How Much to Give

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I was curious what guidelines are given for generosity, with respect to someone who is well-off financially? We have been blessed over the past few years, and are wondering what to make of the issue. I see Jesus’ response to the rich young ruler being the directive to sell all of his possessions and give to the poor - if that’s too extreme, what would a good guideline be? Would the standard 10% be sufficient if someone was incredibly wealthy?
 
I think St. Paul answers in II Corinthians 9:6-8… give what you’ve discerned in your heart is right, cheerfully. Don’t do it out of obligation alone or if it’s overly burdensome to you.

The idea is that we all follow the same guidelines, regardless of the size of our bank accounts. “Wealthy” might mean carrying substantial assets, but you may also have substantial liabilities and obligations. Others have very little in terms of money but may not owe payments on anything or have a particular need to save every penny for themselves, so they can give without anxiety.

In the Gospels, the story of the Widow’s Mite tells us we should sacrifice in our giving, but again, not to the point of not being able to pay the bills and feed the family.

You’ll have to figure out what’s right for you by giving it some good quality prayer time.
 
I’d start with the 10% and pray for guidance on the rest. My family is far from well off, we tithe 10% of my husband’s net pay to the Church. My daughter and I put 10% of her SSI and my PA check aside and when we have enough, we buy bullet proof vests for K9 units locally. One year, we had some extra money due to my husband working overtime and situations came up where we were able help some people here and there. Pray about it. God will let you know where He wants you to spend that extra money. He will whisper it into your heart. And God bless you for caring enough to want to help others. (I would make a joke here and say that you could send some to me but that would be tacky 🙂 )
 
We are to give of our time, talents, and treasures. While we must support our local parish, giving to other good organizations is part of our giving. There is really no set amount, give what you can, then give a little more. Time and talents are often needed too.
 
To whom much is given…

Isn’t the standard 5% to your parish, 5% to the charity of your choice?
 
Giving is very personal. Many follow the 5% to the parish and 5% to other charities. Regular giving helps a parish plan with a budget. Being able to give more can help when special needs arrive. This year most parishes are suffering from lower collections. I’ve stepped up to significantly increase my monthly contributions and I know others have too. Plus a special gift to our parish and the school. Food banks and other community organizations are also hurting. Many step up to use their talents where they can. Remember you need to care for your family and want to continue supporting your parish each year, so develop a plan for giving each year. If a particular year is good or bad for you, you can adjust any special giving up or down.
 
A couple of years ago I set up online giving. Each month the same amount is taken out of my account. I was getting tired of forgetting the envelops or checks and just not making sure I was giving the amount I felt I needed to. So I did the online thing and it works perfectly. I also have another charity I support in the same way, automatic withdrawal.
 
For a while I was giving $5-10 to the basket and the same amount to the SVdP box every week. Plus additional amounts at holiday times. However I’ve stopped all charity at this time.
 
On another thread I am writing that people leave the church as a result of constant demands for money.

To this I would add: There is virtually no limit to how much food I will give to my parish’s food pantry. It’s limited by my own budget and how much I can carry - that’s all. The need right now for food nationwide is just so, so great. I even play a little game when I food shop - I try to see how far I can stretch like $10 or $20 for the food pantry - and when I’m done I aways buy something a kid would like (spaghetti-os?), under the theory that being a hungry kid is really awful and I can’t help all of them but I will help somebody.
 
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I was visiting at another parish last week and they had a really great idea (I think). All were encouraged to bring a certain item. Instant mashed potatoes. I would guess another week would be a different item. Then the food pantry can make sure they are getting what they want, and it makes it easy and not overwhelming for the person who wants to help out even in just a small way.
 
Our parish will be starting a targeted special collection with letters being sent out asking families to give a specific amount based on their giving history. This is to help recover from the operating shortfall we have due to COVID-19. Some of us have already stepped up our giving to help. Now they’ll be asking for more because we already gave more. I’ll count to ten now and smile. Must remember how blessed we are. Must remember how blessed we are…
 
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