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Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory censes the altar during the Communion of Reparation Vigil Mass. Photo by Michael Alexander, The Georgia Bulletin |
FAQs About Money
Why does the Church care about my money?
- The Church cares about our lives; money is an important part of our lives.
- Jesus Christ talked about the subject of money and property in over half of His parables.
- The Church has a responsibility to teach what Jesus taught.
I’m generous. I just don’t give to the Church.
- We do support the Church when we help family members, friends and other efforts of ministry.
- The teachings of Christian stewardship should not place a burden of guilt or shame on people who are already generous.
- If our Catholic faith is important to us, it should be a priority when we do give.
When is it okay NOT to give to the Church?
- We are called to be models of generosity with what has been entrusted in our care, but it would not be the Lord’s will for people to lack in the necessities of life. However, we should distinguish the needs from the wants.
- We are called by God to properly steward what has been entrusted to us. The Church does not wish us to be mired in increasing debt.
I’m on a fixed income. I’m unable to give.
- A planned gift, or a gift left in a will, may be a more appropriate means of charitable giving for some.
- For donors over 65, the Church can even pay a high guaranteed annual income on your gift.
- Tax deductions make charitable gift annuities more affordable. Inquire at your parish.
I do give. I just can’t give very much.
- If we really cannot afford to give much, there is no need to feel ashamed if the amount of money we contribute seems like an insignificant amount.
- Christ tells us in the story of the widow’s mite that it’s not the amount we give, but the heart and soul of the decision we make.
- There are many times when our gift may appear small, but, like the widow’s mite, it is much larger in the eyes of God, because it is given with a sense of love and gratitude.
Christian stewardship teaches us to make prayerful decisions.
- If people are truly trying to walk with Christ, then all of His teachings – even the scriptures relating to money – should be important to them.
- We must put God first. God has generously provided for different people in different ways, and, in return, we are called to be financially generous, to give – not just when it’s convenient or from what’s left over after all our desires are met.
I want to steward my money in a Christian way. How do I do that?
- Everyone makes daily financial decisions that involve determining needs and wants. The church simply asks us to make these same adult decisions with our charitable giving.
- Never forget to give God the credit for all your abilities and resources.
- Take time to evaluate your priorities in all the relationships and resources that God has placed in your care. Pray for God’s help in making decisions on where your time, talents, and money can contribute most in your life and in your faith community.
- We must seriously evaluate our financial circumstances each year and determine our charitable giving, rather than simply toss money at needs or give without thinking.
- The Church, in following the teachings of Christ, invites people to invest in solutions to the problems we face in society. Each individual cannot support every good cause, but together we can make a positive difference in the world around us. By following Christ’s example, by carefully stewarding our gifts in life, we open our hearts to the possibilities. We open our lives to the grace of God.
Remember, Christ will never be outdone in generosity!