2007-01-19 10:11:31 · 26 answers · asked by Blue Bear 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
This is a contradiction of terms... The baptism is a PUBLIC profession of faith in Jesus Christ as savior. If done in private it is a waste of everyones time.
2007-01-19 10:17:52 · answer #1 · answered by safetman59 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Priests get a very low salary for being on duty 24/7. They must save up for their retirement. Baptisms, Weddings and funerals, bring in extra income. The amount of the donation is often determined by the diocese or parish that you live in. I know of no priest who would ever turn anyone away who did not have the determined donation.
Baptism is a Public event which can take place during or after Mass. For a private Baptism, you can ask the Priest or his secretary what the donation is.
2007-01-19 18:24:34 · answer #2 · answered by Mary W 5 · 3⤊ 1⤋
In my denomination (ELCA Lutheran), you never pay for baptisms or private communion. It might be different in other denominations. I would encourage you to consider a public baptism instead of a private one. Baptism is the person's initiation into the family of God. Seems like the family should be present. The congregation makes a commitment to the one who is baptized.
2007-01-19 18:19:33 · answer #3 · answered by angel_light 3 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Respect is the proper amount to pay. Why would you pay a priest for the protection of baptism? Isn't that his calling? Are they in the business of selling salvation?
2007-01-19 18:18:55 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
Most parents at our church donate $50-$100 to the pastor for doing a baptism. There is no set fee for a baptism, only for funerals and weddings.
2007-01-19 18:19:22 · answer #5 · answered by Rapunzel XVIII 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I'd say a $100 to $150 for a single private baptism.
God bless Baby.
Let me give you an example here:
I had a baptism in Los Angeles, and the priest had to drive 30 minutes to this parish in L.A. to perform the B. He used his car, wear and tear, gas, and plus you could say his hourly benefit, and a lunch, so figure this in.
NOTE: Baptism can be done private with the family, or it could be done in the congregation, for all you people who said "private" baptism is unusual. Please don't answer if you really don't know anything about Baptism.
2007-01-19 18:14:22 · answer #6 · answered by Born Valentine's Day 5 · 1⤊ 4⤋
Wow. Don't tell his Bishop, first of all. There should be no such thing. Holy Baptism is a Sacrament of the Church. There is nothing "private' about the Sacraments or Church.
That being said....I tell everybody I don't "charge" for the Sacraments. That's called "simony" and against canon law. But I will take donations to my discretionary fund. I've gotten $20.00. I've gotten $100.00. I've gotten $500.00
Go with $100.00 - it's more than enough - and a nice gift.
2007-01-19 18:17:00 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 3⤋
Find out how much Jesus paid John the Baptist then tell the priest to change that into modern age currency (US $ or €). Then you can settle how much it is worth. By the way, ask him how much a one-way ticket to Heaven is worth because I suppose the entrance to Hell is free.
2007-01-19 18:22:45 · answer #8 · answered by latinoldie 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
In our Church, although we do not perform baptism, but baby's dedication, it's all for free. I think you should give from the heart and not be influenced by someone else.
2007-01-19 18:31:32 · answer #9 · answered by charmaine f 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
In our church, (Luthern LCMS) the pastor just does this, it is his job, he is very happy to do it for free. Public or private this is a joyful occasion in our church. We would not debase it by paying a fee. It would be OK to make a donation to the church, but not directly to the pastor.
2007-01-19 18:19:36 · answer #10 · answered by Paul K 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋