Since the Covid-19 crisis, connected collection baskets have been developing in the dioceses of France. Designed as a complement to the traditional collection, they allow the faithful to donate by credit card while respecting the liturgical sense of the gesture. Experiences from the dioceses of Lille and Aix-en-Provence are shared.

Where did the idea of creating connected baskets for collections come from? The idea originated from observing several trends: the widespread adoption of credit card payments for collections in other dioceses; the strong development of the "La Quête" app during the Covid period, revealing a demand for digital payments; and increasing difficulties in managing cash (handling by volunteers, banking fees). Added to this is the desire to enable the Church to "live with its time" and adapt to the current practices of the faithful.

How does a connected basket work and how is its security ensured? The connected basket is designed to be simple and intuitive. The volunteer opens the terminal—like a phone—and selects "begin a collection" and the name of their parish. Six pre-configured amounts appear on the screen: the faithful just click on the chosen amount and present their credit card. The terminal, inserted into a wicker holder reminiscent of a traditional basket, circulates during the collection like a classic basket. Security relies on the responsibility of the collector, who keeps the basket with them during mass and stores it in a secure, locked place afterward. No personal data is recorded.

How have the faithful and parish teams reacted to the introduction of connected collection baskets? While some parishes initially received the innovation cautiously, experience shows that positive results and ease of use quickly dispelled hesitations. In urban and younger parishes, adoption was immediate; in rural or older parishes, it was progressive but genuine. Currently, 175 baskets are deployed in 65 parishes of the diocese. (Diocese of Lille)

Have you observed any change in donation amounts? The average donation through a connected collection basket is €6.95, significantly higher than cash donations.

Do digital donations complement or replace cash donations? They complement them. Cash donations remain the majority; about 10% of the faithful use the connected baskets during a mass. Digital thus represents an addition, without eliminating other forms of donation.

Is there a specific profile of donors using contactless? No. Contrary to popular belief, there is no specific type: young, old, urban, rural... all demographics are gradually using this mode of donation. Even older people are adapting to it very easily.

What challenges have been encountered with the installation of connected baskets? The first challenge is human: it requires designating leaders, training collectors, and assisting with adoption. Then come the financial aspects, quickly offset by increased revenue. The main difficulties stem from the initial hesitations of some volunteers or parish leaders, often reassured after a trial period.

What evolutions or new uses are envisaged? The primary objective is to generalize it across the entire diocese. Other uses are being considered: occasional, mass offerings, donations during parish events... Some hybrid prototypes, which can serve both as collection baskets and weekday stands (for example, for candles), are also under study.