Making a statement during the collection

[kangnamdragon]

Sometimes when I visit a parish on vacation and I see something wrong, I don’t give money during the collection and write a note about why. For example, I visited a parish that had no crucifix, so I wrote a note why I did not give a donation and put it in the basket during the collection period.

What do you think of this?

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Sometimes when I visit a parish on vacation and I see something wrong, I don’t give money during the collection and write a note about why. For example, I visited a parish that had no crucifix, so I wrote a note why I did not give a donation and put it in the basket during the collection period.

What do you think of this?

I think that is one way of bringing these issues to their attention. Hopefully you still send your offering to your regular parish, even when out of town.

 

[kangnamdragon]

I think that is one way of bringing these issues to their attention. Hopefully you still send your offering to your regular parish, even when out of town.

Yes, or to EWTN.

 

[m134e5]

Sometimes when I visit a parish on vacation and I see something wrong, I don’t give money during the collection and write a note about why. For example, I visited a parish that had no crucifix, so I wrote a note why I did not give a donation and put it in the basket during the collection period.

What do you think of this?

There are times when it is appropriate to make a statement- during the offertory is NOT one of them. When you go to a place and your only interaction with them is your criticism, they are very unlikely to listen to you.

 

[puzzleannie]

Sometimes when I visit a parish on vacation and I see something wrong, I don’t give money during the collection and write a note about why. For example, I visited a parish that had no crucifix, so I wrote a note why I did not give a donation and put it in the basket during the collection period.

What do you think of this?

the counters will probably glance at it and toss it. If you have a comment for the pastor make an appointment to speak to him about the issue, or write him a brief letter asking your question, and sign it and give contact info.

 

[Seatuck]

I don’t think it is appropriate. Write a letter and send it to the Pastor.

 

[Lance]

Be extra generous and attach a note to you contribution saying something like, “Perhaps you could use this as a down payment on a Crucifix, or to purchase a GIRM, purchase proper Chalace, etc”

 

[jrabs]

Be extra generous and attach a note to you contribution saying something like, “Perhaps you could use this as a down payment on a Crucifix, or to purchase a GIRM, purchase proper Chalace, etc”

I am inclined to go with this approach as well.

 

[dulcissima]

Be extra generous and attach a note to you contribution saying something like, “Perhaps you could use this as a down payment on a Crucifix, or to purchase a GIRM, purchase proper Chalace, etc”

I think that this is a good suggestion. I know in restaurants, if you get really bad service and over tip, the next time you come in, you get great service. It kind of follows that old “You’ll catch more flies with honey…”

 

[1ke]

For example, I visited a parish that had no crucifix, so I wrote a note why I did not give a donation and put it in the basket during the collection period.

What do you think of this?

I think it’s rude.

I also think that your note is unlikely to reach the correct person-- the pastor. There are less passive-agressive ways to voice your concerns.

 

[MTD]

Sometimes when I visit a parish on vacation and I see something wrong, I don’t give money during the collection and write a note about why. For example, I visited a parish that had no crucifix, so I wrote a note why I did not give a donation and put it in the basket during the collection period.

What do you think of this?

Well, I agree that you should let the paster know your displeasure, but I’m inclined to think a letter would be better. I’ll tell you why:

Because our parish is conservative, a lot of the parishioners are commuters, many of whom are families with young children. So the most convenient time for confessions is before the five Sunday Masses. However, a couple years ago a certain hardworking, holy priest was moved to another parish and wasn’t replaced. So not only did the poor pastor lose a priest, but he lost a hardworking, dedicated one. The pastor decided that the priests he had couldn’t keep up with all the Masses and confessions each Sunday, so he discontinued the Sunday confessions and increased the confession times on weekdays and Saturdays.

Needless to say, this caused quite a bit of grumbling among the parishioners. Recently, therefore, the pastor and the parish council came up with a solution: two confessors would be provided before the four most commonly attended Sunday Masses on the first Sunday of each month. This way commuting families would have access to regular confessions.

I thought it was a great idea. However, recently the pastor wrote in the bulletin that one Sunday’s collection had a one-dollar bill on which was written something to the effect of: Fr. [Name], This is all you will get from me and my family until we can go to confession every Sunday. Needless to say, that really hurt the pastor, and he made a comment that it was a cowardly way to make a point and that any parishioner was welcome to talk to him in person and discuss these kinds of problems.

So my point is that it may be taken as an uncharitable way of discussing a real problem. A polite letter would probably be taken more seriously and kindly.

Maria

 

[m134e5]

So my point is that it may be taken as an uncharitable way of discussing a real problem. A polite letter would probably be taken more seriously and kindly.

Exactly

 

[otjm]

Sometimes when I visit a parish on vacation and I see something wrong, I don’t give money during the collection and write a note about why. For example, I visited a parish that had no crucifix, so I wrote a note why I did not give a donation and put it in the basket during the collection period.

What do you think of this?

While your first duty is to provide to your parish, and you would have no duty to provide to any other parish (or at least, not a duty to the same level), you might want to consider whether you put something in the collection because the pastor pleases you, or because ultimately you are giving - or withholding - from Christ.

 

[BobP123]

Be extra generous and attach a note to you contribution saying something like, “Perhaps you could use this as a down payment on a Crucifix, or to purchase a GIRM, purchase proper Chalace, etc”

So the highest contributor gets his way, whether to have the Crucifix or not? Do you know how ridiculous this sounds? Almost as bad as selling indulgences to the highest bidder.

There is no rule saying you MUST contribute to the Mass you are attending, only contributing to the support of the Church. Send a check to some decent Catholic foreign charity.

 

[Lance]

So the highest contributor gets his way, whether to have the Crucifix or not? Do you know how ridiculous this sounds? Almost as bad as selling indulgences to the highest bidder.

There is no rule saying you MUST contribute to the Mass you are attending, only contributing to the support of the Church. Send a check to some decent Catholic foreign charity.

I know how ridiculous your reply sounds. If you don’t like the suggestion don’t follow it. Who said anything about bidding or selling. I simply said a note attached to a generous contribution suggesting changes could get the attention of the church and perhaps change things. The pope and bishops are who says what is or is not proper in church and at mass, not the congration. It is Lent so I will withhold any further comment on your reply.