[Mrs. Don-o]

I’ve been a regular pewsitter since 1958 (if you count it from my First Communion) and I’ve never seen it nor heard of it.

Might have been a regional thing.

[maryz]

Yes, might have been regional, or even diocesan. I can only speak for Boston.

IIRC, kids didn't have to pay it -- even high school kids. I don't remember if I ever had to pay it myself. I do remember my mother paying it. And of course it was only for Sunday Mass, not daily.