Giving to the church or Parrish

[billcu1]

I am not sure if this is the right place to post or not. I do not have much money. As I understand it you are to give of your time, talents, and money. But I got online to give $1 to my Parrish and they only took donations of $5 and above. So I figured they didn’t need my donation and that’s good. Maybe they’re doing well enough that they don’t need my monetary support and I can be free for other charities. Now are you giving to God when you support a feral cat program I support. And there’s a place that helps homeless, people who can’t afford glasses and so on? That’s giving to God isn’t it ? I can give of time and talents and money to other worth while things. I am particular to who I give. I used to buy girl scout cookies til I found out they supported planned parenthood. I can of course give food. Is this good enough ?

 

[Elizabeth3]

Does your parish have a collection during Mass? Can you drop $1 in there? I imagine there might be some kind of fee the parish has to pay for the ability to take donations online and that is why they have a $5 minimum. Also, can you pay the $5 and let that cover your donation for 5 weeks?

 

[1ke]

But I got online to give $1 to my Parrish and they only took donations of $5 and above.

It costs the parish money to conduct electronic transactions, and their service may have a minimum dollar requirement.

So I figured they didn’t need my donation and that’s good

Two things: 1) the parish likely DOES need your contributions and 2) we are called to give whether we perceive a “need” or not.

Now are you giving to God when you support a feral cat program I support.

No. You aren’t.

And there’s a place that helps homeless, people who can’t afford glasses and so on? That’s giving to God isn’t it ?

No. That’s giving to worthy charities, but it is not supporting the Church, which you are called to do by precept.

I can give of time and talents and money to other worth while things

However, you are called to first give to your parish. Online giving is not the only method of giving. You can give in the plate, you can mail or drop a contribution off at the parish office.

Is this good enough ?

You are called first to support the Church. Then other charities, etc. You do not seem to be making a lot of effort where the parish is concerned. It’s something to think about, pray about, and talk to your pastor about.

 

[TheLittleLady]

Drop your dollar in the basket next Sunday.

Online payment companies charge a minimum fee.

 

[Xanthippe_Voorhees]

I am not sure if this is the right place to post or not. I do not have much money. As I understand it you are to give of your time, talents, and money. But I got online to give $1 to my Parrish and they only took donations of $5 and above.

Monetary transactions must be hosted on an https site which is far from free and easy. Not only might the church be charged for each donation but the company running the site itself might have rules against donations under $5 to comply with federal regulations that prevent money laundering. I don’t remember everything but because of those laws we could not issue or refill gift cards with less than $5 at a time.

 

[billcu1]

I see. Well the things is Sundays the buses don’t run. I can’t always get to Mass on Sunday or even the vigil. The take up collection on Sunday yes. I guess I can drop by the Parrish office and give a donation. Is it money and talents and time ? I can surely give food. But I need to give cash too then right ?

 

[Elizabeth3]

You could just put your weekly $1 in an envelope and every now and then take what’s saved up to your parish when you can get there.

 

[JanetF]

Does not have to be $ at all, if you have an abundance of time/talent then give in that way. As an example several years ago when I lost my job, I had to cut back on all charitable contributions, BUT I was able to volunteer more at the parish food pantry and in other ways. Once I was employed again, I re-started the monetary contributions.

 

[FaithfulKnight]

As I understand it you are to give of your time, talents, and money.

But not necessarily in equal proportions. Your time and talent may certainly exceed your ability to give money.
You will still be contributing to the benefit of the Church.