Because inflation is also affecting the Catholic Church, the Croatian bishops increased the recommended donation for a Mass celebrated for a special intention of the faithful from seven to ten euros at their most recent plenary meeting.
The decision, which comes into effect on 1 July, has polarised citizens, as reported by local media (Wednesday).
"If Jesus had not been resurrected, he would be turning in his grave," commented an angry reader of the newspaper "Vecernji list".
Another accused the Bishops' Conference of greed, while another suggested the introduction of a church tax modelled on the German system.
Those in favour of the proposal, on the other hand, argue that the church's charitable work is where the state fails. No one would be denied attendance at a church service due to a lack of money.
How the church finances itself
There is no church contribution system in the church in Croatia as there is in German-speaking countries.
The church is financed by donations, collections and mass stipends as well as state contributions.
Around 86 per cent of the 4.2 million Croatians are Catholics. The church is widely held in high esteem in society.
According to Catholic doctrine, a priest can celebrate mass for a specific intention of the faithful, for example in memory of a deceased person.
The Code of Canon Law authorises the acceptance of a Mass stipend for this purpose.
At the same time, it is strongly recommended that Masses without such a stipend should also be celebrated according to the intentions of the faithful, "especially the needy".