Christening COE, donation to the church.....how much?

[moneytree]

Hello, we are christening our baby girl COE and the Vicar advised me that they do not charge a fee for this although donations are welcome. Our first child was christened Catholic (I am Catholic and my husband is COE...looking at the big picture its all christian!) and we gave the priest a nice bottle of whisky which he really appreciated and was the norm. I am in a pickle as I dont want to insult anyone by giving too little or embarass by giving too much. What is a reasonable amount? Advice would be really appreciated!

[harrisey]

I'm sorry, I have absolutely no idea! When we had our children dedicated in our church (Baptist) there wasnt any mention of fee or donation - tbh I think this is a bit cheeky! Is it your own church or one you have chosen jus for this ceremony? If its someone who is doing it specially where you dont normally attend, I would give more, but I wouldnt feel like I had to give anything at all. Baptism should be free!

[moneytree]

We have just recently moved into the area so it is a new church for us and only attended one family service however we intend on going to their family service once a month. Its a difficult one!

[moneytree]

PS. Thanks for your response, appreciated!

[dianemclark]

Hi
writing as a vicar myself, I wouldn't worry about giving a donation - we would be far, far more excited if you came along to family worship after the baptism than gave lots of money!
If the money thing bothers you just bung a couple of notes in the collection (assuming they'll have one). Hope you have a good time!

[moneytree]

Thanks for the feedback and good wishes...fantastic. The christening is not part of the regular service it is completely seperate.

[moneytree]

The Vicar said that they dont do collections but have a box near the entrance if people are feeling generous. We will put some notes in and attend thereafter

[louii]

The going rate in Ireland is about 50 euro if its a christening as part of mass, with a few babies. Its anything between 50 and 100 euro for a private christening.

[moneytree]

Thanks for that...gives a good indication

[moneytree]

I'll mention it to him, the maintenance & up keep alone must cost a fortune.

[harrisey]

mt - hope you have a lovely time at the service.
Nice to have found a new church with a family service etc .. dont always get that - in our old church (we didnt have much choice) our kids were the only ones nad it was hard going. After moving house we are now in a church with 120 kids in the sunday schools and our kids love it. If there is a real family atmosphere I think it helps a lot.

[fawkeoff]

we had dd and ds christened together and put £20 in the donation box for both of them, but i may add that people at the servic also put donations in as well, so if you do see people doing that then dont bother

[moneytree]

Yes, they do have a family service however there was only about 20 people there with about 5 kids. I had to remind myself that it was the holiday season so perhaps it will be more popular in September. Thanks for all your advice and kind wishes, appreciated