Baptism - Grafton, IL

I guess it's up to you but my husband is a pastor and never receives money for baptisms. If he does he puts it in the collection plate. It is his joy to bring another child to Christ. He does however accept money for funerals and weddings, but baptism he considers part of his calling.

I hope that helps.

We gave our pastor an envelope with money. He didn't turn it down. But if he does, you could always make a donation in his name. We also invited him to the reception afterwards.

I had the same question when I had my baby daughter baptized at our Lutheran church. If you are looking for advice from an expert on manners, Amy Vanderbilt's book on etiquette from the early 1960's recommends giving the pastor or priest a modest cash gift (in 1962, she advises an amount anywhere between $5 to $50, depending on the financial ability of the parents; I would translate that into at least $25 or more in today's terms). We gave our pastor a "thank you" card along with an American Express gift check for $50 and he expressed great appreciation. If it is not within the financial means of the parents to give the pastor a cash gift, by all means at least send a religiously appropriate "thank you" card, especially if he or she performed a nice and dignified baptism.

I think it depends on whether you are a member or regular attender of the church and also what tradition you are in (i.e. Catholic or Protestant?) We are Protestant and were members of the church where our children were baptized and a monetary gift was not expected.

B.,
I guess if it were me, I sure would. It's customary with weddings and funerals, so I would assume that it would be appropriate for baptisms. I'm glad to hear you are doing this. Very important.

We ended up giving something but we had to leave it on the baptismal fount, our priest didn't believe in taking your money, so it was like a donation.

M.

no it's not a requirement.

We didn't give the pastor a monetary gift, but made sure we donated to the church after our ceremony.

Yes, it is typical to give a monitary gift to your priest

B., It is always a nice gesture to give the priest or pastor a monetary gift for performing the baptisimal ceremony. It depends on the area of the country on how much. In my area, it is usually $20, however, it is not mandatory, it's just a nice gesture. Some priests or pastors will not take anything and if you still feel you need to do something, make a donation to the Church. Hope this helps you out. Good luck and love that baby of yours.

Sounds to me the Lord is telling you to give the pastor a monetary blessing. Is it mandatory no, but I would just trust and obey the Holy Spirit! Give and it shall be give!!