Tipping a priest

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After not attending mass regularly for about 15 years I recently started going this past month. Last week during confession I mentioned a brown scapular to the priest (who is extremely nice and welcoming) he asked for my name and phone number and we left it at that. I got a call back today and he told me he had a scapular for me and we set up a time.

Now, I already had a scapular and didn’t really think he’d supply it. My question is do I reimburse him for the scapular, tip him for his time, or do something like bring him a cake as a thank you, or do I do nothing except shake his hand and say thanks.

Like I’ve said in my few other posts I’m new here and the biggest gaps in my knowledge have to do with these small matters of etiquette.

Any information, suggestions or anecdotes would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,
AJ
 
AJ… No, I wouldn’t “tip” a priest for this. Priest’s devote their lives to serving God and His Church. Did you know, for example… that the reason priest’s wear black… is because it’s an outer symbol of “dying” to themselves.

I absolutely, seriously doubt that Father will be expecting a tip. We were enrolled in the Brown Scapular, as well. And our priest was over joyed to set this time aside for us.

God bless you and WELCOME HOME! 🙂
 
I agree with Marie. The Priest is there to take care of our souls and not to be ‘‘tipped’’ although you should contribute to the support of the Parish you belong to If you are able.
 
No offense, but please do not use the word “tip”, it is an insult to the priest.
You don’t have to give any money to the priest for the scapular. You certainly can give him a gift of check for his birthday or at Christmas time. But that is a gift to show your appreciation, not a tip.🙂
 
Priests aren’t there to “sell” spiritual goods and services. Tipping is not necessary.

If you feel the nudge to “reimburse” him for this gift, you can simply add that money to the weekly collection. We are all called to support the Church as we are able.

Though I am sure he would appreciate a cake. 😉 Most rectories nowadays no longer have multiple priests or cooks to prepare meals for the priests. It’s not an obligation by any means, but it’s nice to do nice things for our priests every now and again. 👍 But don’t feel guilty if you don’t do this.
 
Thanks for all the info.

“Tip” may not be the best way to put it. I guess you could say that the spirit of what I was asking has to do with thanking the priest and offering him a token of my appreciation. So has anyone out there ever offered their priest a token of appreciation other than money? If so, what was it and what was the occasion?

Thanks so much for responding. I hope there are others who find this interesting.

AJ
 
When I enrolled in the brown scapular, I had the same question in my mind (for getting the priest’s time to do this for me). I elected to go without returning with monetary compensation.

Now, keep in mind that there were some guys that got bent out of shape with the Catholic Church for expecting compensation for forgiving sins - something like 500 years ago or so.

At this point, I strongly agree that connecting something holy with money is a bad idea.
 
AJB328 said:
Thanks for all the info.

“Tip” may not be the best way to put it. I guess you could say that the spirit of what I was asking has to do with thanking the priest and offering him a token of my appreciation. So has anyone out there ever offered their priest a token of appreciation other than money? If so, what was it and what was the occasion?

Thanks so much for responding. I hope there are others who find this interesting.

AJ
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AJ… it is appropriate to offer a “stipend” to a priest, after a funeral. I know this… because we did so, after my father’s funeral. But the “stipend” is not intended for the priest himself (therefore, it is not a “tip”), but rather for parish needs. That was my understanding of it.

We had another priest, who was leaving our parish for a new assignment. To him, we gave a Holy Card depicting St. John Vianney (patron saint of priests). During the holidays, we usually bring fresh baked goods to the Rectory. A small token of appreciation would be entirely up to you, then. But never expected by a priest.

And don’t worry about having asked this question. If we don’t ask questions, we don’t learn. I hope this is helpful. God bless. 🙂
 
MarieVeronica said:
AJ… it is appropriate to offer a “stipend” to a priest, after a funeral. I know this… because we did so, after my father’s funeral. But the “stipend” is not intended for the priest himself (therefore, it is not a “tip”), but rather for parish needs. That was my understanding of it.

We had another priest, who was leaving our parish for a new assignment. To him, we gave a Holy Card depicting St. John Vianney (patron saint of priests). During the holidays, we usually bring fresh baked goods to the Rectory. A small token of appreciation would be entirely up to you, then. But never expected by a priest.

And don’t worry about having asked this question. If we don’t ask questions, we don’t learn. I hope this is helpful. God bless. 🙂
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yeah stipend is the proper word…

though not necessary, you could do it as a sign of gratitude. Scapular could help you gain salvation. why not give gratitude to the one who helped you. but i repeat, its not necessary and you are not obliged to do so.
 
Everyone likes a cake. I once knew a priest who really liked crab ragoon.
 
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