Some parishes have fully replaced traditional collection baskets with the terminals in a move aimed at improving convenience and transparency.
Sobczyk said the idea of installing donation terminals—referred to locally as “ofiaromaty”—was sparked in his religious community, which sought an easier way for worshipers to support parish activities. The first device was placed in 2019 at the Church of St. Maximilian Kolbe in Mistrzejowice, near Kraków.
Although initial reactions ranged from enthusiasm to skepticism, more parishes began adopting the technology over time, with several hundred now using the terminals nationwide.
Some congregations, such as the Parish of the Name of Jesus in Poznań, have completely moved away from traditional offering baskets, opting for electronic methods instead. Parish leaders report that the new system has not reduced donations and has improved financial oversight.
In many cases, portable “electronic baskets” are also used during services, functioning as a modern alternative to passing a traditional collection plate.
Sobczyk and other church representatives believe that digital donations will become the norm, citing both the growing prevalence of cashless payments and the increased financial transparency the systems offer.
"From what I know, the move away from cash did not cause a decrease in the income from offerings, although the effectiveness of such collections is certainly influenced primarily by the life and quality of the functioning of the parish," Sobczyk said.
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Source: PAP