Stipends in the Byzantine Catholic Church

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on stipends in the Byzantine Catholic Church. Here, we aim to shed light on this aspect of ecclesiastical practice, which has a long history and serves multiple purposes within the Church's community.

Suggested Stipend*

*Please note: These figures can become outdated due to inflation. Also, local practices and customs may vary, so if in doubt, ask the local priest and/or funeral home for what is locally customary

  • Divine Liturgy

    • $20 - to Priest

      • Intention for the Deceased

      • Special Intentions (like for health, blessings, etc.)

  • Presanctified Divine Liturgy

    • $20 - to Priest

  • All Souls Saturdays

    • $25 per list of names - to Priest

      • 5 all souls Saturdays of the year

  • Holy Mysteries

    • $100 - to Priest

      • Baptism & Chrismation (1st Communion & Confirmation)

      • Crowning (Wedding)

    • $75 (no Liturgy) $100 (with Liturgy) - to Cantor

  • Funeral

    • At Least $250 - to Priest

      • Divine Liturgy with Panachida (~5 minutes) or parastas (~30 minutes)

      • Internment (graveside)

    • At Least $100 - to Cantor

  • Blessing of homes

    • Whatever is offered (at least $100 is customary) - to Priest

  • Antimension

    • $100 - to Chancery

  • Substitute Clergy (Sunday & Holyday)

    • $100 in addition to Liturgy Stipend, + mileage - to Priest

  • Substitute Clergy (Weekdays)

    • $50 plug mileage - to Priest

  • Parish Retreats or Missions: A stipend might be suggested for guest speakers or retreat leaders, which could be anywhere from $100-$500, depending on the duration and the speaker's reputation.

History of Stipends

  • Origin and Evolution:

    • The practice of offering stipends has its roots in the early Christian Church, where offerings were made during Mass as part of the community's support for their priests. Initially, these were goods or services, which over time, transitioned into monetary form to support clergy who could not sustain themselves through other means.

    • By the Middle Ages, with the establishment of a more organized Church structure, stipends became more formalized, aiding in the support of clergy, especially in regions where parish income was insufficient. The Council of Trent further regulated these practices, ensuring they were seen as gifts, not payments for sacraments.

  • Theological and Practical Considerations:

    • Theologically, stipends are not considered payment for spiritual services but as a means of support for the clergy, reflecting the community's participation in the Church's mission. This aligns with the principle that the workmen are worthy of their wages, as mentioned in 1 Timothy 5:18.

    • Practically, stipends help maintain the Church's operations, from daily expenses to charitable works, ensuring priests can focus on their pastoral duties without financial strain.


Incorporating the Scriptures

  • 1 Corinthians 9:14: "In the same way, the Lord ordered that those who preach the gospel should get their living from the gospel." This supports the idea that those who serve the Church spiritually should be supported materially by the community.

  • Malachi 3:8-10: Discusses the importance of tithing, which can be seen as a precursor to the practice of stipends, emphasizing community support for religious functions.

By understanding the role and history of stipends, members of the Byzantine Catholic Church can better appreciate how these practices contribute to the life and sustainability of their faith community.


Some additional resources on stipends:
Catholic Encyclopedia

Catholic Answers: “Mass stipends and Simony”