clue on what is acceptable in this type of situation. I wouldn’t want to offend our dear priest with my actions, so want to know what is considered proper.

Thank you.

I had a hard time finding answers to this question when I had my marriage convalidated in June. I ended up giving the priest a Thank You card and $50. I figured if he didn’t want it then he would give it to charity.

Don’t know if that helps or not:shrug:

 

[heart4home]

Thank you all so much! I appreciate your help.

 

[Snugglebugmom]

Congratulations on your upcoming convalidation! :flowers:
My husband and I had our marriage convalidated last January, and I was unsure of what to do as well. I didn’t want to offend our priest, who is absolutely lovely, and I definitely wanted him to know that we appreciated his time and effort.
We ended up giving him a card with a hundred dollars in it, with the thought of “if he doesn’t feel like he should keep it, he’ll probably give it to the church or to the St Vincent de Paul Society, so whatever happens, it will be put to good use”.
A gift card for a Catholic book store is an excellent idea, I wish I had thought of that!