If I become homeless (who owns Church property?)

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yawnernonner

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I may get kicked out of my house in May (I am a college student who does not live on campus). My plan is to acquire a local job within walking distance of my parish before that happens. What I want to do is work until I have enough money for an old van so I won’t be homeless (and then keep working, of course!). My meantime plan is to acquire approval of the property owner to live in a tent behind the church. I plan on showering at a walking-distance gym and seeking the charity of a parishioner to take care of laundry (I will pay them). However, who owns a church? I’m not even a catechumen, so I don’t know that much. I won’t just squat on a property that I don’t have the approval to live on.

I currently have no van, and if I must, I will park the van (if I get one) in front of the local Wal-Mart (they permit this).
 
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The Bishop or Archbishop has the deed to all the churches.
You can ask the Pastor if you can park the van at the church.
People in our parish often do this when on vacation.
 
I don’t have a van yet. I need a place for my tent.
 
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NO, the Bishop has the deed.
The pasotr nor the parishioners own the church.
 
Agree the Pastor will most likely not permit a tent on the grounds.
 
Interesting question about whether something like that would be allowed. In my area there is a program to provide parking spaces for people who live in cars and RVs. It’s pretty regulated about who takes part, where they are allowed to park, etc. I think most of the parking is at churches and non-profit organizations and there are limits on how many people are allowed. The OP might want to check with local social services organizations to see what options are available.
 
That is wrong… All property belonging to the diocese is in the name of the Bishop.
 
Tent on church grounds? Very unlikely to happen? A van or something in the parking lot might be acceptable.

Being stuck without a house is something to definitely avoid if you can. Work hard to avoid that.
 
Insurance liability alone would not allow camping on parish grounds.
 
Speak with your parish priest, who will then refer to the bishop. No Catholic, indeed, no human ought to remain homeless when he knows the Church is there. Pray, and the Lord will provide. He will calm your anxiety. Call your priest up and explain what’s going on. Praying for you!
 
Not sure where you are, but if you were in the San Francisco area, you might want to check out St. Boniface…a wonderful Franciscan answer to the dilemma of homelessness…more parishes should take a lesson from these dear Franciscan brothers!

More important, I will include you in my prayers.
 
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