Perhaps you’ve heard of the “Seven Precepts of the Church.” Maybe it was the “Five Precepts” when you learned about it. These are the basic things a Catholic should do to stay in ‘Good Standing” with the Church. The reason for different numbers and lists is that the Catechism lists them in different places. In paragraph 2041, it lists five, but in other places it does include two more from the older, more traditional list. But that’s besides the point. The basic precepts are:
– To attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation, and resting from servile works.
– To observe the days of abstinence and fasting.
– To go to Confession at least once a year.
– To receive Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist at least once a year during Easter Season.
– To contribute to the support of the Church.
– To obey the Church’s laws on Matrimony.
– To participate in the Church’s mission of Evangelization of Souls.
It’s not about rules, but these serve as the starting point, the guide to answering the question “how do I act like a Catholic?” I’ve preached and written about most of these quite a bit, but now it is time to address everyone’s least favorite topic: money. It’s not about the bottom line, but, as Christ taught, where we put our money says something about what matters to us (Matt 6:21). Now, some church communities have a minimum number or percentage. The Catholic Church does not. We do not check tax returns or kick people out over money. 10% of your income is the number given in the Old Testament—and it’s still a good rule of thumb— but Jesus doesn’t repeat that number. Usually, when he talks about giving, he likes to say to give everything! Still, he left his authority to the Church to guide us in a variety of aspects of the faith. That’s why we have the seven precepts in the first place. When it comes to giving, the Church gives us the basic principle and leaves the rest up to our prudence and our charity. While it is technically a requirement for us to support the Church, it is better for us to focus on the fact that God always rewards generosity and to remember that that generosity can take on many forms.
In the past and in some places today, the offertory included people bringing up actual animals and crops as their support of the Church. As cultures change, so do the forms of giving. In our culture, cash and checks are good ways to support someone. So, we pass a basket for people to put them in. More and more, even cash bring replaced by credit cards and even just apps on smartphones. So, many Churches are finding ways for people to give in that manner.
Well, now St. John the Evangelist is one of those churches! You can go to our parish website and find “Online Giving” in the menu at the top of the page. Click “Support St. John,” enter your information, and click give. You can set it up to repeat as you would like to make your giving convenient and consistent.
If you enjoy giving the old fashioned way, go ahead! If you do, know that using envelopes helps us, especially when it comes to wedding fees or school subsidies that might affect you. Whatever the case, as you update your methods of stewardship, please prayerfully consider the generosity to which God is calling you. As your pastor, I promise to utilize your gifts as prudently as possible to not just keep the lights on, but to proclaim the Gospel in Jeanerette and beyond. Thank you for being a part of our parish and for your generosity!
– In Christ,
Fr. Albert