Strengthen Your Brethren, Fund for Works of Charity - October 1, 2006
“How shall I make a return to the Lord for all the good He has done for me?” (Psalm 116:12). The practice of making an offering to the Church at the time of the celebration of the sacraments and of other sacred functions is long-standing. It is an expression of the gratitude of the individual or family to God for His many blessings. It also expresses the communion of the individual or family with the whole Church. Traditionally, such offerings have been used to help support the Church’s charitable works. The Bishops of the Milwaukee Province (Milwaukee, Green Bay, La Crosse, Madison, and Superior) have established limits for the suggested amount of offering on the occasion of the celebration of the sacraments or sacred rites apart from the Mass offering (intention): at the time of Baptism, ten dollars; at the time of Matrimony, seventy-five dollars; and at the time of Christian burial, fifty dollars (Diocese of La Crosse, Decree Promulgating Norms for the Compensation of the Clergy in the Diocese of La Crosse, 9; see Code of Canon Law, 1264). No one is denied the celebration of the sacrament or sacred ritual based on inability to make this offering. What is more, the entirety of this offering is deposited in the parish’s Fund for Works of Charity, and is used exclusively for the assistance of needy persons (for example, medicine, food, clothing, lodging, utilities, transportation or education). Please note that according to the Code of Canon Law none of this offering may be used as financial compensation to the parish for expenses incurred in the preparation for and the celebration of the sacred rite or for the use of parish facilities. Also, none of this offering may be used as financial compensation to the priest (or deacon) for his hours of work and counsel with the concerned parties. Most Catholics are surprised to learn that the priest does not get to keep a dime of the suggested offering made at the celebration of their wedding or at the Baptism of their child or at the celebration of the funeral of their loved one. However, “when an individual offers voluntarily a sum larger than the suggested offering, the priest or deacon lawfully can accept” (Diocese of La Crosse, Decree Promulgating Norms for the Compensation of the Clergy in the Diocese of La Crosse, 9) the amount beyond the suggested offering.
Because of its exclusive purpose, the Fund for Works of Charity is kept in a separate bank account and is not commingled with other parish funds or with the Mass Offering Account. Since my arrival at Saint Peter fifteen months ago, I have disbursed nearly $2500.00 from the Fund for Works of Charity to assist the many needy people who come to the rectory each week seeking help. Many of them are from right here in our neighborhood. They are families and individuals, young and old, employed and unemployed. In order that we might reach out in charity to those living among us in need, the parish Justice and Peace Committee will be donating your October “Milk for the Needy” contributions to replenish the Saint Peter Fund for Works of Charity.
I invite you to prayerfully consider becoming a lector. A conference for all current and prospective lectors will be held in church on Tuesday, October 3, from 6:30-7:45 pm. The evening led by me will include an explanation of the role of the lector at Mass, practical pointers on public speaking, and a discussion of the functions of the lector at our parish. Please call the parish office to register.
Also, please prayerfully consider becoming an usher. With death and retirement we no longer have enough ushers to cover all our Masses and so we are in desperate need of increasing their number. Young or old, individuals or families, men or women are eligible to take on this important role at Mass. Fathers – and mothers! – consider volunteering with your sons – and daughters! A training and refresher session is scheduled for Tuesday, October 10, from 6:30-7:30 pm. Included in this conference will be a presentation on medical emergencies by an E.M.T. from our Stevens Point Fire Department.
Please keep Father Dennis Worzalla in your prayers as he recuperates at the home of his sister and brother-in-law in the Washington D.C., metro area. He is deeply grateful for your expressions of affection and assurances of prayers. Father Worzalla also appreciates your respect of his wish to NOT receive telephone calls and cards while he is out east. Hopefully, within the next two weeks he will be able to return to Saint Peter.
Saint Peter, pray for us! Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us!