Same in my parish. The money raised at our annual Night at the Races accounts for a third of our total school budget. And honestly, that night is more about the parish coming together and raising money for our school and having a good time as a school community. I don’t see too much about it that unchristian. Although some people feel uncomfortable with any kind of party type atmosphere during Lent, there’s nothing that says it is prohibited either.
Gambling in and of itself is no sin. However, it can become sin, for certain individuals, if it results in a man not being able to provide for his family because he misspent monies. As far as being “fueled by people’s avarice and greed,” this is a broad generalization which may or may not be true. Some people may be motivated by greed, for which it would be at the very least a near occasion of sin, but others may be motivated by fellowship, and this would in no way be sinful.
A casino trip sponsored by a parish and a casino night at the parish are totally different. A Night at the Races or a Casino night is usually just members of the parish organizing the event and running it themselves. People don’t usually earn much money individually by gambling. Its more “play” than actual gambling. Its more like someone having a poker night in their house and people just enjoying being with each other. Its the same thing as a parish festival having chance games.
No matter how good the fish sandwiches are, for me it is a sacrifice. Why? I really love beef. Second, Lent is a period of self-mortification, which is the reason for our sacrifices. Can you provide some kind of magisterial document that says no kind of entertainment whatsoever is acceptable during Lent? Please do so if you can. If you cannot, it would be best if you do not sit in judgment of everyone who is not equal to your impeccable moral character.
As I am only just becoming Catholic, I just wonder about these things. The priest in my parish is part of a traditional order. He believes it is good to go beyond just the bare minimums of observance, not out of being holier-than-thou, but out of reverence for our Lord’s Passion, and His mercy on us. Maybe there is no prohibition against these things during Lent, to me it seems scandalous. I mean that maybe it gives the wrong impression to those whose faith may be weak, or to non-Catholics. In my previous Lutheran church, it did not hold any fund-raisers or rummage sales that brought in money from non-Christians. There is a Bible verse about accepting financial support for the Church from pagans. I wish I could remember where it is.
Here is the thing. If you want to go beyond the bare minimums, by all means do so. But if you go beyond the minimum, then you should not hold others to the same. Not everybody is in the same place spiritually. If you wish to abstain from entertainment during the Lenten season, then do so, but that is your personal choice, and holding others to your choice is not the way to do things.
It is easy to be zealous for the Faith when you have just recently come to love it. It is easy for those who have been raised in it to take it for granted and not understand where you are coming from. It can also be harder to be zealous for the faith when the excitement of having joined the Church has worn off. I don’t like the idea of a casino night at church- auctions are ok, or bingo nights where they give non-monetary items to the winners, but I have a problem having a fundraiser that offers winning money as an incentive to participate.
It’s not a matter of being casual but what is necessary to keep the operation going. Churches do have schools to run, and a lot of it depends on fundraising activities, especially if the area is middle-to-low income. There is just no way that families can support the necessary tuition fees and educational necessities without the parish engaging in fundraisers. Casino nights and Bingo, as far as I am concerned, are benevolent activities that foster community participation and a lot of times provide social activity for older people. The money raised does not go for criminal activity.
I really can’t hold anyone to anything. Priests and parents, however, can encourage, admonish, suggest, give good reasons for, etc. etc.
My point was just that Lent doesn’t seem an appropriate time. I know Bingo and such things are inmportant nights for seniors, etc.
It is inappropriate.
