Churches part of the Archdiocese of Manila can no longer charge fixed fees for baptism and the offering of Mass intentions starting April 14 following a decree that abolished the system of standard rates.
Also removed were fixed fees for the Sacrament of Confirmation. Bishop Broderick Pabillio issued the decree as apostolic administrator early on Thursday before the Vatican named a new archbishop to lead the archdiocese.
"There will no longer be any fixed rates for the celebration of the sacraments of baptism and confirmation and for the offering of Mass intentions in the churches in the Archdiocese of Manila," Pabillo said.
The Archdiocese of Manila which is made up of over 90 churches, used to observe the arancel system or the practice of giving "tariffs" for church services.
But with the new decree, churches will instead just encourage donations.
"Donations from the faithful for the support of their church are encouraged," Pabillo said.
The abolition of the policy, according to Pabillo, is also a way of marking 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines.
"Let this be one of the legacies of our quincentennial celebration of the arrival of the Christian faith in our country," Pabillo said.
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