Church finances

by Letters Editor · November 3, 2011

From Mervyn Politt, Hillcrest, KZN

I� read with interest R Auret�s letter �Tithing salaries� (October 19). Recently when it came to annual pledging in my parish, we were told that only 30% of registered parishioners contribute by way of pledges to parish funds. The summarised parish budget reflected, as in previous years, a serious budgeted shortfall. However the parish appears to plod along year after year.

Our parish is in a reasonably affluent area. Most of the cars that are parked outside at week-end Masses are less than three years old and include upmarket German executive models.

I took the trouble to visit the parish priest and raise my concerns. He listened to what I had to say and further highlighted that the archdiocese is calling for higher contributions from parishes as overseas funding is drying up.

What I came away with was a heightened concern that Catholics, both clergy and laity, need a good shake up. Clearly there are faults on both sides.

Clergy are either not keen to raise the matter of finance from the pulpit or are downright secretive. The laity are happy to just carry on and do not go to the trouble to enquire about parish finances.

If the Church is to continue its mission in South Africa, it is going to need money. That money must come from local Catholics as overseas funding can no longer be relied upon. What is needed is more openness and transparency.

Parishes must plan and budget more accurately for two to three years ahead. These detailed plans must be communicated to parishioners. Better planned giving campaigns must be undertaken and clergy must take a more active roll in such campaigns.

Quarterly or at least half-yearly income statements and balance sheets must be published, thereby keeping parishioners abreast of parish financial affairs.

The secrecy and laxity must end.