Catholic Giving and Tithing GuideGiving and tithing is not a widely discussed topic in the Catholic Church. However, it is important for all parishoners to understand that giving is not optional (it is actually one of the six precepts of the Church). It is also important to realize that giving must be done responsiblity: if a priest, bishop or 'Catholic' organization engages in activities or teachings contrary to the Pope of Magisterium, then they should not be supported.
The guideline is a starting point to responsible giving. All numeric references are from the Catechism of the Catholic Church (1994) unless otherwise noted.
THREE REASONS FOR GIVING MATERIALLY
1. To support the poor materially (primary emphasis) and cultural/religious (2444).
Matthew 25:35 For I was hungry, and you gave me to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave me to drink; I was a stranger, and you took me in: 36 Naked, and you covered me: sick, and you visited me: I was in prison, and you came to me. 37 Then shall the just answer him, saying: Lord, when did we see thee hungry, and fed thee; thirsty, and gave thee drink... 40 And the king answering, shall say to them: Amen I say to you, as long as you did it to one of these my least brethren, you did it to me.
1351. "From the very beginning Christians have brought, along with the bread and wine for the Eucharist, gifts to share with those in need. This custom of the collection, ever appropriate, is inspired by the example of Christ who became poor to make us rich:[Cf. 1 Cor 16:1 1Cor+16:1 ; 2 Cor 8:9 2Cor+8:9 .] Those who are well off, and who are also willing, GIVE as each chooses. What is gathered is given to him who presides to assist orphans and widows, those whom illness or any other cause has deprived of resources, prisoners, immigrants and, in a word, all who are in need.[St. Justin, Apol. 1, 67: PG 6, 429.] "
2443 God blesses those who come to the aid of the poor and rebukes those who turn away from them: "Give to him who begs from you, do not refuse him who would borrow from you"; "you received without pay, give without pay."[231] It is by what they have done for the poor that Jesus Christ will recognize his chosen ones.[232] When "the poor have the good news preached to them," it is the sign of Christ's presence.[233] 2444 "The Church's love for the poor . . . is a part of her constant tradition." This love is inspired by the Gospel of the Beatitudes, of the poverty of Jesus, and of his concern for the poor.[234] Love for the poor is even one of the motives for the duty of working so as to "be able to give to those in need."[235] It extends not only to material poverty but also to the many forms of cultural and religious poverty.[236]
2. To support aged parents and family.
1 Timothy 5:8 But if any man have not care of his own, and especially of those of his house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.
Mark 7:10 For Moses said: Honor thy father and thy mother; and He that shall curse father or mother, dying let him die. 11 But you say: If a man shall say to his father or mother, Corban, (which is a gift,) whatsoever is from me, shall profit thee. 12 And further you suffer him not to do any thing for his father or mother...
2218. "The fourth commandment reminds grown children of their responsibilities toward their parents. As much as they can, they must GIVE them material and moral support in old age and in times of illness, loneliness, or distress. Jesus recalls this duty of gratitude.[Cf. Mk 7:10-12 Mk+7:10-12 .]
3. To support the works of the Church (spiritual and corporal works).
1 Corinthians 9:13 Know you not, that they who work in the holy place, eat the things that are of the holy place; and they that serve the altar, partake with the altar? 14 So also the Lord ordained that they who preach the gospel, should live by the gospel.
2447 The works of mercy are charitable actions by which we come to the aid of our neighbor in his spiritual and bodily necessities.[241] Instructing, advising, consoling, comforting are spiritual works of mercy, as are forgiving and bearing wrongs patiently. The corporal works of mercy consist especially in feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and imprisoned, and burying the dead.[242] Among all these, giving alms to the poor is one of the chief witnesses to fraternal charity: it is also a work of justice pleasing to God:[243] He who has two coats, let him share with him who has none and he who has food must do likewise.[244] But give for alms those things which are within; and behold, everything is clean for you.[245] If a brother or sister is ill-clad and in lack of daily food, and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled," without giving them the things needed for the body, what does it profit?[246]
Apostolic Constitutions (4th Century) XXX
I the same make a constitution in regard to first-fruits and tithes. Let all first-fruits be brought to the bishop, and to the presbyters. and to the deacons, for their maintenance; but let all the tithe be for the maintenance of the rest of the clergy, and of the virgins and widows, and of those under the trial of poverty. For the first-fruits belong to the priests, and to those deacons that minister to them.
Didache (2nd Century)
In like manner a true teacher is also worthy, like the workman, of his food.
Council of Nicea AD 325Of the synod of Archbishops, which meets once a year with the Patriarch, and of its utility; also of the collection to be made for the support of the patriarch throughout the provinces and places subject to the patriarch.
PRINCIPLES OF GIVING
The tithe (10%) as a standard and a promise of blessing, given to the spiritual leadership...
Malachias 3:8 Shall a man afflict God? for you afflict me. And you have said: Wherein do we afflict thee? in tithes and in firstfruits. 9 And you are cursed with want, and you afflict me, even the whole nation of you. 10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in my house, and try me in this, saith the Lord: if I open not unto you the flood-gates of heaven, and pour you out a blessing even to abundance.
Baltimore Catechism on the Six Requirements of Church Membership...
297. By the commandment to contribute to the support of the Church is meant that each of us is obligated to bear his fair share of the financial burden of the holy See, of the diocese and of the parish.
IN PRACTICE
If the parish and diocese are behaving in a questionable way (supporting programs or organizations that are not in line with the teaching of the Magisterium of the Church), giving must be prayfully considered. Supporting their is poor stewardship for which we will give an account...
Luke 16:1 And he said also to his disciples: There was a certain rich man who had a steward: and the same was accused unto him, that he had wasted his goods. 2 And he called him, and said to him: How is it that I hear this of thee? Give an account of thy stewardship: for now thou canst be steward no longer.
What is a 'fair share' for a questionable parish or diocese? Here are some suggestions:
Parish Giving: 'My Catholic Faith', a traditional catechism book from the 1950's, states that one day's wages is a fair amount contribute to support the local parish.
Apostolate: the 10% tithe as a good overall minimum guide. (Why should we who are not under the Law give any less freely than those who were compelled?). Choose an officially recognized apostolate of the Church with is theologically orthodox, and contribute there.
Division: there are many good apostolates in the Church...divide your gift as you see fit. Remember that generosity is a virture highly praised by Scripture and the Church, and rewarded by the Lord. But, again, give responsibly: money given to a parish, diocese or other body that is promoting an agenda in contradiction to traditional Church teaching/practices is wrong.
LUKE 6:30