Where does my donation go?

[Guest Michael]

Hello all,
I have a few questions regarding the collection at Mass. As do many, I feel that it is required of me to give back 10% of my income to the church/God. (I am a college student and a waiter so it's not too substantial- but my income can be as much as $200 a week). I was raised in a Protestant church (Methodist) - in that custom we would say our money is going to God in that the money will be used to do his will. The idea is that we are sacrificing 10% of what God has blessed us with as an act of faith and as a requirement by God. So- Question #1: is this belief I have inherited from protestantism in accordance with the teachings of the Catholic Church? Question #2: Where does the money given at collection go, how is it used? I assume it supports the clergy, church maintainence, etc... However, I would like to beileve my dollar is being used to help the plight of the poor, the hungry, the infirmed, and any others who are in need. For does Christ not call upon his people to serve the poor? So my question is what % of the money collected goes to aiding those in need? Is the collection used to help the poor or is it merely used to pay (and needfully so) the clergy? If the money is not used to ease the suffering of the poor I would be inclined to continue my tithing but look to an organization- such as Catholic charities to give part of the tithe to (at the same time continue to give during the collection in support of the priests). Also, many of my Protestant friends criticize what they believe to be the excessive wealth of Bishops, Cardinals, etc... I do not beleive that the Church would propogate excess in its ranks ( however, I recognize that the clergy do indeed need adequate compansation). Question#3: So what would be an accurate description of the private financial holdings of bishops and cardinals? Thank you for your answers.

[phatcatholic]

[quote name='Michael' date='Oct 3 2005, 06:31 PM']So- Question #1: is this belief I have inherited from protestantism in accordance with the teachings of the Catholic Church?[/quote]
yes.


[quote]Question #2: Where does the money given at collection go, how is it used?[/quote]
well, different churches appropriate funds in different ways. so, the best thing to do is to ask your pastor. i do know that besdies supporting the clergy and church maintanence, money also goes to support different parish services (RCIA, bible study groups, support groups, etc) and even the local catholic school, if the parish is attached to a school. i am sure that some portion goes towards social services as well, like help for the poor and pro-life causes.


[quote] Question#3: So what would be an accurate description of the private financial holdings of bishops and cardinals? Thank you for your answers.[right][snapback]744995[/snapback][/right][/quote]
some people think that bishops and cardinals are extremely wealthy b/c of the vestments they wear. but these don't--and they aren't meant to--reflect the monetary wealth of the bishop. instead, they reflect the dignity of his vocation and the enormity of what is taking place during the mass. this question is basically the same as the general beef that people have w/ what they assume is a "wealthy church." here are some articles that will help:

[b]--[url="http://davidmacd.com/catholic/isn_church_rich.htm"]Isn't the Church Rich?[/url]
--[url="http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Acropolis/5743/answers2.html"]Questions on Policies and Practices[/url]
--[url="http://www.catholicapologetics.net/WORLDLINESS.htm"]Responding to the "Wealth" and "Worldliness" of the Catholic Church[/url]
--[url="http://www.cuf.org/Faithfacts/details_view.asp?ffID=242"]Vatican Wealth[/url][/b]

i hope that helps

pax christi,
phatcatholic