The first collection in our Parish Masses goes to the Parish Priest for his living expenses, and the second collection in our Parish Masses goes towards the expenses, bills and maintenance of the Church/Parish (electricity, water, rates, insurances, plumbing, maintenance, administration, emergency repairs etc). 

The collections are the sole source of income for our parish and the priest(s) (together with gifts). 

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First Collection Account:

Account Name: ST JOSEPH'S PRESBYTERY NORTHAM

BSB: 086 006

Account number: 364 756 183 

Reference: Name and/or Envelope Number

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Second Collection Account:

Account Name: ST JOSEPH'S PARISH NORTHAM

BSB: 086 006

Account number: 558 010 291

Reference: Name and/or Envelope Number

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Thank you to all of you for your continual financial support of the parish and priests.

 

How Much Should I Give?

How much should I give? This is a deeply personal question, which includes many factors.

What we do know is that it is an obligation for Christians to pay their Government Taxes and to make contributions to the Church. So before we consider 'how much should I give', the more important realisation is that 'I ought to pay my taxes to the Govt and make a contribution to the Church.' Paying your taxes to the Govt and making a contribution to the Church isn’t a charity, it is a duty, grounded in fairness/justice. To not pay your taxes, or not to make a contribution to the Church, is considered a wrongdoing. It would be wrong, for instance, that only one segment of the public, the elderly, contribute to the sustainability of the Government or the Church.

So again, the important first realisation, is that everyone ought to contribute to the Government and the Church, once that is appreciated, then the question of 'how much' should be considered.

 

Ok, I understand my responsibility, but how much should I give to the Church; what is recommended? 

The Old Testament spoke of a “tithe” which translates into; a tenth. That is to say, the Old Testament standard was; to give 10% of your household income to God. Many Protestant communities, irrespective of someone’s personal circumstances, and as an act of faith, continue to require this of its members – the (Catholic) Church does not. The Church’s approach to this issue is that of Jesus’ teaching - we must give as much as we can afford. God knows how much we can afford according to our personal circumstances (that’s both a comforting and challenging thought!). He knows our hearts.

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Here is what Our Blessed Lord taught us:

"He sat down opposite the treasury and observed how the crowd put money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. A poor widow also came and put in two small coins worth a few cents. Calling his disciples to himself, he said to them, 'Amen, I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the other contributors to the treasury. For they have all contributed from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has contributed all she had, her whole livelihood.'"

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Below is a template for a personal budget found on the internet. Download and print the budget template and evaluate your finances.

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That is all well and good, but you haven't answered my question, what is the recommended amount? Give me an exact number.

There is no exact number. God taught us to be generous in the building up of the kingdom of God. He calls us to get involved. He's not interested in appearances, he's interested in our hearts. Speak to Him, and ask - pray.

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I've been away from the Church, I didn't know all of this, what should I do?

Welcome to the Church my friend, we are a community of sinners relying on God to purify our hearts, our intentions, our thoughts, our actions; we are striving to be more like Him - loving/charitable/responsible. Be assured of God's unfathomable mercy, he loves you! He's not after your money, He is after your heart. Like all of us, seek out the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and gather again with your brothers and sisters at the Eucharist on Sunday (or Saturday evening), give thanks to the Lord for it is right and just.

Regarding finances - download the budget template above, and work hard towards paying off any personal debts you have, begin there.

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