Maria Joag, Cape Town – Regarding the cost of the sacraments and the need for the Church to survive in Fr Chris Townsend’s column “Let’s talk about money”, I believe the Church needs good souls more than money.
Nevertheless, I offer some suggestions on financing parish priests:
- The biggest bill, levies to the diocese, could be calculated on a tax scale of the percentage of monthly income received.
- If priests took a vow of chastity and poverty, we would have no problems. Our priests would live like the Apostles.
- Priests could generate income by using the presbytery as a mini-monastery or hostel, with paid accommodation for Catholic single students/mature men. This would also help priests’ security problems.
- If priests combined mealtimes with pastoral visits, food bills would be reduced.
- A collection could be held at sacramental services, so there would be no need for individuals to pay for the sacraments.
- When priests need a holiday/trip, a special collection could be held.
- Supporting the poor should be done in return for work.
- The presbytery could run a vegetable garden.
- The Church hierarchy, which lacks the image of a humble Jesus, could look at decentralising, and giving more power to priests.
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