Does it matter how much we give for collection

[tigster]

I was just wondering if it mattered how much we give at mass.

 

[puzzleannie]

the amount does not matter, what matters is one’s overall attitude toward the gifts God has given, that one develops a spirituality of stewardship over those gifts, and acknowledges their Source, and returns a portion of the best of those gifts, of time, talent and treasure, to the Church and to God’s poor. On a practical matter, we also acknowledge that if we are going to attend Mass regularly and expect services at one parish we have a duty to contribute to the day to day expenses of that parish.

 

[Proletarian]

I was just wondering if it mattered how much we give at mass.

Take enough of your pay to modestly feed, educate and shelter you and your family, as well as a little for your retirement, then give the rest to the Church (or charities of your choosing).

 

[stinkcat_14]

It matters to the extent that what we give reflects our priorities. For example, if somebody drives a Lexus with a $500 per month car payment and then puts $5 per week in the collection basket, then I would say that the individual has warped priorities.

 

[ALLFORHIM]

Take enough of your pay to modestly feed, educate and shelter you and your family, as well as a little for your retirement, then give the rest to the Church (or charities of your choosing).

I do agree with this except I believe somewhere in the bible we are suppose to give to the church first. So I guess that would mean budgeting:thumbsup: There is something about giving first fruits:shrug:

With that said, my hubby doesnt agree with tithing, heck he doesnt even believe in going to church, so I give what I can and what he feels comfortable with. I actually compensate by giving much of my time and talents to the church by running ministries and volunteering.

I want to give more, but my hubby is not a believer and I do have to honor what he wants.

P.S. I also agree with the other posters as well. God wants us to be a cheerful giver

 

[joab]

Our church only passes the “hat” for special collections which are always stated before the start of mass. Instead, we are told of the church budget and how many families are enrolled. Then we are to divide the total by the families and figure out how much of the result we can individually cover. If you are making better than the rest you are asked to give more. If you aren’t making much, then nothing is expected. Our church takes credit cards, or will, with your permission, deduct it from your bank each month. That being said: it kind-of is demoralising to realise how much you “should” give, and if poor, you are not holding up your end of the church support. Yes, we volunteer frequently but the money is not there, and you feel like, because you aren’t giving enough, then you have no right to any of the decisions being made. You have no ownership because you haven’t paid your dues.
It would not be bad if only the priest knew how much each person gives, but the finance committe also knows and can’t keep the knowledge to themselves.

 

[KarenNC]

It is my understanding that the specific “tithe” of 10% is based in the Hebrew Scriptures and I have been consistently told on these boards that Catholics are not bound to the specific laws given in the Hebrew Scriptures. As I understand it, again, in the Christian Scriptures, the emphasis is more on the spirit and intent rather than a specific amount.

I have also heard arguments that the amount in the Hebrew Scriptures includes many things that in a non-theocratic government are covered already under taxation and not just an indication of the ideal of charitable giving. Others consider that the amount is representative of all charitable giving, not just giving to the Church. These are things that might be considered as part of the discussion.

Here’s what I found in googling
memorare.com/reform/giving.html

 

[Texas_Roofer]

It is my understanding that the specific “tithe” of 10% is based in the Hebrew Scriptures and I have been consistently told on these boards that Catholics are not bound to the specific laws given in the Hebrew Scriptures. As I understand it, again, in the Christian Scriptures, the emphasis is more on the spirit and intent rather than a specific amount.

I have also heard arguments that the amount in the Hebrew Scriptures includes many things that in a non-theocratic government are covered already under taxation and not just an indication of the ideal of charitable giving. Others consider that the amount is representative of all charitable giving, not just giving to the Church. These are things that might be considered as part of the discussion.

Here’s what I found in googling
memorare.com/reform/giving.html

In the OT 1/3 is to be left in the fields for widows and orphans, while the top 10% is to be sacrificed to God that 43%. Guess what the US tax rate is ~41%. The typical Catholic gives about 2% umh 41%+ 2% = 43% interesting ?

 

[Texas_Roofer]

I was just wondering if it mattered how much we give at mass.

Your to give yourself. The money is only a small part and should reflect giving yourself, that does not mean 100% of your money at all. When you give yourself you make many needed sacifices as to your spouse, children, laws, social pratices, schools, etc,etc. For some 40 hours a week of society work plus $2 is great, while for others zero work and $100 is questionable. If your not at ease with totality of your contribution give your time it is worth more.

 

[pyropam]

I too was concerned with this when I first joined the church. I asked my priest because I had been taught in the pentecostal church that you had to give 10% before you even paid your bills.

Our priest said that it is between you and God what you give. Just remember that the power company will not accept anything but money and the church has to get the money somewhere. The Priest likes to eat, and we don’t want the roof to leak during mass.

God Bless

 

[Milliardo]

I was just wondering if it mattered how much we give at mass.

No; what matters is if the money given comes from the heart. Jesus pointed that out when He made the observation between the Pharisee and the woman.

 

[YADA]

IMHO -

We are not given a specified 10% [the OT prescribed tithe] amount to give of our time talents and treasure. I often hear the phrase that giving is between God and the giver - no one else has any business knowing what we give, etc.

However, we should reflect on what was expected of our Jewish brethren by God and what the NT [Jesus] scriptures say about giving.

Jews were expected to give of their ‘first fruits’ to Yahweh [God, the Creator, the Lord, Elohim]. They gave 10% [money, crops, goods, etc]. They also let their fields rest every 7 years and forgave debts and freed slaves in any year declared a jubilee year…Care for the members [widows, orphans, poor] and respect for aliens living amoung them “for you were once an alien in a foreign land”]…

And what was it that the Jews received for which God expected all of this…Moses, the Law, the Prophets, being the chosen people of God…

What is it that Jesus calls us to give…we aree called to give fromm our nee [not abundance - not what is left over], we are called to give from our hearts in proportion to what we receive.

And what did we receive? Moses, the Law, the Prophets, we are a Chosen Race, a People set apart, sons [and daughters] of god by adoption, Jesus Christ [our Savior, Brother, Lord, King], the Victory over Death [Life Ever Lasting], Heaven, the Church, the Eucharist [and much more]. Our very lives, bought with Blood!

So how does this realization play out in the collection plate in the parishes where we come to recieve the Precious Body and Blood of our Lord?

For me, 10% is a mere beginning point…can I get to what I truly should give…no, the amount is too great…can I give [and I am not just speaking of money but of time and talen too] so that I feel the gift? Yes…I can give first [of time and money] so that it is significant…if I give and do not count the cost, then the gift is not in proprtion to the many gifts God has provided in my life.

Also IMHO, a good place to begin is to support your parish at a 4% to 5% level, 1% to 2% budgeted for the second collections, and the remaing 4% to 5% to other charitable causes for which you feel called to support.

My husband and I support our parish, the St. Vincent de Paul, the Archdiocese, JOIN [helps the homeless move into permanent housing], St Fransis Dining Hall, Fr. Taaffes Homes for Unwed Mothers, Birthright, tuition support for the local seminary [Mt. Angel] and various other charities.

We always investigate the charities to insure that a minimum of 94% of the funds collected go to the work of the charity and not to administrative costs.

We volunteer many hours to our parish [Liturgy Team, Pastoral Council, RCIA Team, Knights of Columbus, Respect Life Committee, Small Faith Sharing Group Facilitator, Pastoral Council, Usher, Lector, EMHC, etc.] We volunteer outside of the parish as well, with Mt. Angel and Medical Teams Northwest, etc.

We sometimes have wondered how we can [and IF we can] give …but God is gracious and always provides…especially when I let go of the worry and trust in God…

Again…just MHO

 

[legeorge]

Our church only passes the “hat” for special collections which are always stated before the start of mass. Instead, we are told of the church budget and how many families are enrolled. Then we are to divide the total by the families and figure out how much of the result we can individually cover. If you are making better than the rest you are asked to give more. If you aren’t making much, then nothing is expected. Our church takes credit cards, or will, with your permission, deduct it from your bank each month. That being said: it kind-of is demoralising to realise how much you “should” give, and if poor, you are not holding up your end of the church support. Yes, we volunteer frequently but the money is not there, and you feel like, because you aren’t giving enough, then you have no right to any of the decisions being made. You have no ownership because you haven’t paid your dues.
It would not be bad if only the priest knew how much each person gives, but the finance committe also knows and can’t keep the knowledge to themselves.

That sounds horrible.

Of course, now that I think of it, whoever makes out the statements at tax time knows how much I have given too. And it’s not too much. But he doesn’t know how much I volunteer or give to other Catholic churches/charities. So whoever that is, probably thinks we’re really cheap!

 

[YADA]

Anannias and his wife were struck dead for holding back from the church…

Jesus used the widow and her mite as a comparison to the rich man’s contribution…the discussion [to have meaning and be understood] bears witness to the fact that our contributions are known and known in their relationship to our wealth, abilities, assets,etc…If Jesus was making the comment or telling the story without his audience having knowledge and context, it would not have had meaning…

Your priest and the parish staff will know how much you volunteer and are active in parish activities by your involvement…few if any [besides the bookkeeper and business manager will have any real sense of your monetary contributions.

It is a sad fact that parishes must check contribution records to verify parish attendance for various parish function. Take school applications [just as an example]. Many people who offer no monetary support to the parish, rarely if ever attend Mass and never volunteer will claim parish membership to obtain diocesan and parish tuition credit/subsidy/scholarships.

For our school, in addition to need based scholarships, the parish contribute 18% of the school operating funds. school families are expected to attend mass and support the parish [those who have reall financial hardships can meet with the parish priest and the principal to explain their finacial situation]. And the expected shool family parish weekly support is not oppressive at $10/week or $520/year. In fact this is less than half of the per student tuition support represented by the 18% parish support.

 

[melensdad]

For our school, in addition to need based scholarships, the parish contribute 18% of the school operating funds. school families are expected to attend mass and support the parish [those who have reall financial hardships can meet with the parish priest and the principal to explain their finacial situation]. And the expected shool family parish weekly support is not oppressive at $10/week or $520/year. In fact this is less than half of the per student tuition support represented by the 18% parish support.

My parish has a similar requirement, you are expected to give at least $500 in annual donations to be considered a parish member if you want to qualify for “in parish” tuition rates.

My daughter goes to school in a different parish because our parish school does not have “middle school” grades. The school she attends requires parishioners to attend mass weekly and make donations. I honestly don’t know what they require at that parish for donations, but I do know that if you don’t show up for mass TWICE then they will call you. Parents MUST sign a contract that states that they will attend mass with the children. I know of instances where people have sent in donation envelopes with other parishoners and got caught by the priest . . . and got read the riot act by him. He’s a good priest, but very strict. We are one of the few “out of parish” families who send their child to that school, it is 2 towns and many miles away, but its a great school and worth the effort to get our child in there.

However, it is a sad fact that so many parishes have to be so strict about watching the members because people really are pretty cheap about donating. Others try to take advantage of the schools and don’t support it.

I don’t believe in any set % for donation, but I do believe we are obligated to support the various ministries in some way. If you have money that is fine, donate it, but sometimes the ministries need YOUR TIME more than your checkbook. Being involved, in some little way, or some big way, is just as important.

 

[YADA]

I agree that time, talent and treasure are required. read my post # 12], I discuss the various requirements on Jews in caring for those less fortunate, it was not just 10%. I also discussed that we are not required to give a certain amount %]. I also discussed why that freedom to give from our hearts does not give a pass to give an amount [of either time or treasure] that is solely from our excess or abundance.

And it is sad that the church exists on such poor stewardship by us [who actually constitute the church]. I am amazed at how our Lord uses our minimal contributions to accomplish so much good in the world! Just think what Jesus could do if we actively participated - giving freely of our time and talents, in proportion to the gifts we receive through the Grace of God?

 

[sprout]

I heard a good rule of thumb is to give one hour’s wages in the weekly collection. That would actually be more like 2.5% for someone who works a 40 hour week, but it’s a good starting point and easy to remember and certainly doesn’t break the bank.

 

[tptram]

I gave 15% of gross to my parents, 5% to my parish.

This is my reasonings:
I was given life/borned because of God and my parents.
What talents/education I have is because of God and my parents.
What I have/earned/become is because of God’s grace and my parents’ efforts.
Thus what I am is owed to God and my parents.

I want to give the “first fruits” to God and my parents.
10% each is a good guide line.

And since my parents can enjoy the extra funds now, it is reasonable to let them have the extra 5% for now. Thus 15% to them and 5% to my church.

YMMV

Tak

ps. I truly believe that Jesus demands 100% of me-- my mind, my heart, my strength, my life.