St Patricks In Bay Shore 'Church Offering'

I just got a letter stating my 'Church Offering' was $780. Now I knew that there was a fee associated with the church, but at the time I thought it was a fee not an offering. Also I knew it was around $750. I can not believe they are basically telling you what to donate to the church. I was much happier when I thought it was a fee. I am getting married in St. Patricks in Bay Shore. Is anyone elses 'offering' as high as this? They also stated and made it clear that this does not go the the priest or deacon marrying you. But it helps offset the costs of heating, electric and some salaries of church staff. Do I have to tip the deacon who is marrying us now too?

Re: St Patricks In Bay Shore 'Church Offering'

I think most churches call it an 'offering', yet it is an 'actual' fee. Mine is about $600. Our Lady of Lourdes in West Islip

Re: St Patricks In Bay Shore 'Church Offering'

I am getting married at st. pats but didn;t recieve that letter. I thought that money did go to the priest. I am glad that you posted that.

Re: St Patricks In Bay Shore 'Church Offering'

Yes- It basically is a fee. We also tipped the priest and the organist and singer.

Ours was cheaper but that was because I was a member of the parish and had gone to the elementary school.

Re: St Patricks In Bay Shore 'Church Offering'

Our fee is $600 to cover the building expenses & the salaries of the organist & altar people. It also includes the altar flowers, so we're saving some $$ in our floral budget. We're going to tip the priest an additional $100, so it will be $700 total.

$780 without the tips added in yet seemed pretty high to me at first, but then I remembered that St. Pat's is wayyyyy bigger than our church (3 or 4 times the size), so when you put it into perspective like that, I'm guessing that $750 - $800 is probably about what it should be...sorry, though. It stinks that it's so high

Re: St Patricks In Bay Shore 'Church Offering'

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Posted by danibrwneyes

I just got a letter stating my 'Church Offering' was $780. Now I knew that there was a fee associated with the church, but at the time I thought it was a fee not an offering. Also I knew it was around $750. I can not believe they are basically telling you what to donate to the church. I was much happier when I thought it was a fee. I am getting married in St. Patricks in Bay Shore. Is anyone elses 'offering' as high as this? They also stated and made it clear that this does not go the the priest or deacon marrying you. But it helps offset the costs of heating, electric and some salaries of church staff. Do I have to tip the deacon who is marrying us now too?

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We're getting married there too and I didn't get that letter but we were told that for parishioners it was $750. Truthfully, I'm not surprised that it's that expensive... people come from all over to get married in this church... it's so beautiful.

Re: St Patricks In Bay Shore 'Church Offering'

that sounds pretty normal... most churches call it a donation... Mine is 500 + 200 for the organist... but you still have to pay the 200 if you dont use the organist.

its pretty standard.

Re: St Patricks In Bay Shore 'Church Offering'

Ours was $650 and that's not including the $75 for pre cana and the $25 for FOCUS session. I think it's rediculous what they ask for.

Re: St Patricks In Bay Shore 'Church Offering'

I'm getting married tehre too but I didn't get that letter. They told be 1030.00 was the FEE. I am going to call them and tell them to lower it because I think it's rediculous.

Re: St Patricks In Bay Shore 'Church Offering'

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Posted by AMGBride2008

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Posted by danibrwneyes

I just got a letter stating my 'Church Offering' was $780. Now I knew that there was a fee associated with the church, but at the time I thought it was a fee not an offering. Also I knew it was around $750. I can not believe they are basically telling you what to donate to the church. I was much happier when I thought it was a fee. I am getting married in St. Patricks in Bay Shore. Is anyone elses 'offering' as high as this? They also stated and made it clear that this does not go the the priest or deacon marrying you. But it helps offset the costs of heating, electric and some salaries of church staff. Do I have to tip the deacon who is marrying us now too?

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We're getting married there too and I didn't get that letter but we were told that for parishioners it was $750. Truthfully, I'm not surprised that it's that expensive... people come from all over to get married in this church... it's so beautiful.

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I do not mind paying the money, that is not the issue at all. I just hate that they call it an offering. It should be called a FEE. I love my church and think it is gorgeous that is why I am getting married there and not at a hall. I am a parishioner there as well. But in my eyes an offering is a donation which should not be dictated by anyone but yourself and what you want to give. A fee on the otherhand...well I am paying for services...they should call it a fee! LOL I am going nuts!

Re: St Patricks In Bay Shore 'Church Offering'

I know what you're saying, but one of the meanings of the word 'offering' is 'a contribution to the upkeep of a church.' It's not the same thing as a donation. A donation is considered to be voluntary, but your weekly church offering really isn't, it's part of your tithe, which is not a donation. It's in Websters, look it up.

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Posted by danibrwneyes
I do not mind paying the money, that is not the issue at all. I just hate that they call it an offering. It should be called a FEE. I love my church and think it is gorgeous that is why I am getting married there and not at a hall. I am a parishioner there as well. But in my eyes an offering is a donation which should not be dictated by anyone but yourself and what you want to give. A fee on the otherhand...well I am paying for services...they should call it a fee! LOL I am going nuts!

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Re: St Patricks In Bay Shore 'Church Offering'

My church that I grew up going to was $900 for the ceremony and that is w/out a priest you have to have a deacon if you do not have a mass. Since I wanted my friend to sing it was going to cost an extra $100. I thought that was crazy. I am no longer getting married there and I am going to FH's church and it is only $400 and no extras for my friend to sing. I did however, have to pay $250 for my precana through the diocese of Rockville centre.