A Question Worth Asking; a Conversation Worth Having

08-02-2015Weekly ReflectionFr. Brian Jazdzewski

Bulletin articles around the nation continue to be published about current topics like religious liberty, Pope Francis’ upcoming visit to our nation, youth summer activities, same-sex marriage and the like.

Here, however, I’m taking a very different approach and writing about money. The national and world economy (Greece) have little to do with my inspiration, I’m just thinking I’d consider inviting you to have a conversation with some of the elder Catholics among us and having a conversation with yourself regarding your charitable support. Its worth mentioning that there was an envelope in your packet inviting support for The Catholic Times, we added envelopes for Energy Assistance for our facilities, we are in the midst of a matching grant program for Tuition Assistance for our Catholic School, the Diocesan Annual Appeal is coming soon, and each of our parishes now has major fundraisers in the annual calendar. And, unfortunately, money does influence our future.

So, the topic for elder Catholics is typically called PEW RENT, or something along that line depending on regional titles. During those years, envelopes were usually not a weekly offering. Rather, envelopes were used infrequently. The Offertory collection was taken regularly, for the offerings from the faithful in addition to pew rent. So, some history which elder Catholics can validate, modify, or exaggerate: Primary support for the local parish came from pew rent. Parish members would pay an annual rent on a numbered pew for a specific weekend mass time. That is why some older churches maintain numbers at the end of each pew. And, in some places, like Hansen Hall at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, there is a church floor plan with numbers and names of parish members on the pew which they rented. Collection for the pew rent envelopes was usually in a locked box near the back of the church (these remain at the Church of Saint Lawrence). Members would attend mass and drop their pew rent into those boxes. Obviously, members would sit in the pew they rented for a particular mass time each weekend. During these years, an Offertory collection was typically taken. Ushers would move about the church and attendees would only place change or cash into the basket. Envelopes were only used for pew rent. As the practice of pew rent was discontinued, we observe how the Offertory practice remains. The difference is people place envelopes and cash into the basket.

In the present practices, parish membership has something to do with receiving, and hopefully using, envelopes on a regular basis. For many, the parish giving records are used for tax purposes; we hope our financial giving is based upon more than tax advantages. Again, a little history here: In some places there was a practice of publicly listing parish members and their annual contribution, or lack thereof. Perhaps the listing was a remnant of pew rent days, I’m not sure. Anyway, over time, people became sensitive of making public their church offerings, so the practice of public listing, for better or worse, has gone away.

Now, whether we speak about pew rent days or prior, whether we speak about present practices or future, we continue to be considerate of the generational practices of tithing. Historically speaking, and still true today, our God, and in turn our Church, invites us to do the minimum financial tithe of 10% of our income. Many of us would like to think that is ideal, remember, that is the minimum standard, not the maximum. Pastorally, I’d like to think your church would get 10% and other financial generosity would be above and beyond that. And yet, if you are on a continuum of deepening generosity, 10% tithe for your total financial offerings to charitable organizations is a good base line to build from. As an aside, there are some non-Catholic churches who, when registering members, ask to see tax forms. Then, to become a member, the church defines the annual giving for that particular member. Ask around, you’ll find that practice to be true in some circumstances.

In conclusion, very little we do is in isolation, nor are our practices without history. Conversations like these are worth having with others and with ourselves. Money matters are sensitive. People speak more openly about their health concerns than they do about their household finances…hmmm? The bottom line is that money helps us survive as people and as church. I’ve chosen to take a softer approach about parish finances and take a harder approach in matters of doctrine, devotions, fellowship and prayer. After all, our God is concerned more about our soul than the cash in our hands. On the other hand, our God knows that generosity begins at home, and where our treasure is; there will our hearts be. You wouldn’t have what you have if it weren’t for God’s favors in your life. Continue to seek a balance in all things and enjoy the ongoing conversation with yourself and our elder Catholics.

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