He is to give mass at my mothers funeral, and it seems to me that to pay him for this is nearly disgusting. As a man of the cloth, is this not part of his chosen role in life? Has spirituality been lowered to the status of "etiquette". Please respond.
2006-10-16 15:48:04 · 17 answers · asked by JonnieB 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Actually I am not Catholic, nor a Mormon and and did not claim so. It is the wishes of my mother that I am respecting. It is true and sad too, that religion IS a business. Spirituality (though) is part of nature, something we feel. It cannot be bought or sold, but only shared, It isn't about the money at all; but more that I feel like I'm purchasing his support at the presence of anothers grief. That's kinda like...a... freindship for hire, In the fundament- it's an issue of basic human moral. And that Isuppose is my dilemma. Thanks to all for your insights. esp. those who hit it on the head. Other still welcome.
2006-10-16 19:17:13 · update #1
I don't think you are supposed to have to pay a Priest for a funneral mass......That's just not right. I can't tell you for sure, becuase i don't know for sure, but I would definitely look into this..hmm...
2006-10-16 15:50:52 · answer #1 · answered by Kiara 5 · 1⤊ 3⤋
The money is for the cost of the funeral mass. It cost money to run the light, heat the building, and to pay for items used in the celebration of the mass. The money is for the running of the church and perhaps a small amount for the work down by the Priest, but it would not be much as the local dioceses decide the Priest salary and how much money is given and retained by each church.
2006-10-16 22:56:15 · answer #2 · answered by The Midnight Knight 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah! 10% of you income is expected. that is according to the churches around here.
Lets do some math.
average income over all $35,000.
10%= 3,500 a year
250 people in a church (small town)
250 x $3,500 = $875,000. tax free.
This dose not include all the homes that are willed to the Church that the congregation rents out.
As an added bonus.
that money dose not get given to just any person, they now are pressing that to get help from them you must attend church and believe as they do.
PS Local pasture says he should have an equal salary as the highest paid man in town, plus his home and insurance should be paid by the congregation, and as a finishing touch he also stipulates his home gets totally remodeled every two years and he gets a healthy retirement that he contributes nothing to, it all comes from the congregation.
Gotta love it!
2006-10-16 23:07:24 · answer #3 · answered by Steve 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
As a representative for the biggest untaxed business enterprise on Earth I guess he knows best. Did you not understand that you were involved in the largest,most long running,and most lucrative scam in the history of mankind as you gave the Church money every week? So I say just pay up,you opted in,after all religion is a choice,therefore pay your dues and accept it or leave. Sorry to hear about your mother.
2006-10-16 22:54:38 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
The money is not for the priest directly, he usually gives it to the church. it is intended to help with the electricity for you to see him through the mass and the heating and/or cooling bill to keep you comfortable during the mass! The church has bills to pay, too! It is also a token of appreciation for serving your family. Besides, it's not like they are asking for a million dollars, just a small contribution.
2006-10-17 13:29:58 · answer #5 · answered by Reagan 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you feel you shouldnt be obliged to pay, tell him you cant come up with the money, and see if he is faithful enough to perform the mass without being compensated. If he doesnt buy it, i would run from that church with your hands in the air. Jesus would not charge you for a required act of worship.
2006-10-16 22:54:55 · answer #6 · answered by Your hero until you meet Jesus 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It usually isn't required because, as you say, it is his job. It is just a nice way of showing apprecation for his extra time and attention to the family.
For instance, my husband is a pastor and sometimes he is called out in the middle of the night, or called back from vacation because someone is ill or dying. He gladly goes, but it is still stressful and hard to explain to small children why Daddy has to go off in the middle of a family activity.
Pastors do not make a lot of money unless you are a Billy Graham or someone famous. So a gift of cash is a nice - but not necessary gesture - to let the family have a little something special - like a dinner out.
2006-10-16 22:54:09 · answer #7 · answered by chris 5 · 1⤊ 3⤋
I would NEVER GIVE A PRIEST CASH CHECK OR MONEY ORDER OR CREDIT CARD FOR ANY REASON...... if he claims to be a man of God ask him how much Jesus charged the people Jesus said you recieved free give free Matt 10:8 greed is a sin Gorbalizer
2006-10-16 23:01:40 · answer #8 · answered by gorbalizer 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
This is part of his chosen role in life, but that doesn't mean he is not due fair compensation for his work.
2006-10-16 22:56:12 · answer #9 · answered by angiekaos 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There generally a fee for the use of the church and for the alter servers. Not that I agree, but it is the dame as the fee that you would pay for a wedding. If there is an upside the fee is tax deductible as a contribution to the church. This is why you pay!
2006-10-16 22:54:13 · answer #10 · answered by micheal777 2 · 0⤊ 3⤋
I am sorry for your loss...
I had a family member die last year and her pastor did the service for free. He also offered her church for the services, at no charge.
2006-10-16 22:56:20 · answer #11 · answered by Salvation is a gift, Eph 2:8-9 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋