Why Did We Go There?

Last week a basket showed up on the table in our Narthex that contained “I give on-line” slips. You may ask why I am blogging about this or how this relates to my Spiritual Journey which is what this blog is supposed to be about. It was my initial reaction and then reflection after which has caused me to write about it.

My initial reaction was one of total disappointment. I thought we were better than that. Why do we feel we need these? In that particular moment, I wanted to just pick them up and chuck them. Instead, I went to the Chapel and prayed about it. I asked God to help me understand why our Pastor would have gone along with it and why such a good Parish would want them.

The first question’s answer came rather quickly. He may or may not agree with using them from a philosophical or theological aspect , I may never know, but from a fiscal responsibility aspect, a Pastor needs to provide whatever will increase tithing and save money. It is my understanding that it is a large savings when parishioners give on-line versus in the basket. If this encourages people to switch, then it is necessary.

But why would this Parish want it? In both good and bad ways, I always felt our parishioners did not really care about what others thought of them. They pretty much go about their lives without worrying about who’s watching.

Again, this can be a good thing or a bad thing. It is a bad thing when this attitude causes them to not recognize they are being looked to as role models by the young and/or new Catholics, and/or poorly catechized Catholics (the disruptive talking before,during, after Mass or in the Communion line, being late to Mass, having a dismissive attitude, not genuflecting or showing proper reverence even during Mass, etc.)

But in so many ways, it can be a good thing. That attitude actually causes a greater sense of belonging or welcoming at times. If you are not concerned with who is watching you, then maybe you are not watching me LOL. A perfect example is the fact that I veil. I have never felt “judged” or excluded because I veil. Until someone asked me why I do, I never even felt like people noticed (as opposed to other parishes where I felt I was a distraction because people were looking at me so intensely).

So why would this parish now be self-conscience about others knowing that they tithe outside the collection basket? As I said above about not knowing how Father really feels about it, I may never know, but I did reflect on the dynamics of our Parish and some of the changes that have occurred and future goals and came up with some possible reasons

.It may not be that anyone asked for them for themselves, but rather an analysis about human nature. Here are the top 5 reasons that were laid on my heart.

1. By having these slips in the basket, it might encourage more participation in on-line giving and/or serve as a reminder that it is an option.
2. I have noticed that people have a tendency to give more when they see how much is in the basket already. Why? I don’t know, but I have witnessed the trend (especially on Holy Days or 2nd collections). It may be the competitive nature, guilt, or simply an encouragement especially if they had not planned on contributing. Plus, if they are a visitor or new parishioner, they may take that as an indication of how supportive the parish is of the Church and want to be a part of it.
3. Whether people care if someone is watching them or not, let’s face it, people do. Maybe they are starting to recognize this and are wanting to ensure they demonstrate the need to support the Church and show that they are doing so.
4. Whether you care if someone is judging you or not, there is that momentary angst when you catch someone’s eye as you pass the basket and have not placed anything in it. This may even be a God thing that He is saying, I do not want that distraction even for a second. I want the focus to be about Me, not you, or what others may think about you. Plus, it takes away the sin of those who otherwise may have judged you – win/win in a sad way on both of us.
5. We are growing! That is a good thing. Father’s main goal is evangelization and a huge part of that is making people feel comfortable and welcomed. Anything that takes away from making someone feel uncomfortable cannot be all bad.
6. So considering all of this, I am still not sure whether or not I will ever use them. Yes, I give on-line. No, I have not agreed to use them in the past. BUT, I may have to consider it if #s 1,2 and 4 are legitimate and I would actually be more supportive of the efforts of the Church by using them. Looks like there is even more prayers on this in my future. 🙂

A FB friend added this to my contemplation:

There are a lot of symbolic things that we do at Mass that are actually rather important. The collection is a sign of the gifts that we are presenting to God. For that reason, the simple act of putting an offering in the basket is an important one, even if that is a slip of paper saying that your done online. I fear the day will come when most giving will be done online and then this connection between our financial tithe and the bread and wine presented and offered to God will be broken without these papers.