Constant Asking for Money

[Brofessor]

So I went for the first time to mass at a new parish. Apparently there's a thing going on there called an "Annual Catholic Appeal". Basically it meant people were constantly asking for money. The priest mentioned it at mass, it was in the prayer intentions, and it was again in the bulletin. It made me feel a little uncomfortable.

I'm a college student, I barely have enough money to feed myself and pay my library fines. Do I have to give them money, and does this sort of thing happen a lot in Catholic churches? If so, where can I see where my money goes? If I give them money, I want it going where it's appropriate.

[agnes therese]

You're certainly not required to give what you can't afford. (although library "fines" sounds like something you could avoid to help your finances). But there will be various extra collections throughout the year in any parish. Since this is an "annual" appeal, it had probably been explained to the parish members in previous years, and in weeks leading up to this one. Of course you can ask what the donations go toward.

Originally Posted by Brofessor

So I went for the first time to mass at a new parish. Apparently there's a thing going on there called an "Annual Catholic Appeal". Basically it meant people were constantly asking for money. The priest mentioned it at mass, it was in the prayer intentions, and it was again in the bulletin. It made me feel a little uncomfortable.

I'm a college student, I barely have enough money to feed myself and pay my library fines. Do I have to give them money, and does this sort of thing happen a lot in Catholic churches? If so, where can I see where my money goes? If I give them money, I want it going where it's appropriate.

[bscastro]

They usually have an annual appeal or other type of extra giving appeals during the year. Usually at our parish, there is an annual report - e.g. X went to pay teachers at school, X went towards repairs to the church, etc.

In any case, we are called to support our Church financially however we can, but not so much that we can't support ourselves. It's a fine line, as I think some people perhaps live a lifestyle where they can perhaps give more, but there is no hard percentage. For example, a college student like yourself may only be able to give 1-2% of your income while someone with an extremely high income might/could contribute 10-15% or more!

God bless,
Bryan

[maryj]

Originally Posted by Brofessor

So I went for the first time to mass at a new parish. Apparently there's a thing going on there called an "Annual Catholic Appeal". Basically it meant people were constantly asking for money. The priest mentioned it at mass, it was in the prayer intentions, and it was again in the bulletin. It made me feel a little uncomfortable.

I'm a college student, I barely have enough money to feed myself and pay my library fines. Do I have to give them money, and does this sort of thing happen a lot in Catholic churches? If so, where can I see where my money goes? If I give them money, I want it going where it's appropriate.

All catholic dioceses have what's called "United Catholic Appeal"...It goes to support everything that goes on within the diocese in which you live, or are attending! You're a college student? Guess where our future priests are right now!...in college seminaries. We,as members of the catholic church, pay for them to go to seminary,to eat,to be educated! I'm sure you are well aware of how much money it costs to go to college! They pay for their first four years of college, we pay for the next eight. The Bishop of that diocese,his staff and all the things they do for the church have got to be paid for by someone...we as members of the church are those someones. Each and every diocese hands out an expenditure form at this time of year, you can see in writting just where all money is being used that is donated. United Catholic appeal is one of the most important things we can do as catholics, we educate priests who in turn give their whole lives to serve His church! Each dollar is important!!

[ZoeyBdo]

This is normal, and currently doing on in our diocese right now.

A lot of a people don't realize that each church is self-sustaining. While the diocese does step in for certain things, each church is required to be able to pay it's own bills.

Our church right now needs the money for building repairs.

This money is separate from the general collection, as that is used for other things. Just last week my church saved two families from eviction.

Give anything that you can, even if it's only a little.

Last week my husband pointed out to me that we spend more on breakfast after church than we give to the collection basket. We then made the decision to change that today.

[1ke]

Hmmm, you describe yourself as Catholic attending the Episcopal church. First I think you need to explain that.

Should you be giving money to the EC? No. Should you be attending the EC? No.

Is it normal for Catholic parishes, and other ecclesial communities, to have funding appeals? Yes.

Where can you see how the money is spent? Ask for the annual financial statement and/or attend a parish council meeting.

[Sunbreak]

What you experienced is normal. When my archdiocese conducts its annual Catholic appeal, it specifically instructs parishes to mention it in the prayer intentions, in the bulletin, and during announcements at mass. This is to encourage participation.