During the coronavirus pandemic, many Catholic parishes throughout the country have experienced a decline in weekly collections.
According to Nic Prenger, CEO of Prenger Solutions Group in Omaha, Neb., which helps parishes, dioceses, and schools with development programs, “If you’re a parish that relied on cash and checks, your Offertory is probably down 50 to 80 percent each week.”
In a Catholic News Service article, Prenger says that parishes that have online giving are doing much better.
My husband and I have been giving to our parish through Faith Direct, which allows us to make recurring e-Giving contributions. Faith Direct even provides Offertory cards to be used when parishioners attend Mass if they choose.
I would encourage people — especially during this pandemic — to sign up for online giving. Online gifts to your parish can also be made on the Diocese of Madison’s website. The diocese has a page (https://madisondiocese.org/parishgive) which has information on how to contact every parish in the diocese to mail a contribution.
Besides your parish, people in the diocese should also continue to be generous to the Annual Catholic Appeal (ACA). Some of us made pledges and are sending contributions monthly. We should remember to keep up our pledges.
I was pleased to hear that my parish — Our Lady Queen of Peace in Madison — has already achieved its ACA goal. Nice going! I’ve heard from diocesan officials that the ACA is doing well so far, but that doesn’t mean we should let up in our giving.
Besides being generous to your parish and the diocese, I would encourage people who can afford to give to support Church and community charitable efforts. Consider giving food donations and monetary gifts to the Catholic Multicultural Center, Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Catholic Charities (including The Beacon homeless day resource center), and other worthwhile causes.