Q.    What are some of the parish's expenses?

A.    Parish expenses include all parish ministry programs, plus year round upkeep and utilities for the church, parish center, and priest's home.  Also included are staff salaries and benefits and administrative and office expenses.  See a pie chart summary of parish expenditures.

Q.    Don't Catholics already give more than other religious groups in this country?

A.    According to most studies, Catholic households contributed on average less money to the Church and charities than all other religious groups in the United States.

Q.    How much should I give?

A.    The practice of tithing is mentioned 39 times in the Old Testament and 11 times in the New Testament.  A suggested way to tithe is:  4% of gross income to one's parish, 1% to the Diocesan Catholic Ministries Appeal (CMA) and 5% to all other charities.

Q.    I'm on a fixed income and I can't afford to give.

A.    For some people a planned gift or a gift left in a will may be a more appropriate way to donate financially to your parish.

Q.    I do give, but I can't give very much.  Is that okay?

A.    What is important is that your gift is planned and proportionate to your income.  Jesus told us that the contribution by the poor widow was greater than anything he had seen that day, because it was given with generosity and love.

Q.    I've heard that the parish tithes 12% of its income.  Does that mean that 12% of ordinary collection money is donated to other charities?

A.    No.  The parish does not tithe its Sunday offerings. Rather, the parish commits to the poor and needy at least 12% of all revenue it solicits.  Such charities include most second collections, as well as support of our sister parish in the Dominican Republic.

Q.    Why doesn't the parish budget show an allocation for the Diocese of Rochester?

A.    The parish does not pay any "tax" to the diocese.  Each parish in the diocese is asked to contribute a certain amount to the diocese annually based on its number of registered households. If the parish does not reach its goal, the shortfall must come from the parish's operating budget or savings. One-half of any dollar amount over the goal is returned to the parish for its use.

Q.    How does the diocese spend my contributions?

A.    The way the diocese spends CMA funds can be found here.

Q.    Doesn't the Church talk about money too much?

A.    In fact, it is often difficult for pastors/pastoral administrators to discuss this subject, but they do so because it is part of our Catholic faith. No one should be embarrassed to encourage the virtue of generosity.  In the New Testament, there are 31 instances where Jesus talks about how we use our money and possessions.

Q.    Can I give electronically?

A.    Yes. Electronic giving is easy and ensures the parish a steady flow of income.

Q.    How can I give electronically?

A.    Simply fill out an enrollment form and either give it to the parish secretary or place it in the offering basket.

Q.    I have a question that isn't answered here.  Where can I get more information?

A.    Email your question to istcathe@dor.org.