Commercial instead of homily

[YourNameHere]

One thing that disappoints me is when a priest will use up valuable homily time at Mass to address other things.
These things usually have to do with asking parishioners to give money for this, that, or the other thing.
For example, the church is seeking money for some building project within the parish or the archdiocese, or for some other project.
Time is used to discuss why the project, etc. etc.
It seems to me that something like this should be placed in the church newsletter or bulletin.
I want to hear about the readings and how they apply to daily life.
Am I wrong in my feelings?

 

[CilladeRoma]

You are not wrong, but you also need to understand that many people do not read bulletins or newsletters.

In my diocese, we have an an annual ministry appeal. The Bishop makes a video, that talks about where the money goes and it is shown in every parish, with the encouragement that the Pastor give a homily on “stewardship”.

Trust me, it is just as uncomfortable for the Pastor to have to do it, but the Church does need money to continue her mission.

 

[Genesis315]

As has mentioned, not everybody reads the bulletin. Even the Apostles had to preach about money and collections.

Personally, I am more annoyed by prayers of the faithful used for that purpose. “That we may all bring our generous donation for the building fund next week, checks payable to St. Expeditus Parish, Lord hear our prayer.”

(as an aside, if I were a bishop, I would use the example of Ananias and Sapphira and warn that the Holy Spirit will strike you down if you don’t pay your whole pledge to the bishop’s appeal!)

 

[Diaconia]

If Catholics simply tithed, we wouldn’t need these sorts of talks, tuition would be low or non-existent at Catholic schools, and other services to the poor and needy would be provided for.

Deacon Christopher

 

[DisorientingSneeze]

many people do not read bulletins or newsletters.

I’m ashamed to say I turned into one of those people! I used to grab a bulletin and read it while my husband drove us home. Then it got to where at least three kids grabbed a bulletin and the van became the constant aftermath of a bulletin tornado, so I stopped. I need to lay down the law, the bulletin law.

 

[Irishmom2]

Or bulletin is also online. But I do like to read the paper one after mass.

 

[ASC]

One thing that disappoints ME is when parishoners use up valuable time and effort to complain about petty things. Look up a meditation about how the readings apply to your daily life.

I went to a small Catholic school and I know the importance of these. It really angers me when people come out here complaining that the homily was a commercial for the parish school. I think that it is more impactful for even just one parent to decide to give their kid a lifetime of Catholic education than it is for you to go without a homily. Stop complaining. Stop assuming that the Church is greedy and doesn’t care about your spirituality. The Church is for ALL PEOPLE, not just you. You are a part of something much bigger than yourself.

 

[YourNameHere]

Thanks for judging me. Hopefully, it made you feel much better. I will add my prayers for you.