'Thank you' for Priest at Baptism

[DAK]

Hi All,

This may appear a ridiculous question, but it’s real. My sister-in-law is having my nephew Baptized on July 3rd and asked me what is an appropriate ‘thank you’ gift for the Priest. I told her I don’t know, but know people who do know. Thus this question here. I remember when I was a server, we usually received $3 for funerals and $5 or so for weddings. I recall thanking our Priest $50 for our wedding and $10 for each of the servers 15 years ago. Back then, Baptism was during Mass. This will be on a Friday afternoon. The expense for non-parishioners is $150 for the Sacrament. What is an appropriate ‘thank-you’ for the presiding priest? We live in Nebraska, and I do not know what to recommend. I don’t recall ‘thanking’ any of our Priests other than verbally for our three children, but since it was asked of me and I now know of this forum, I thought I’d ask.

Any advice or experience in this matter?

Gratefully,
Doug

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

Your sister-in-law could call the parish secretary and ask what is typical.

 

[DAK]

That was too obvious… Just a smidge embarrassed… Thanks!

 

[Joannm]

In our parish we only ask for a voluntary donation…we don’t give an amount…it runs the gammut from $25 to $300. The priests usually don’t get anything extra from the families.

 

[leonie]

We usually give around $50. But, there’s no rule about it. Sometimes we’ve given less and sometimes more.

I recall that the best man is supposed to give the priest a wedding stipend. I know at my wedding the best man wasn’t Catholic, so my mom made a point of supplying the stipend.

You know, it’d be a nice thing for Godparents to offer the stipend. If I ever get a chance to be a Godmother again, I think I’ll offer.