A Belfast priest has hit out at parishioners who have their children baptised but do not leave a donation for parish funds. 

Fr Martin Magill of St John’s Parish Falls Road said he was always “delighted” to see  parents present their children for sacraments but also noted the Church has bills to pay. 

“Imagine going to the restaurant afterwards and walking out without giving anything to pay the bill,” he told his congregation.

“Not that I’m saying we’re charging but I’m also saying the parish has to pay its own bills. 

“We’re able to offer this Church because there are people here who give week after week after week to keep this place open and going. 

“So, for those of you who are simply turning up for sacraments and nothing more, you’re able to do that because of the generosity of people here in Church at the moment. 

“To my mind, can I say to you, that’s not fair.”

FHYGF2 Baptism, Christening of baby girl in a rural church Co. Meath Ireland

'Grateful when they do turn up'

Mass attendance in Ireland has plummeted over recent decades and Úna in Galway said the Church should be happy to see anyone walk through the door.  

“I don’t have a problem with à la carte Catholics,” she told Lunchtime Live. 

“I’m very grateful when they do turn up to Church and show that they do appreciate us as best they can.”

Úna said not judging people “would be a big part of my faith” and said some people might not be donating because they could not afford to do so. 

Eddie in Waterford had more sympathy with the priest but said the Church needs to make it clearer donations are expected. 

“Sometimes it’s just that they don’t even know that they’re supposed to,” he said. 

“It’s not like going into a restaurant; if I go into a restaurant I know I’m supposed to pay… People who may no longer go to Mass, they would know from habit in the past that they go to church and they’re not charged for Mass. 

“So, people sometimes just carry that over in their minds and they just think this is all part of an extension of not having to pay for Mass.” 

Estimates of the Catholic Church’s wealth vary but it is one of the richest organisations on the planet. 

Main image: A Catholic baptism. Picture by: Alamy.com