When preparing a ceremony, whether it is a funeral, wedding or baptism, please contact the Parish Priest in advance of the event. He will be your first point of contact to assist you in making the right choices for your ceremony.
How much do ceremonies cost in the Catholic Church?
Actually, nothing. Sacraments are not for sale. The Catechism of the Catholic Church 2121 makes clear that the First Commandment forbids simony or the buying and selling of sacred things. It is proper, however, for people to share in generosity, to contribute to the support of the Church and its ministers. The donations and stipends associated with weddings, funerals or baptisms fall into two categories:
(1) Donation to the church. Usually people makea donation to the church in which they are having their ceremony. Occasionally an amount is suggested, but often it’s left to the discretion of the individuals.
Keep in mind that wedding donations or other ritual/ceremony can be a key source of support for older buildings. A helpful rule of thumb is to consider the donation in relation to the total amount spent on the ceremony. In no case, however financial circumstances should not prevent people from approaching the Church for their ceremony.
(2) Participant’s stipend. The services of the priest or deacon are free, but it is customary to offer a stipend. Usually, no specific amount is suggested.
A Final Note
Donations and stipends should be placed in clearly marked envelopes and given to the intended recipient. Celebrants (i.e. the Priest) are not usually expected to distribute the stipends.
Some parishes require that certain fees be paid in advance, for example, a deposit to confirm the date, or the musician’s fee etc. Any remaining donations and stipends should be taken care of prior to the ceremony.
Suggested offerings for Our Lady of Victory Parish:
Weddings
Church Usage…………………….…….$200
Music
–Full Mass:
~Instrumentalist……………………$150
~Vocalist………………………………$100
-Liturgy of the Word only:
~Instrumentalist……………………$125
~Vocalist………………………………$75
Stipend for Priest…………………..…. $250
Funerals
Use of Church………………………… $200
Music
–Full Mass:
~Instrumentalist……………………$100
~Vocalist………………………………$75
-Liturgy of the Word only:
~Instrumentalist……………………$100
~Vocalist………………………………$100
Stipend for Priest……………………… $200
Community Outreach Facility Usage
-Parishioners……………………………$100
-Non parishioners……………………..$150
Cost of food ($7.50/plate) is supplementary to community outreach facility usage.
Our Lady of Victory 