No more fixed fees for baptism, confirmation in Manila churches starting April 14

The Archdiocese of Manila on Thursday announced the abolition of fixed rates for baptism, confirmation and the offering of mass intentions in Manila churches starting Sunday, April 14.

“Donations, however, from the faithful for the support of the church are encouraged,” Manila apostolic administrator Bishop Broderick Pabillo said in a statement.

“Let this be one of the legacies of our quincentennial celebration of the arrival of the Christian faith in the country,” he added.

Pabillo said the decision was in accordance with the pastoral letter issued by bishops of the Ecclesiastical Province of Manila on stewardship and the abolition of the arancel system.

“In response to the letter… the Archdiocese of Manila has gradually prepared to establish stewardship programs and implement the removal of the arancel system,” he said.

According to the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), the arancel system “refers to the practice of giving stipends to priests for specific church services.”

In January, the CBCP reaffirmed its commitment to abolish the arancel system, saying that a fixed amount for church services “can be a hindrance for the poor to receive God’s grace and blessings.”—Joahna Lei Casilao/LDF, GMA News