Dear Faithful,
Spiritual things are literally priceless. Just as love cannot be bought, so the truth cannot be sold. To put a price on sacraments and to sell them is a sin called simony from Simon the Magician who tried to buy ordination from the Apostles. The sacraments are not for sale, but a voluntary offering may be made on the reception of the sacraments. This offering is not a price for the sacrament, but a contribution to the material expenses of the apostolate and the running expenses of a church. It is also customary (and is legislated for in Canon Law) to make an offering to the priest who offers a Mass for the particular intention of the donor. This offering is known as a 'stipend' and rather than going to the church, is kept by the priest and used for his personal expenses such as clothing, books, almsgiving and personal travel expenses.
Below is a table of suggested offerings that will apply in the district of Canada from Ash Wednesday, February 22nd 2023. The recommended Mass stipend offering is increasing from $20 to $25 as it is fifteen years since the last change.
May God bless you for your generosity,
Fr. David Sherry
Suggested Offering
| Baptism | Voluntary Donation |
| Confirmation | Voluntary Donation for the Bishop’s Expenses and the chapel |
| Weddings | $300 to the chapel including the Mass stipend of $100 for the priest |
| Funerals | $300 to the chapel including the Mass stipend of $100 for the priest |
| Single Mass Stipend | $25 |
| Novena Mass Stipend (9 consecutive Masses for one intention) | $250 |
| Gregorian Mass Stipend (30 consecutive Masses for the repose of the soul of one person) |
$1000 |
| Visit to the sick | Voluntary Donation |