Suggested Donation for Seven-Day Votive Candles to Increase July 1

The suggested donation for votive candles that parishioners and friends light for a special prayer petition or intention has not increased since 2010. Since then, the cost of candles from our vendor has increased.

In addition, sometimes the donations placed in the locked candle box are pilfered using objects to fish out donations, apart from coins. Items left behind in the donation boxes include modified dock hooks, pegboard hooks, and gutter spikes. Thus, the donations received do not cover the cost of the candles for use at the shrines that have illuminated parish churches for over 150 years.

The lighting of a votive candle is done in fulfillment of a vow (Latin, votum), although in most cases the intention (special prayer or petition) is to give honor and to seek help or divine assistance from the saint before whose image the candle is lit and to pray for the dead. While the individual offers a prayer for the intention as the votive is lit, we believe the saint, too, brings the intention to the hands and heart of Christ. 

Effective July 1, 2024, the suggested donation for seven-day candles lit in churches will increase. One-day votive candles will remain $1 each, but the larger, seven-day candles will now be $5 instead of $3.

For those who wish to continue regularly lighting seven-day candles each week, you are encouraged to now make a donation for five candles in advance for $20, a savings of $5. Beginning July 1, you can scan the QR code located on the donation box to make an online payment, or you can use the envelope that will be part of your monthly packet in the near future. Another option is to set up a recurring $20 monthly gift on your secure and contactless (you retain your credit card information) parishioner REALM account by entering VOTIVE CANDLE in the search box from the homepage.

Both churches are open from dawn to dusk for those who wish to spend time in prayer or light a candle. Many churches that accept cash donations for candles remain locked throughout the day, only open 30 minutes before and after Mass times. This is another way that your parish family continues to pay attention to the signs of the time, while not interrupting what holds a value for your Catholic spirituality and prayer life.

The donation boxes will remain for those who wish to make their donation with cash, yet after the Pastoral Council reviewed this matter and the facts surrounding it, it recommended the increase earlier this year, which was accepted by Father Anthony, and is to begin at the start of the parishes’ new fiscal year, July 1, 2024. If you have questions, email finance@myparishfamily.church/.