We've fallen on some hard times recently... My father died, I was in a car accident, and before my dad died my mom and him got divorced... so we are living on just my mom's income and still trying to pay all of my medical bills. We got a letter from our parish saying that since we havenot been giving any money in our collection envelopes that we would no longer be considered parishoners... therefore I no longer cannot assist with the retreat team, bingo, and we cannot go to the parish picnic. Is it just me or is this absolutely absurd? I know that the Catholic church is money hungry but this seems a bit far...
2007-06-14 02:26:02 · 22 answers · asked by jessicamichelle 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
what i find to be the most baffling is that we can go to church... we aren't banned from church. Im just not allowed to VOLUMTEER my time to help out at bingo and the retreat team...i always thought that volunteering my time and thoughts would sort of make up for me not placing money in the envelope... and we don't get the newsletters anymore etc... And what i'm most upset about is that I cannot serve on the Catholic board of scouting... (another volunteer position) I loved helping scouts out with their religious awards... and considering i was the only one under 20 on the board i was really the only one the scouts could relate too.
2007-06-14 02:37:17 · update #1
That's one of the reasons I no longer consider myself Catholic........... you think they'd practice what they preach........that's why I am no longer into religion per se - I believe in spirituality, not religion. Religion is exclusive - spirituality is inclusive.
I'd find a new church. One without conditions. Even though the church claims God's love is unconditional, theirs isn't. The hypocrisy is sad.
It really is - because they can't even see it for themselves!
2007-06-14 02:39:20 · answer #1 · answered by Freedspirit 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This should tell you much about the Catholic Church and it's policies.
Jesus never collected money from people who heard Him, and the only things He owned were the clothes on His back, and even those were taken from Him at the cross.
NO church should be keeping track of who gives offerings and who do not. In light of this, they would probably cast out the widow in the New Testament who gave only two pennies (leptons) which was all she had to live on.
The best church I attended had an offering box at the back of the church, where people put their offerings. That way no one would be embarrassed by having a basket put in front of them and not having anything to put into it.
If they have cast you out as parishioners because of this, it may be that God is calling you out of that greedy, abominable church so that you can seek a true church in which all are welcomed.
Adding this to the "other problems" within the Roman Catholic Church, do you need further motivation to leave? Seek out a Protestant church, asking God to guide you to one which is after His own heart, a church which seeks the welfare of the congregation, not their own wealth.
2007-06-14 02:42:26 · answer #2 · answered by Foxfire 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It shows how far we have departed from the way in which the Church operated two thousand years ago. One would expect this church to be helping you now that you have fallen on hard times. In our church when the collection is taken the gifts are blessed and an extra blessing is asked for those who had nothing to give. If all they care about is your money, then perhaps you should be looking for another church where you would be valued and loved for the people you are. You are clearly a person with a lot to offer. Please offer it elsewhere, where it will be appreciated. God bless you and your mom.
2007-06-14 02:37:31 · answer #3 · answered by Doethineb 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Each individual is called to give to God's kingdom work here according to their own means and it is to be between them and God. When Paul wrote to the church in Corinth about giving this is what he had to say.
2 Corinthians 8:12 For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have. 13 I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened, but that as a matter of fairness 14 your abundance at the present time should supply their need, so that their abundance may supply your need, that there may be fairness.
Instead of sending you that letter where they have in effect taken God's place in judging you and your circumstances they should have come along side you to see if the abundance of others in the body of Christ could be used to help you out in your time of need just like Paul did between the church of Corinth and the people who were in need in Jerusalem.
2007-06-14 02:40:15 · answer #4 · answered by Martin S 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Before this happened to your family, how many other families do you think were ex-communicated for failure to tithe? Did you ever think why? This isn't just the Catholic church, it's most religions. God doesn't need the money, only the greedy do. Did your mother or yourself ask the church for help? Their response? If you are Christian hungry, just hang loose, another Church will grab you up when your finances get in better shape. God still loves you, good luck.
2007-06-14 02:35:34 · answer #5 · answered by floridagirl1261 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
That seems very heartless to me. Giving should be from the heart, like the widow Jesus spoke about who put in two small coins of very little value. Jesus said she gave more than anyone because everyone else gave out of their surplus, but she gave all she had. The Bible also says that if you receive free, give free. That is why I have been attending the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses lately. They never pass a collection plate. You can give in a small contribution box in the very back of the lobby if you want to, but you don't have to. It was very refreshing. I also learned that the Elders are unpaid volunteers.
2007-06-14 02:33:47 · answer #6 · answered by Mitch R 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Is the church, specifically the pastor, aware of your financial issues?
We have similar situations in our parish, and while a financial contribution is expected from everyone exceptions can and will be made for those people that are unable to give.
You should remember the widow's mite, however.
2007-06-14 02:36:39 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
WOW, ok that is definately unfair. First of all church is suppose to be a place of support, understanding, a place you can go to for help. This is completely absurd. Find another Catholic church who cares about you... not your money.
2007-06-14 02:31:53 · answer #8 · answered by Jessica L 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't go to a church that expected and demanded money from me. And my church doesn't at all. They go around with the baskets and put it in front of you if they think you have money in your hands ready to offer. If they don't see this, then they move along. A few times, I didn't have my money ready and had to wave the guy down to make him wait for me.
I'd find a new church.
2007-06-14 02:31:32 · answer #9 · answered by SDC 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I would call whoever is in charge of your area for the churches like a bishop. Show them the letter. This is unacceptable. They should be helping you.. Instead the church wants to give the priest Mercedes to drive while their parishioners are struggling to survive. Don't let them get away with it.
2007-06-14 02:38:42 · answer #10 · answered by je 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋