Giving a priest money?

[mooney]

A letter I got from my local parish kind of surprised me, but I am not up on my catholic etiquette since i am trying to come back. The letter I received was to announce a local priest was getting assigned to another church and was leaving us. No big deal, happens all the time. The part that caught me off guard was the letter said if we’d like to give him a monetary gift to put it in an envelope addressed to him and put it in the offering try or to him directly. Is it normal to give priests money as they transfer to new parishes? I’ve never heard of this before, but I have been out of the loop for a number of years. Just seemed funny to me.

Thanks,

Mooney

 

[Mrs_Sally]

Many people give a gift of appreciation when a priest is transferred. In my expereince, the parish will hold a simple reception (punch and cookies) after Mass on his last Sunday and people who want to give a card or gift do it then. Money is a common gift to give to secuar (diocesean) priests because they must save for their own retirement. They can also use it to buy themselves whatever they need or give to a charity.

I have never seen a letter announcing a transfer as you described, but the parishes around here are huge and sending a letter like that would be too time-consuming and expensive, so announcements are made at the Masses and in the bulletin only.

 

[bob_roy]

A letter I got from my local parish kind of surprised me, but I am not up on my catholic etiquette since i am trying to come back. The letter I received was to announce a local priest was getting assigned to another church and was leaving us. No big deal, happens all the time. The part that caught me off guard was the letter said if we’d like to give him a monetary gift to put it in an envelope addressed to him and put it in the offering try or to him directly. Is it normal to give priests money as they transfer to new parishes? I’ve never heard of this before, but I have been out of the loop for a number of years. Just seemed funny to me.

Thanks,

Mooney

 

[Joe_Kelley]

Our pastor was recently transferred and a similar notice was placed in the bulletin, and it has been done in the past.

As far as I know it is strictly voluntary, in practice as well as theory. I have never seen any pressure on anyone.

 

[Seminarian_Matt]

No I have not seen it done before and I have seen several pastors transfer from the parish, but I do know that individuals have given Father money and gifts on such an occasion. As in all things, tip those who do a good service and show your appreciation.

 

[Joannm]

It is quite a common thing. When a pastor moves from one parish to another there are expenses that are not covered by the parish or diocese. When a priest friend of mine went from being an associate to a pastor he had to furnish his private bedrrom suite since the former pastor took all the furniture with him. Then there are other things that he might need in his new place. Many things that are for his use alone usually isn’t paid for by the parish or the new parish cannot afford to buy certain things.

Also, giving money is so much better than everyone in the parish buying a gift that he might not even have any use for. At least with the money he can buy what he needs or wants.

 

[TLM08]

A letter I got from my local parish kind of surprised me, but I am not up on my catholic etiquette since i am trying to come back. The letter I received was to announce a local priest was getting assigned to another church and was leaving us. No big deal, happens all the time. The part that caught me off guard was the letter said if we’d like to give him a monetary gift to put it in an envelope addressed to him and put it in the offering try or to him directly. Is it normal to give priests money as they transfer to new parishes? I’ve never heard of this before, but I have been out of the loop for a number of years. Just seemed funny to me.

Thanks,

Mooney

If the new Archbishop of Cincinnati can be given a half-million dollar private residence (that happens to sit surrounded by an exclusive country club) to live in, then I certainly don’t see a problem with a local priest receiving a few bucks in a card as a going away gift so he can buy some tickets to a movie or ball game. I think it’s a nice gesture.
wcpo.com/news/local/story/New-Cincinnati-Archbishop-To-Live-In-Anderson-Twp/uOsVM0T7skKJgXF9EoNwpg.cspx