4Real Forums: Tithing Question

Oh, Dearest Mother, Sweetest Virgin of Altagracia, our Patroness. You are our Advocate and to you we recommend our needs. You are our Teacher and like disciples we come to learn from the example of your holy life. You are our Mother, and like children, we come to offer you all of the love of our hearts. Receive, dearest Mother, our offerings and listen attentively to our supplications. Amen.

Active Topics || Favorites || Member List || Search || About Us || Help || Register || Login

Tea and Conversation
4Real Forums : Tea and Conversation

Topic: Tithing Question

Author

Message

<< Prev Topic | Next Topic >>

stefoodie
Forum Moderator

Joined: Feb 17 2005
Location: Ohio
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 8457

Posted: March 11 2006 at 11:18pm \| IP Logged

Tithing I know is between us and God, and we've been prayerfully going through our new budget, but I have a question I'm hoping some of you will be able to help me with:

Since we were married we've always given money to my hubby's family, it's just part of our culture and hubby's aunt (who actually raised him so she's really more like a real mom to him) doesn't really have anyone else to provide for her. Recently she's had several accidents (she's 84) and now needs 24-hour care, so she's getting about 8% of our gross income. My question is this: if we can then only afford to give our parish about 5% of our gross income is that still "okay"? I feel somewhat guilty about that but don't really know what Church teaching has to say in a situation like this -- we don't have enough saved up for college so we're thinking of increasing the kids' savings as well. Is this something we should be asking our parish priest?

Thanks for your help,

stef

__________________
stef

mom to five

kingvozzo
Forum All-Star

Joined: March 28 2005
Location: Maine
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 2653

Posted: March 11 2006 at 11:25pm \| IP Logged

I have always heard as a benchmark, that roughly 5% should be given to the Church, with the other 5% going to other charitable causes. I have always considered the support of elderly relatives (which we also have been doing since dh and I first married) to be part of the 'other' 5%.
I think that a strong case could be made even regarding tuition--I know this has been my sister's perspective. She has 2 kids in the Catholic school, which seriously impacts her ability to donate $$$ to her parish.
I also think about the idea of donating our "time, talent, and treasure." I like that idea a lot, because we may have more time or talent than we do treasure!

I think what you're doing is perfectly fine, but if it makes you more comfortable, talk to your priest.

__________________
Noreen
Wife to Ed
Mom to 4 great kids and 10 sweet ones in Our Lady's arms

If you wish to post a reply to this topic you must first login
If you are not already registered you must first register

[Add this topic to My Favorites]

Printable version

Forum Jump

You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot create polls in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum

Hosting and Support provided by theNetSmith.com