Do you have any idea how much $$ Catholic priests make?

distracted · #1 Oct 10, '09, 11:43 am

.

I'm just wondering because this one parishioner told me priests make a lot of $$...

i don't have a clue about that kind of thing.. but the implication was that some priests go into the priesthood for that reason, so got me curious..

AJTheMan · #2 Oct 10, '09, 12:03 pm

Our local monsignor said that new priests make close to three hundred dollars every paycheck.

The pay rate probably goes up and down according to which region of the United States that the priest is in. (some States have higher cost-of-living, others have lower)

distracted · #3 Oct 10, '09, 12:04 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by AJTheMan

Our local monsignor said that new priests make close to three hundred dollars every paycheck.

The pay rate probably goes up and down according to which region of the United States that the priest is in. (some States have higher cost-of-living, others have lower)

how often do they get paychecks... 4 times a month???

AJTheMan · #4 Oct 10, '09, 12:06 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by distracted

how often do they get paychecks... 4 times a month???

Probably not.

If you didn't know, Priests make a very meager salary.

kristie_m · #5 Oct 10, '09, 1:08 pm

I know that in the area I live in, a diocesean priest would probably earn more money working at McDonalds.

I know there are other priests who supplement their income doing other things, counseling, lectures, etc. But on the whole, I think the income is pretty meager. I've never heard of anyone going into the priesthood for the money.

Cluny · #6 Oct 10, '09, 1:18 pm

One of the blackest urban legends in American society generally is the myth of the rich church.

And the similar legend among Protestants is how rich the Catholic Church is, and how much parish clergy make. (Could jealousy be fueling this idea?)

I know a priest who is retired from his secular employment, but is in active parish ministry, and is basically living off his savings and pension. He gets only ONE paycheck a QUARTER from the parish!

And contrary to what some people (including PhD's Iv'e met), clergy of all faiths DO pay income tax. Furthermore, if there is a rectory or other residence provided, the clergyman must pay income tax based on the fair market rental of the residence.

dachsiemom · #7 Oct 10, '09, 3:41 pm

I found a pay scale for the diocese where I live and the base salary for a priest is approximately $25,000/year with small increments per month for each year of ordination. In addition, they are paid for weddings and funerals, I think. Nothing they will get rich on, but they also have little in the way of living expenses as health insurance, housing, food, etc.

**Jennifer G.** · #8 Oct 10, '09, 3:44 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by AJTheMan

Probably not.

If you didn't know, Priests make a very meager salary.

I remember looking at a career website at highschool that said clergy make $61,000 a year (this was in 1995).

dachsiemom · #9 Oct 10, '09, 3:49 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jennifer G.

I remember looking at a career website at highschool that said clergy make $61,000 a year (this was in 1995).

Catholic clergy certainly don't make that much!

**LilyM** · #10 Oct 10, '09, 4:09 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by distracted

how often do they get paychecks... 4 times a month???

Even $300 a week ($15,000 a year, give or take) would hardly be 'up there' in terms of salary, quite the contrary.

AJTheMan · #11 Oct 10, '09, 6:36 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jennifer G.

I remember looking at a career website at highschool that said clergy make $61,000 a year (this was in 1995).

"Clergy" isn't very descriptive. Protestant Pastors, some of them, do very well.

Paul1961 · #12 Oct 10, '09, 6:43 pm

Only one poster hit upon the key to understanding the question.

For the regular person, wages go to pay rent, electricity health insurance food, etc etc

For a parish priest, since almost every expense is covered by the parish their "meager" 15 to 25k salary is disposable income.

My churches "poor" parish priest here in Baltimore County, Maryland lives in a 450K single family home purchased and maintained in every way by the parish. He drives a Mercedes Benz(I don't know if the parish pays for that or not).

When my wife has lost one of her jobs(now working only two days a week), it's hard to sympathize with the money appeals from the church.

Phemie · #13 Oct 10, '09, 6:51 pm

Depends on the diocese I suppose. In ours, the religious priests' Province has a contract with the diocese. They are provided with a vehicle by the diocese. The vehicle expenses (gas, insurance, maintenance) are covered by the parish. Their room and board are provided and they get $1000 a month + ~$2000/yr for a trip back to their Provincial HQ & retreat. They pay no income tax due to their vow of poverty (most of their income is supposed to be turned in to their Congregation).

Diocesan priests clear about 1,500/mo if they have a car (their room and board are considered taxable income even if they never see it, and they get car allowance that is also taxed).

**Shoshana** · #14 Oct 10, '09, 7:07 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by LilyM

Even $300 a week ($15,000 a year, give or take) would hardly be 'up there' in terms of salary, quite the contrary.

This is closer to reality. They do have their room and board paid for. They also get supplements for like books for the parish, etc provided by the diocese. They are far from being 'rich' by any standards.

They are get a stipend for masses, funerals and weddings. Family and friends do give them money gifts at birthdays, Christmas, Easter, anniversary of their odination, etc. When we had my brother's/mother's house blessed we gave my priest a good 200.00 for coming (100.00 worth of good wine and 100.00 cash).

When they go on pilgrimages, usually their fare is free depending on the number of persons that are part of the group.

So, no, their life is not rich. If they own a house, it is because they were very frugal. My past pastor ate like a bird. Hardly bought any clothes at all.

**Shoshana** · #15 Oct 10, '09, 7:09 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul1961

Only one poster hit upon the key to understanding the question.

For the regular person, wages go to pay rent, electricity health insurance food, etc etc

For a parish priest, since almost every expense is covered by the parish their "meager" 15 to 25k salary is disposable income.

My churches "poor" parish priest here in Baltimore County, Maryland lives in a 450K single family home purchased and maintained in every way by the parish. He drives a Mercedes Benz(I don't know if the parish pays for that or not).

When my wife has lost one of her jobs(now working only two days a week), it's hard to sympathize with the money appeals from the church.

The house could have been donated. The car is probably leased. Read my other post to see where they can get extra money.