AFTER removing the funeral mass fees last year, the Diocese of Mati is now set to do away with the arancel or fees for the Sacrament of Baptism beginning September 10.
In a decree dated June 24, Mati Bishop Abel Apigo announced they will no longer apply a fixed rate for the sacrament of baptism in all parishes under the Diocese in Davao Oriental.
“I, Most Rev. Abel C. Apigo, the Bishop of Mati, hereby issue this Decree removing the arancel for the Sacrament of Baptism,” said Apigo.
“This Decree shall take effect on September 10, 2023 at the Feast of San Nicolas de Tolentino, the patron saint of the Diocese of Mati,” he added.
The prelate said the Decree was reached after extensive discussions and deeper reflections with the clergy, religious, and lay leaders of the Mati Diocese.
“I found out that the faith of the baptized has already deepened. The Spirituality of Stewardship has gradually developed in the hearts of God’s people,” Apigo said.
Proof of this, he said, is the experience with the Diocese’s removal of the fixed fees to funeral mass services since April 25, 2022.
“We removed the arancel for the funeral mass and, thereafter, the response of the people was very positive. The people became generous in sharing their blessings to the Church,” he said
