How much to give at collections.

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Hi all,

A Protestant friend of mine came to Mass wtih me a few times and asked why I don't give 10% of what I earn for the first collection. She was always used to giving her tithes. My family never has given 10% and I never see anybody really give that much at all. I know it is written to give 10% and I thought I recalled hearing it during one of the daily masses this past week.

Are we supposed to give 10% as written or is there another rule?

Thanks! Mark

-- Mark Wishneusky (IamWishing@aol.com), October 12, 2003

Answers

Don't know, but it's a good idea anyway. We spend our money on such garbage sometimes... why shouldn't we follow our duty to support our local churches? I'm living in Belgium, and let me tell you, the Catholic Church in American is totally dependent on donations in a way the churches here aren't.

Just goes to show that we can learn a few things from those Protestants. Sometimes. :)

-- Skoobouy (skoobouy@hotmail.com), October 12, 2003.


I was taught to tithe 10%, 5% to the church, 5% to other charities. Other folks probably have different plans. Of course when my wife and I were newly married and were in school, we gave what we could, and that wasn't much.

Frank

-- Someone (ChimingIn@twocents.cam), October 12, 2003.


One of my friends said that at his Catholic parish, they were asked to give one hour's wages.

It is hard to know what to give to and how much to give, because there are many worthwhile charities to give to as well as the Church, and because people of good conscience also can have conflicts with even what the Church asks for. Some parishes have second collections EVERY week, for the building fund, the school fund, CCD fund, etc. Unless a parish is having 10 Masses a weekend, you will never convince me they need a bigger church building, for instance. Not to mention every other fundraiser or raffle or bazaar, or rummage sale that comes down the pike.

-- GT (nospam@nospam.com), October 12, 2003.


I'm prepare to help people , no problem at all , so if I wanna give some money , I'll give it personal , to the person who really deserves it , so I know it's spent very well ,'cause some money- collections , I really don't trust !! __ Collections of old clothes , no problem , I'll give them right away !!!! __ Here in Belgium , every 25€ you spend to official collections/charities , like 11 11 11 (with proof) are tax-free , (I'll hope I used the right expression) !!

Skoobouy , the church here , they really get NOTHING from me personal , I'm not (even) a member !! __ Here , the church gets their subvention (or is it subsidy ??) (from "the gouverment") , based on the Belgian population !!

To Someone:

Of course when my wife and I were newly married and were in school, we gave what we could, and that wasn't much.

yes , you're right , if you do wanna give , it's like you said !! How was that story ?? __ The rich guy who spend 1000$ & the poor woman who spend her last 2 cents (I know , a bible quote) (No , I'm NOT COMING BACK !!)

Salut & Cheers from a NON BELIEVER:

-- Laurent LUG (.@...), October 12, 2003.


Mark, one of the most amazing, freeing, and spiritually beneficial things I have EVER done in my "born-again" Catholic walk (of 4 1/2 years) is to being managing money God's way. I would encourage you to do a search on "stewardship" "tithing" "sacrficial giving" etc...a great site is Crown Financial Ministries. When you study, pray & work to understand stewardship, you are blessed with the understanding that EVERYTHING belongs to God, and He simply asks you to use it well. There are many scriptural references on tithing, giving, etc. I love the one in Malachi 2:10 where God basically "dares" you to try & outgive Him...one contractor who had gotten into giving said how he keeps giving to God but God gives back even more because He has a bigger shovel!

I had been tithing on my income, but this spring began to work up to 10% of our total household income, plus working to save another 10% for a contingency/rainy day fund. God has blessed us immensely...we are getting debts paid off, paying cash for things like a new kitchen floor and a new vaccum cleaner, recieved an inheritance more than we thought we were going to recieve, grace & blessings in our marriage, etc. plus are feeling free from the stress of keeping up with the Jones and worrying about "stuff"!

I would wholeheartedly encourage you to start working up to giving away 10% of your gross income as a first step toward being a good steward of the gifts & blessings the Lord has given you. I promise you, this will set you free from materialism, help you work your way to a debt-free lifestyle, "force" you to live below your means, and bless you in amazing ways! Author Mary Hunt, "Debt Proof Living" has a great website on this & more. Go for it!

God bless your day - Cindy Brown

-- Cindy Brown (cindybrown@gorge.net), October 13, 2003.



Just give. You don't have to think about it before, during, or after reaching into your wallet and pulling out anything green with numbers and presidents' faces on it. Just give as a regular habit.

rod...

...



-- rod (elreyrod@yahoo.com), October 13, 2003.


OFF TOPIC:

@ Skoobouy , do you speak Dutch or French or German ??

BACK TOPIC:

-- Laurent LUG (.@...), October 15, 2003.


Skoobouy , you've got mail !!

Salut & Cheers from a NON BELIEVER:

-- Laurent LUG (.@...), October 17, 2003.


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