Legal Definitions - altarage

Altarage refers to two main aspects within ecclesiastical law, which governs the affairs of churches and religious organizations:

• First, it describes the offerings, donations, or contributions made by individuals to a church, often presented at or near the altar during religious services.
• Second, it can refer to the endowment, honorarium, or payment received by a priest or clergy member for performing religious duties and services, especially those conducted at the altar, such as masses, sacraments, or blessings.

Here are some examples to illustrate the concept of altarage:

• Example 1 (Offerings to a Church): During a Sunday service, members of a congregation place cash and checks into collection plates passed among them. These plates are then brought forward and placed on or near the altar as part of the offertory. These financial contributions, intended to support the church's operations, charitable work, and upkeep, are considered a form of altarage because they are offerings made to the church, often presented at the altar.

• Example 2 (Compensation for Priestly Services): A family requests a special Mass to celebrate a significant wedding anniversary. They provide a modest honorarium to the parish priest who presides over the ceremony, which includes blessings and prayers conducted at the altar. This payment to the priest for his time and spiritual service performed at the altar is an example of altarage in the context of compensation for ecclesiastical duties.

• Example 3 (Material Donations): A devout parishioner donates a beautifully embroidered altar cloth and a set of new chalices to their church. These items are specifically intended for use during services at the altar. These material gifts, given directly to the church for its sacred functions, represent a form of altarage, as they are offerings dedicated to the church's worship and presented for use at the altar.