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Gifts/tips for your priest

jenjlgsingsjenjlgsings member
100 Comments First Anniversary
in Catholic Weddings
Hi ladies! 

We are likely going to have our priest from Pittsburgh come up to Buffalo and concelebrate with a priest from my home parish.  Very excited about that!

Anyway, I am curious what you did for your gifts and/or tips for your priests.  We have a $300 offering to the church, but as far as I know, none of that goes directly to the priest.  We are paying hotel and travel expenses for the priest coming up from Pittsburgh but still plan on doing a gift as well. 

What are some recommendations for gifts for the priests?  Did you do a tip or some monetary gift along with a gift?  I feel totally clueless about what is "right" in regards to this aspect and that is crazy since it is the most important part of the wedding day!

Suggestions are greatly appreciated!
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Re: Gifts/tips for your priest

  • agapecarrieagapecarrie member
    Knottie Warrior 1000 Comments 100 Love Its Combo Breaker
    It is customary to give an "offering". This is not a "tip". Depending on the parish and diocese, sometimes, this is the priest's only income. (their room and board might be paid for, but might not get a discretionary income). Sometimes the offering to the church includes the priest's offering. I would call the parish to find out. Even if it does, an extra little bit doesn't hurt. 

    I think the standard is $75-100. Let's say the church's offering gives him $50, I would add an extra $50 in an envelope directly to him, plus a gift. 


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  • itzMSitzMS member
    2500 Comments 500 Love Its 5 Answers First Anniversary
    edited February 2013
    We gave our priest a $50 giftcard to a local gourmet market and two higher end bottles of his favorite kind of wine (after having verified his tastes with the parish secretary). We were told that cash gifts were typically given back to the parish.

    For a visiting priest, I would definitely consider cash if at all possible (traveling with wine and other gifts may be difficult especially if he's flying)
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  • jenjlgsingsjenjlgsings member
    100 Comments First Anniversary

    I know it isn't a "tip" I just couldn't think of the right word to describe it.  As far as I know, the $300 offering to the church is to cover the other aspects and not the priest. 

    With all the time he will end up spending with us on the additional preparation sessions, the rehearsal, etc, I want to make sure I give at the appropriate level.  :)

    Also, I am looking for specific examples of what others gave to their priests.  I have some ideas, but would love to see what others did as well.

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  • professorscienceprofessorscience member
    5000 Comments Third Anniversary 25 Love Its Name Dropper
    We found out what our priest's favorite restaurant was and sent him a giftcard there, along with a photo of the three of us on our wedding day.

    And a really long letter of thanks.

    We also had him over for dinner before the wedding, but that was more to just spend some time with him.
    Anniversary

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