Dear Mom,
My family has been a member of a congregation for the past 8 years. The priest has been very involved in our lives, baptism of our kids, special benediction like when we purchased our 1st home, first communion of our kids, etc... We are planning to make a special offer to him, personally, but we don't know if this is appropriate, please give us your advice.
Yes, it is appropriate to give a monetary gift to a priest. We have done this for weddings, baptisms, etc. Also, by giving the money to the priest, it gives him the option of getting something that he wants or donating the money to the church or a favorite charity.
Although I am no longer a practicing Catholic, I did grow up VERY Catholic with 2 aunts that are nuns and my husband has an aunt who is a nun and an uncle who is a priest. It is VERY appropriate for you to give a monetary gift to a priest. I have ALWAYS given a monetary gift to the priest when my babies were baptized, if they did a special mass in or out of my home, when they blessed our home, etc. And when my husband's uncle married us, even though he is family, we did give him a monetary offering as well. So, whatever you do, just do it from the heart. Your priest will appreciate it since they live on a very modest income.
Bottle of wine and theatre tickets
Yes, it is appropriate to bless the Priest monetarily. In the bible people gave to the Priest to help care for their needs. Yes, the things he has done is part of his job (salary is low), but as members of a congregation its our job to take care of them because they are the keeper of our souls. I don't think God would have put it on your heart to give to the Priest unless you were supposed to. We are also suppose to be a blessing to others in need, such as widows, poor, orphans and the household of faith! God will reward you for sharing love to others.
God bless you.
Not sure what sort of religion you come from, but my husband is Christian Orthodox which is related to Catholicism. When we were married we offered a gift to the church and to the priest. While we have not had our home blessed, I understand that it is tradition in the Orthodox Church to offer a gift to the priest for home blessings, sick calls, etc.
I think it's entirely appropriate-if he is unable to accept it he will tell you, then you might donate it to the church in his name instead?
Hope that helps.
I would just get a thank you card. Have you and your husband and each child sign it and then put a check or cash in the card and give it to him. In the thank you, you could tell him how much your family appreciates everything he does for you and what a great priest you feel he is. Good luck and God Bless!
I don't know if a monetary gift is appropriate since all the stuff you listed is kind of in his "job description". I would say a more personal gift would be better. Maybe tickets to a show he would like or a special exhibit at a museum or gift cards to his favorite places to eat or movie theater. You could have your children make him a card to put it in, too. It is nice that you want to acknowledge the important role he has played in your family's life- and what a good lesson for the kiddos.
