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Why Fees for Sacramental Services

Question:

Why do parishes charge a fee for weddings and baptisms? I think it should be voluntary, but my parish is asking for a specific amount.

Answer:

Parishes set specific amounts for weddings, baptisms, and other sacramental services because many Catholics, left to their own devices, can be less than generous in the amounts they give to the parishes for use of the church and stipends for priests. Stipends are a necessary means of support for priests. Charges for use of parish facilities are necessary to keep the doors open for the use of all in the community. If a person is indigent and truly cannot afford to pay the set amount, he should explain his circumstances to the pastor of the parish. Most parishes will accommodate the sacramental needs of the poor without charge.

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