Catholics! How much do you put in the offeratory envelope?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here.

One reason I've been hesitant to put in more is because I've always been unclear where the money goes and how much money individual parishes receive from a centralized authority (the diocese, or Rome).

I feel like there's not a lot of financial transparency and I'm uncomfortable with throwing money at a charity without more information.

Thanks to all who responded. It's been enlightening.

Why not call the office and ask? Plus, our bulletin includes a quarterly break down of expenses and collections each year. Nothing secretive.

[Anonymous]

Every church I've been to has a TON of financial transparency. Every year they do a state of the church where they explain the financial needs and budget. It's all reviewed and approved by a parish council. Most churchs also publish their weekly collections information and attendance in the bulletin. If you go to church on a regular basis, or read the bulletin, I'm very surprised you haven't noticed this.
If your parish is above average wealthy, they likely receive nothing from the diocese. The diocese taxes the church based on income, and then uses that money to support diocesan projects such as Catholic school scholarship, training and education of priests (the two biggest cost items), Catholic charities, etc.
FWIW, a parish's biggest line items are usually the mortgage, utilities, property maintenance like snow removal and tree trimming, and capital improvement projects (saving for the roof replacement, new piano, etc); followed by board for the priests (room is usually included in the mortgage, etc.); then followed by parish projects like religious education, guest speakers, donut day, etc. (Those are usually low cost because there's a lot of volunteerism and donations that go into them.)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here.

One reason I've been hesitant to put in more is because I've always been unclear where the money goes and how much money individual parishes receive from a centralized authority (the diocese, or Rome).

I feel like there's not a lot of financial transparency and I'm uncomfortable with throwing money at a charity without more information.

Thanks to all who responded. It's been enlightening.

Why not call the office and ask? Plus, our bulletin includes a quarterly break down of expenses and collections each year. Nothing secretive.

My husband did that and got pages and pages of their records. Holy Moly those people are organized. It's not anywhere close to being a secret, I assume they know we all don't want or need the 12 page annual report.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP - Do you contribute other ways? Volunteer to teach CCD or VBS? Donate to the weekly food collections or diaper drives?

Also, read the parable about the poor woman who gave a coin verse the rich man who gave "more" money.

And finally, why do you care what others give or don't give? It's personal.

Because I'm nosy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Am wondering how far out of the norm I am to just stick $10 per week in the envelope.

For reference: HHI is 150K.

This is what we do for an example. We give 5% divided into a year of Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation and stick that check in an envelope weekly. We then take the other 5% and divide it and give it yearly to two catholic charities.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do you have kids who you'd like to receive the sacraments there eventually? God forbid there were a tragedy, would you want a loved one's funeral there? If so, I would up your contributions.

Just completely ignore this poster. Sacraments aren't in any way shape or form a response to contributions. Plenty of people put cash in the basket without any envelopes. I give very little to my parish - most of my financial contribution goes to Catholic Relief Services. And my kids have been baptized and received communion with welcoming open arms. If you have a parish school, there are certainly places where "participating members" receive priority school admission, and participation is measured - among other ways - but envelope contributions. But the amount of the contribution isn't what counts there either.

OP, is that $20 something that feels right to you? Does it stack up appropriately to what you spend on yourself? Do you contribute financial to the good of the church and humanity in other ways? Catholics aren't into tithing - there's no official formula for how much you "should" contribute.

[Anonymous]

At our parish we are encouraged to give generously of our Time, Talent and Treasure.

[Anonymous]

None. I put cash in the basket when i am there, like my parents did.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:None. I put cash in the basket when i am there, like my parents did.

Same here and I give very little in relation to my income. But I do give generously to various charities.

[Anonymous]

Our HHI is about $300 and we give $25/week. Plus more for church maintenance, holidays, etc. We send our children to Catholic school (not connected to our parish) so we also pay tuition and give to the school above and beyond tuition. And we give to the bishop's appeal. I also volunteer my time at the church.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Whoa! Lifelong Catholic - I have never put more than $5 in the envelope. 250k HHI. My family gave the same growing up. My sister is a nun and after seeing how the church treats them I would never give more until the situation changes.

Same here!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Am wondering how far out of the norm I am to just stick $10 per week in the envelope.

For reference: HHI is 150K.

That's low for your in income.

That's insanely low for that income. We make about that much and we put in $!00 per week or $500 per month.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Am wondering how far out of the norm I am to just stick $10 per week in the envelope.

For reference: HHI is 150K.

That's low for your in income.

That's insanely low for that income. We make about that much and we put in $!00 per week or $500 per month.

That's college savings.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Am wondering how far out of the norm I am to just stick $10 per week in the envelope.

For reference: HHI is 150K.

That's low for your in income.

That's insanely low for that income. We make about that much and we put in $!00 per week or $500 per month.

That's college savings.

you could opt for a state school and give more to the church.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Am wondering how far out of the norm I am to just stick $10 per week in the envelope.

For reference: HHI is 150K.

That's low for your in income.

That's insanely low for that income. We make about that much and we put in $!00 per week or $500 per month.

That's college savings.

you could opt for a state school and give more to the church.

Or if you kid gets a scholarship, donate in kind to the church