Tithing Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a tithe?
The word “tithe” comes from a Hebrew word meaning “tenth”.  It means to give away one-tenth of the fruits of one’s labors or fortunes.  I propose that we adapt this as a spiritual concept in order to further the mission of our local church.

Where does tithing come from?
In the Book of Genesis, Abram met the living God through the priest Melchizedek.  In response, “Abram gave him a tenth of everything.” -Gen 14:20.  Abram did this in order to humble himself and remind himself that his successes were not due to his own power, but rather to the power and generosity of God.  He felt that if he did not give this “tithe,” that he would become too proud.  The concept of tithing is repeated often in the bible.  However, we are not bound to the Laws of Moses.  The basis for our tithing today is a free response to the generosity of Jesus on the cross, and as a way to mimic how the early Church shared their resources in the Acts of the Apostles as they learned what it meant to be part of the family of God.  (See Acts 4:32-35)

Is it still 10-percent?
Although 10-percent is biblical, we are not bound to it.  Drawing from the wisdom of the Bible, a percentage-based tithe is a good way to challenge oneself to offer their best gifts back to God.  I am proposing that each parishioner/family consider a 5-percent of income (after tax), faith-based, offering to the parish each calendar year.  This would significantly help our parish and keep us from drawing on a line of credit or spending an annuity or C.D.  Overall, there are other causes that you want to give to such as the Bishop’s Appeal, the collection for Africa, Global Outreach, etc.  The combined total of all offerings could equal about 10-percent of your net income.  This approach takes a lot of faith!  God will bless us each in return with what we need to survive.

Will there still be church dues?
The word “church dues” has a cold and unwelcoming connotation. Afterall, we are disciples, not members of a club.  At the same time, I recognize that some people just want me to tell them plainly what they should be giving to the parish in order to make it simple.  For 2022, the minimum recommended offering for a family would be $1,300 and for an individual $650.  These amounts can be used as a foundation to get to the 5-percent of net income that I am proposing.  Let us not use the word “church dues” and instead speak more about an offering, faith-giving, or a tithe.

Am I required to tithe?
No.  At the heart of every offering is freedom.  If you are not acting freely out of gratitude and love, then tithing will feel like nothing more than a burden.  Tithing should feel more like a thrilling offering of faith.  At the end of the calendar year, a judgment-free letter will be sent to your house summarizing your annual giving for your tax purposes.  No one is required, but everyone should freely do their part.

What is the difference in our budget between “church support” and “offertory”?
Church support is anything that either goes into the collection with an envelope, or any check that is written to the parish as a donation (formally known as dues).  These are tracked for your tax purposes by envelope number.  The more people who use the envelopes versus just placing loose cash in the collection, then the more we can do an accurate budget and plan our improvement projects.  Offertory is simply the loose cash that gets placed in the collection basket.  If possible, please consider using envelopes every week whether you like to pay a major portion or just offer a few dollars at a time.

How should I use the envelopes I have been provided with?
Put cash or checks in them.  If you give online, you can still use envelopes as a supplement, or as a way to place something symbolically in the basket that is brought to the sanctuary along with you prayers.

What is Online Giving and how does it help the parish?
Online giving allows you to give church support through your credit card or checking account on whatever interval you choose.  It respects the freedom of the giver, but also offers convenience and consistency.  If there were a snow-day, or you were away on vacation, it allows you to still make your offering and sustain our needs.  You can also make one-time gifts, pay tuition, or book Masses with online giving.  Each parish has a link directly on their website for online giving.  Or call 920.845.2056 to sign up for either parish.

Acceptable Senarios:

A) I am a single person who makes $35,000 per year.  After taxes I net $30,800.  Out of faith, I will make an offering of 5-percent, or $1,540? for the year.  I will do this by putting $25.00 in each envelope when I go to Mass for the year. With the Holy Days and other days, I will reach my $1,540.  Although, I am still considering just doing a $30.00 per week pledge with online giving instead.

B) We are a family with a combined income of $85,000 per year.  After taxes we net $64,600.  Our kids go to Catholic school.  Out of faith, we will make an offering of 5-percent, or $3,230? for the year to the parish.  We will start the year with a base offering of $1,200.  As we monitor our finances, we will put various amounts in the collection at various times as we can afford to do, but our goal is to get to the $3,230 or better.  We are also going to give $500.00 to the Bishop’s Appeal.  If business is bad this year, at least we paid our $1,200.

C) I am a retiree on fixed income.  I do not feel free or able to make a $600 tithe.  Therefore, I will scrounge for a few dollars each week and put in the collection.