How Much Does a Catholic Baptism Cost?

A Catholic baptism usually costs very little, and often nothing at all. The Church doesn't put a price on the sacrament, and canon law says no family should go without it because they can't pay (can. 848). What families do spend tends to fall into three buckets: an offering to the parish if it suggests one, a fee for the preparation class if there is one, and whatever you choose to spend on the day itself. For most families in the U.S., the church side of it comes to somewhere between nothing and about $100.

Do Catholic churches charge for a baptism?

Not for the baptism itself. Canon 848 tells the priest or deacon to ask for nothing beyond the offerings set by Church authorities, "always taking care that the needy are not deprived of the assistance of the sacraments because of poverty." The bishops of each region decide what those offerings are (can. 1264, 2°), and many parishes simply don't ask for one.

Where a parish does suggest an offering, you'll sometimes hear it called a "stole fee" or a "baptism donation." Amounts vary a lot from place to place, and the parish office can tell you what's customary there. It's a gift to support the parish. If the amount would be hard for your family, say so. Parish offices have that conversation all the time, and the baptism goes ahead either way.

Does it cost more if we're not parishioners?

Sometimes. Some parishes suggest a larger offering from families who aren't registered there, and some ask you to register before scheduling. Registering is almost always free and takes a few minutes. If you're baptizing at a parish other than your own, you may also need a letter of permission from your own pastor (see the baptism paperwork checklist). That letter normally costs nothing.

How much does a baptism class cost?

It depends on who runs it:

• A class at your parish is often free. Some parishes charge a small fee to cover materials, and many skip the class entirely for parents who've baptized a child recently.
• An online class usually runs from about $49 to $100 per person. You can see current prices side by side in our comparison of online baptism classes. Parish Ready's class for parents is $49 per person, with a full refund if your parish won't accept the certificate.

Before you pay for any online class, ask your parish whether it accepts one. Many do, some don't, and the parish where the baptism happens decides. If you're not sure whether you need a class at all, read do parents have to take a baptism class?

What does it cost to be a godparent?

Usually very little. The sponsor certificate, the letter from a godparent's own parish saying they're eligible, is normally free. If the baptizing parish asks godparents to take a class, the costs are the same as for parents: often free in person, or about $49 to $100 online.

Godparents often give a gift, such as a cross, a children's Bible, or the baptismal candle or outfit. In some families, the godparents traditionally help pay for the day itself. None of this is required, and customs differ a lot from family to family.

Should we give the priest or deacon something?

That's up to you. Many families give the priest or deacon a thank-you card, often with a gift of money tucked inside. It's a kind custom, not a requirement, and any amount is fine. Some parishes ask that gifts go to the parish rather than to the priest personally. If you're unsure, ask the parish office what people usually do.

What else do families spend money on?

Everything else is optional and entirely up to you:

• Clothes. A white baptism gown or outfit. Many families use one that's been handed down.
• The candle. Most parishes provide a baptismal candle, so ask before buying one.
• Photos. Some parishes have rules about photography during the ceremony, so check before you book anyone.
• A celebration. Lunch, a party at home, or nothing at all.
• Certificate copies. Your first baptismal certificate is normally free. Copies you request later, for First Communion, Confirmation or marriage, are usually free or cost a few dollars.

A realistic budget

For the church side of a typical baptism in the U.S.:

1. Parish offering: nothing to about $100, and often optional.
2. Preparation class: free at many parishes, or about $49 to $100 per person online.
3. Sponsor certificate: usually free.
4. Thank-you gift for the priest or deacon: optional.
5. Gown, photos and party: whatever you choose, including nothing.

What if we can't afford it?

Then your child can still be baptized. The Church is clear that no one should miss the sacraments because of money (can. 848). Call the parish, explain your situation, and ask how they can help. If a class fee is the problem, ask whether the parish runs its own class for free. Most do.

The short version

1. Is there a charge for the sacrament? No. A parish may suggest an offering, but it can't turn you away for not paying (can. 848).
2. What's typical? Nothing to about $100 for the church side, plus a class if your parish requires one.
3. How much is a class? Often free at the parish, about $49 to $100 online.
4. Godparents? The sponsor certificate is usually free. Gifts are optional.
5. Short on money? Tell the parish. The baptism still happens.

Your parish office is the best source for local details. A quick call will tell you what they suggest and what they expect.