Suggested donation for Baptism?

9 replies

Dottydoodoo · 13/10/2021 21:06

Evening all,

My son is having his baptism in a few weeks time, and I am really unsure of how much we should give as a donation. The priest said a donation “as you are able” and also mentioned it in the preparation sessions saying he does not like to give a suggested amount because then it becomes a fee which is not the idea, but I’m not sure how much to give!

I wondered if anyone would mind saying how much they gave as a donation for baptism?

Thank you in advance

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YouDoIDo · 13/10/2021 21:19

Hi, I think it’s what you can afford really. With my first and because he was the first and we could afford it we donated £200 but come to the 4 child and a different church they asked for £50 (about 7 years ago). We are now onto the Holy communions and the first time they asked for donations we gave about £50 again but now my youngest is doing hers and they have put a fee in the application of £30. This is probably of now help at all sorry 😁

Original poster

Dottydoodoo · 13/10/2021 22:52

Ah thats ok it is helpful, thank you 😊 it’s kind of what my brain is doing haha! My mind keeps telling me to give £100 but I’m worried about looking stingy or over generous! Maybe should just stop over thinking and I’m sure the priest will be very grateful for whatever they receive but I worry about these things!

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Fink · 14/10/2021 08:48

I gave £100. In one area this was about average. By the time we moved to a poorer parish it was significantly above the norm. My dc were baptised over a decade ago, so I think if were to have any more now I'd probably go for about £150, if I could afford it. Some people give £10-£20 and it's all gratefully received (I work in the church), it really is whatever people can afford and not judged in any way.

Missmissmiiiiiiiiisss · 14/10/2021 08:53

@Dottydoodoo

Don’t overthink. Churches are grateful and mindful it’s a hard time for people. The only time churches feel a bit aggrieved is when parents have a massive, massive party, caterers etc and don’t leave even a fiver in the offering. But it’s not about the money it’s about the sense that the baptism itself didn’t mean anything to the family if you see what I mean? In my experience people give anything from £10 to £250, with £50/£75 being ‘average’.

2lsinllama · 14/10/2021 09:06

I organise the Baptisms for our church. Donations range from £20 - £200. Unfortunately with Covid this has meant that people have cancelled the ‘party’ but not bothered/remembered to let us know as there is no deposit to get back! So as long as you turn up, they will be grateful for any amount you are able to give.

CraftyGin · 14/10/2021 22:08

The priest is right not to mention an amount as it cannot therefore be gift-aided.

But I am really perplexed about paying/donating towards a baptism. I think you only really need to pay for the certificate, which most churches will waive for church family.

Tiggles · 14/10/2021 22:47

It really is a donation of what you wish to give.
I regularly receive no donations for baptisms and think the most I have had was about £50.

Craftygin whilst a donation may not be necessary it does help to keep a church open for the next person who would like to have a baptism/wedding/funeral etc. Mine costs about £400 a week to keep open. That's a lot of money from a small congregation many of whom are pensioners.

2lsinllama · 15/10/2021 07:18

@CraftyGin

The priest is right not to mention an amount as it cannot therefore be gift-aided.

But I am really perplexed about paying/donating towards a baptism. I think you only really need to pay for the certificate, which most churches will waive for church family.

There is no expectation that you will contribute anything - however it is a bit galling when families give nothing and then go off with their 75 guests to the local venue that you know costs at least £10 per head!

Original poster

Dottydoodoo · 22/10/2021 12:52

Thank you everyone. I kept reading elsewhere that the donation to the church should reflect the size of the party afterwards, but we aren’t doing anything afterwards! Well, only a little gathering in the park there won’t be many people coming just close family and it will be cold so not a big thing.
I will probably give £75 that seems to be about the ‘average’
Thank you 😊

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