Your two cents' worth: a U.S. Catholic survey on the church and money.

Money talks. It is a language universally understood, and people use it to speak their minds. Giving it can spread ideas, further causes, and potentially ease the lives of others. Withholding it expresses dissatisfaction or frustration. A lack of funds can change the course of everything from individual lives to an organization's destiny.

Do Catholics use their money to speak their minds as they live their faith? Yes, according to a special survey of more than 2,000 U.S. CATHOLIC readers and other Catholics. The overwhelming majority of respondents (89 percent) say they feel a deep need to support the church and charitable organizations. Their willingness to give stems from the recognition of gifts received. "This is a sharing and return of the gifts God has given to us," says Nancy Hittner of Salina, Kansas.

And U.S. CATHOLIC readers are a generous bunch. Nearly 100 percent of respondents say they contribute to their parish. The amounts vary, but 35 percent say they give more than $100 a month to their parish. Their giving also reaches well beyond parish boundaries, to charitable, devotional, missionary, and other organizations.

But the lack of transparency in financial reporting and the recent sexual-abuse scandals have made most readers not only more aware of the good that needs to be done but also has caused some to be more selective about who receives resources to do that good.

For example, T. Kandefer of Turrington, Connecticut, who says giving "is one way of fulfilling the core gospel teaching to love others as yourself," reports that while the amount he gives hasn't changed since the recent scandals, his "process of choosing charities has become more selective."

Yet diocesan of bishops' appeals remain on 68 percent of respondents' lists of charitable donations, even after the revelations of sexual abuse by priests and cover-ups by bishops. This is not to say Catholics aren't upset. On the contrary, most say they were hurt deeply by the dishonest and sinful actions associated with the sexual-abuse crisis--and some have adjusted their giving in light of that.

Clarence Dixon of Los Angeles, California says he feels "betrayed by some of the bishops and most especially by my own bishop." While he continues to give to his parish, he has ceased giving on a diocesan level.

Still, nearly three quarters of respondents say the recent scandals have not affected their giving at all. Jim Michalec of Pinkerington Ohio says he gives "because 'we' are the church and we need to support it."

This "bigger picture" perspective is what keeps Barbara M. Louthan giving. "If I didn't stop when I was victimized, why should I stop now?" says this resident of Poughkeepsie, New York.

"It is my social responsibility. The church hierarchy may be in disarray, and I trust them very little, but the Catholic Church has always been there to support the poor," says Mike Lewis of Pensacola, Florida.

Dennis Horner of Fort Worth, Texas agrees that the scandal and cover up do not negate the ministries of the church and "does not mean that our church no longer needs our support. Our ministries are as numerous as our sins." he says.

Despite the actions of some priests, "I give because it helps others and myself," Father Dennis F. Voss of St. Libory, Illinois says, adding that his giving comes from his gratitude. "This is one way to worship God. Since the Lord has been so good to me, I need to share the blessings with others."

Jeanne Messersmith of Brooklyn Center, Minnesota agrees. "I feel that God has blessed me with the very gift of life, and I am returning that generosity with the resources that I have available--time, talent, and treasure."

Citing Matthew 25:31-46, Joseph Cole of Louisville, Kentucky says giving "is expected of us." But Robert Fleming of St. Charles, Missouri says that while giving is a responsibility, he does it because it makes him feel "happy."

Payments accountable

Of those who have changed the way they give to the church following the sex-abuse scandals, 11 percent say they have decreased or stopped giving to specific organizations. The bishop's or diocesan appeal was mentioned most often by those who have altered their giving.

"I am angry that the funds donated by the laity have paid for secret settlements, lawyers' fees, etc.," says Susan Larkin of Silver Spring, Maryland.

While the majority of respondents say everyone should financially support the church, several felt there needed to be conditions attached. "I have a responsibility to financially support the church only if the church satisfies its moral responsibility to use my support wisely and give me a precise accounting of how it was used," says Brian Irslinger of Ringtown, Pennsylvania.

Scott Cooper of Spokane, Washington has changed his giving to reflect "his extreme distress over the choices and culture" associated with the priests' sexual-abuse scandal. To fulfill his personal need to give, he now gives less to his parish and more to other charitable organizations. "None of what we have comes by our own merit. It is all God's abundant gift to us," he says. "And to whom much has been given, much will be required."

Taking it off the top

Every household has its own style in supporting the church and charitable organizations that further Christ's call to love others. Most (61 percent) give with monies that come off the top of their income each month. This can mean allocating a percentage of take-home pay for giving before paying bills or meeting other needs.

While some use formulas or a predetermined amount to help them decide what to donate to a variety of ministries, 17 percent say they determine what to give after taking care of their monthly expenses. Only a few say they give sporadically or only when organizations approach them in person or via mail requests.

Of the 13 percent who marked "Other," some say they pick an annual figure for giving and then decide who gets what. Others say that formulaic decisions give little room for the Spirit. "For me, using a fixed percentage or formula to determine the amount tends too easily to self-satisfaction," says a Connecticut Catholic.

A few say they have ceased giving until better accounting practices and accountability standards are in place.

Whatever the means used to determine how much they give, a wide majority of readers say it is every Catholic's responsibility to financially support the church. While only 3 percent disagreed, 8 percent of respondents did qualify that there could be times when financial support may be impossible for some. But that doesn't mean the responsibility for support is diminished. In fact, several within this group say prayer and giving of time and talent are just as important.

Others insist there are limits to what a person should be expected to support. Several say that when dioceses use monies for large, ornate church buildings in lieu of assisting the poor or providing human ministries Catholics are not obliged to chip in.

Eleanore Kilcoyne of Clinton, Iowa says, "The parish has bills to pay like any other organization. But needless and exorbitant building projects sponsored by a minority in the parish? No!" She adds that today she is "much more skeptical and asks more questions before giving."

Survey respondents take giving financial support seriously. When asked if they thought Jesus would approve of their spending habits and charitable giving, the majority (67 percent) say yes. Some (16 percent) say he wouldn't approve, but more (17 percent) marked "Other." Of these, many echo the comments of Carol Jankunas of Denver, Colorado: "'Approve'? Maybe not, but I do think he would understand. And forgive."

While George Parker of Philadelphia also thinks Jesus is smiling on his giving habits, he adds, "I don't think anyone honestly feels they do enough," and there is always the opportunity to do more.

Criteria for giving

For the majority of respondents, financially helping charities and church ministries is a conscious decision for mirroring Jesus' call to live the gospel. "It's our responsibility to fund those programs that help the church meet the needs of all people, including the poor, but I reserve the right to make sure those funds are used appropriately," says R. J. Nirschl of San Diego. He says he takes "Jesus' words to provide justice for the poor, including workers, literally."

Jesus said the poor would always be with us, so it is no surprise that the needs of church and charitable organizations can be staggering. Essie Reilly of New Albany, Indiana says that this "makes it hard to feel I've made any difference to any if I give a little to many."

Other readers also struggle with how best to serve--support a few organizations with large gifts or many with smaller donations?

The majority of readers say they place significant emphasis on an organization's ability to be effective and efficient. For some, giving is based solely on their personal conviction and the urgency of a particular request.

Suzanne Pearson of Rochester, New York selects whom to help based on "the good work they do for others. It is a way to build the kingdom of God beyond what I can do as one person."

Respondents frown upon high administrative costs or the use of professional fundraisers. Glossy materials used for soliciting funds also give pause to readers. Many say they want the largest amount possible of their donated funds to go to individuals and ministries.

Receiving unsolicited address labels, cards, medals, and other miscellaneous items initiated negative feedback. "I do not like having my mailbox filled with little trinkets or 'gifts' to try to guilt me into giving," says Kevin Linehan of Neosho, Missouri.

Besides, "what am I to do with all these plastic items, prayer books, and cards?" asks Theresa Partheymuller of the Bronx, New York.

Most readers (68 percent) say they do not feel pressured to give to the church or Catholic organizations. Dan Hitpas of Breese, Illinois says the only pressure he feels is his conscience "because it is my responsibility to financially support the church and its organizations."

Readers also say that requests for funds accompanied by a predetermined figure can make them uncomfortable. Too high a ceiling can discount the worth of a sacrificial gift comparable to the widow's mite.

"There is an expectation that you give a minimum amount," says Patricia Goeltz of Vista, California. "Many times the minimum they want is more than I can give."

And readers say they don't like being taken for granted. The assumption of a donation can turn donors away. "We understand the concept of tithing, but don't take my gift for granted or shame me if it's less than yon want," says Barbara Heitz of Reno, Nevada. John Michel of Port Orange, Florida says he is turned off when requests come in the form of "a tax or when 'billed' as if I owe it."

Passing or selling names of donors is a big no-no, according to readers. They do not like having their names passed from one agency or organization to another following the receipt of their gifts. They also don't appreciate receiving a thank-you note and another request for funds in the same letter.

Too frequent appeals by mail and appeals that lack passion annoyed some respondents. "Many times money is asked for 'apologetically.' If the need is genuine, ask like you care," says Barb Frahm of Pesotum, Illinois.

When someone decides not to support a particular organization, Phyllis Hanavan of Goffstown, New Hampshire says she dislikes it "when an organization persists and/or pressures an individual."

Show us where the money goes

One of the biggest turn-offs to giving is when the church relies too heavily on Catholics' sense of duty without explaining how the money will be used.

Readers resoundingly say they want their church and charitable organizations to be frugal when using monies donated. "I resent the abuse of my trust when church leaders use donated funds for plush offices and living accommodations, expensive cars, ornate vestments, art, lavish parties, and other unnecessary expenditures," says Robert Woelfle of Garland, Texas. "Church leaders should always remember that it is not their money they are spending."

Keeping an eye on expenditures includes accepting gifts of time and applying them to the bottom line. "When we volunteer to help clean the church, for example, we are saving money that would otherwise be spent on cleaning services," says an Ohio reader.

Readers appreciate honest reporting on how funds are used and detailing actual figures for expenses. Robert Dillon of Servierville, Tennessee is among the 94 percent who think lay finance committees can help. "They are a good idea and assist the pastor with ideas, secular experience, etc.," he says.

Lay finance committees "can also save time for busy pastors and help efficiency," adds Lanae Kristy of Hettinger, North Dakota.

In fact, none of the respondents say lay finance committees are a bad idea. However, 40 percent of readers who like finance committees say they can be ineffective because the pastor or bishop still controls the purse strings.

"Too often pastors and bishops insist that they are 'in charge,' and finance and financial reporting is their business," says Gerard Scanlan of New York City. "While some take advice and counsel from financial committees, they frequently do not make the most effective use of available experts in financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, control, and reporting."

Robert M. Stryker of Roseville, California suggests incorporating quarterly reports in the weekly bulletin. Balance sheets are enough explanation for some, but many people want more. They want to know where the funds are going when requests are made.

"It might be helpful to list the cost of operating expenses, down to the candles, so parishioners would be made aware of what it takes to operate the church [and school]," says Norma Milde of Brooklyn, New York.

Once they give, readers say they want the receiving entity to be held accountable for using their donations as requested. If it isn't used according to the givers' intent, many respondents say they have no alternative but to make other choices.

Paulette Fordan of Ellensburg, Washington believes "Catholics don't have much power in their churches" and "financial support and attendance are the only way to get the attention of the powers that be."

Catholic cheapskates?

With all these good intentions, studies show that Catholics give less to their churches than Protestants do. When asked why, some readers say they didn't believe it was true and wonder if all charitable donations made by Catholics were included in the studies.

"Catholics do a wonderful job supporting schools, hospitals, responding to social concerns and missionary work," says Maureen Doherty of Wheat Ridge, Colorado.

For those who believe the studies were accurate, reasons for the disparity are diverse. Many say Catholics have not historically had the same resources as Protestants.

Others feel that Protestants give more because they have a better educational foundation when it comes to giving and stewardship. Father Joe O'Brien of Dubuque, Iowa says that Catholics "don't understand that everything they have is a gift from God. They don't accept stewardship as a way of life."

"Stewardship is a powerful concept," agrees Jack Clifford of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, who studied scripture verses about money through a course by Crown Financial Ministries.

Several respondents call for more education about the biblical perspective of stewardship. "Protestants, particularly evangelicals, are taught about Christian stewardship in a more in-depth way using the scriptures," points out Frederick Weilbacher Jr. of New Port Richy, Florida.

Biblical accounting

There are some 2,000 verses in the Bible that refer to money or wealth. Many of these verses give God's perspective on how we can best use our resources to live Christ-centered lives.

"I believe it's very important to make sure that God is first in our lives, including our finances," says James Miller of Washington, Michigan.

David Barrett of Dallas, Texas says the church could model "what it truly means to be poor in spirit" to challenge families to live less materialistically.

Mary Stattelman of Clear Lake, Iowa says "developing a real desire for 'attitude of gratitude' stewardship of giving because we are grateful" would be helpful.

Again, fiscal transparency could assist the laity in their decision making. "Even at the archdiocesan level, every expense should be examined in the light of: 'Are we being good stewards of the money entrusted to us?'" says Christine Hersey of Longmont, Colorado.

"Even though I sometimes wonder if my money is wisely used, I still feel I have the obligation to give," says Donna Pasek of Parma, 0hio. "The recipient has the moral obligation to use the money as it is intended to be used."

Several readers say including children would be an important part of improving education about scriptural stewardship. But it has to be more than just a required program, says Stanley Lohman of Laurel, Maryland. "We teach our kids to get their service hours for Confirmation--then they stop serving once they are confirmed. We treat money the same way," he says.

George Parker of Philadelphia believes that better homilies and a clearer presentation of the parish's needs would help in the education process. He also thinks that people need to get out of the "give to get" mode. "Catholic churches have depended on gambling and lotteries, and most parishioners feel this is their donation. This is wrong. Blessings only come with gifts, not a chance to win a prize," he says.

Several respondents say Catholics in general don't feel responsible for their church, in part because of a lack of input in financial decisions, indirect requests for donations, and secretive use of monies. Some feel Protestants have more say in how their monies are used and a bigger stake in the ownership of their churches.

"Protestants involve church members in decision making and always report results of programs. That's the experience of successful Protestant churches in our area," says Frances Hall of La Canada, California.

The desire to give may be dampened when monies are spent outside the local community, says Al Kendziora of Metuchen, New Jersey. He adds that the "hierarchical structure makes giving very impersonal."

"It is difficult to believe the need for money. The church in Rome has treasures of monumental value," says Karen Eagan of Oakland, California.

Fiscal transparency

Regardless of treasures, real or imagined, many readers say every church needs to fully disclose the actual costs of running a parish.

P.A. McPartlin of Santa Barbara, California says the church needs to handle its finances "like any multinational corporation does, asking outside auditors to review and advise on the process of how funds are received and disbursed ... then disclosing all of this annually on the Vatican website."

While full disclosure would reveal areas needing support and enhance the credibility of both church and Catholic organizations, perhaps the best way to increase giving would be for the church to wrap its arms around all its members.

Although Catholics give out of gratitude, support for specific ministries or churches often stems from a personal connection, according to readers. It may be based on shared ideals, but more often it grows out of a feeling of community. Several survey respondents say people need to feel needed. They need to be part of something larger for full financial participation.

A California reader suggests "getting people involved in parish activities. When they feel they belong, they give more out of love, not obligation."

"Everyone needs to feel ownership of the church. When that happens, people donate more," says Nikki Lux of Pylesville, Maryland.

The real issue, respondents note, isn't about getting more money. It is about living and sharing the gospel message. Charitable and church organizations "do for others that [which] I cannot," says John Zak of Pittsburgh.

Or as Diane Steinberg of Ewing, New Jersey says, financial support is necessary to carry out this mandate because "ultimately the work of the Spirit can only be done by us."

AND THE
SURVEY SAYS ...

1. I believe it's every Catholic's
  responsibility to financially
  support the church.

   agree  89%
disagree   3%
   other   8%

Note: Table made from bar graph.

2. The ways I contribute to the
  church include giving to (may
  check more than one):

  100%    My parish.

  68%     A diocesan or bishop's
          appeal.

  67%     Catholic Charities.

  59%     Local charities with
          Catholic connections.

  41%     International missions.

  27%     Devotional organizations.

  15%     Lobbying or political
          organizations.

  15%     Other.

3. The amount I generally give to
  my parish is:

  38%        $50-$100 a month.

  35%        More than $100 a month.

  19%        $20-$50 a month.

  5%         Less than $20 a month.

  3%         Other.

4. Revelations about sexual abuse
  by priests and cover-ups by bishops
  have affected my giving ...

  73%        Not at all.

  11%        I have decreased or
             stopped giving to specific
             organizations.

  6%         I have decreased what I
             give to Catholic organizations.

  2%         I have increased what I
             give to Catholic organizations.

  1%         I have stopped giving to
             Catholic organizations
             altogether.

  7%         Other.

5. I sometimes feel pressured to
  give to the church or Catholic
  organizations.

   agree  30%
disagree  68%
   other   2%

Note: Table made from bar graph.

7. About lay finance committees,
  I feel ...

  54%        They are a good idea and
             help provide oversight on
             parish financial

  40%        They are a good idea, but
             most are ineffective since
             the pastor still controls the
             purse strings.

  0%         They are a bad idea and
             should be abolished.

  6%         Other.

These results are based on 2,061
responses from U.S. CATHOLIC
readers and potential readers to
a special survey sent to a larger
number of Catholics than usual.

RELATED ARTICLE: The scandal's true cost.

What happened to all those angry Catholics who vowed to stop giving money to the church because of the way the hierarchy had handled the priest sex-abuse scandal? Recent reports that Catholic giving actually increased in 2002 seemed to imply that they didn't put their money where their anger was.

In the spring of 2002 as many as 40 percent of Catholics told Gallup they were contributing less money to the church because of the scandal. But an annual survey of diocesan finances found that donations to parishes actually increased that year by 4.9 percent--twice the rate of inflation.

That study, conducted by the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate at Georgetown University on behalf of the International Catholic Stewardship Council, analyzed data from 176 of 194 American dioceses.

It found that Catholics put an estimated $58 billion in Sunday collection baskets in 2002, during the height of the sex-abuse scandal, not to mention an economic downturn.

But those same Catholics did cut their contributions to diocesan and bishops' appeals by 2.3 percent, implying a stronger commitment to their parishes than to wider Catholic organizations.

Catholics "may be be angry at bishops, but they say, 'I love my parish and I love my pastor and I know the parish needs money to keep the lights on,'" Georgetown researcher Mary Gautier told the Associated Press.

This month's U.S. CATHOLIC survey found that nearly three quarters of respondents hadn't altered their giving at all in response to the scandal, but that a combined 18 percent had decreased or stopped giving to at least some church organizations.

That echoes a Gallup poll of "committed parishioners" that found that 86 percent hadn't changed their giving, although 11 percent were giving less to bishops' appeals and 27 percent had stopped donating to national church collections.

--Heidi Schlumpf

ELIZABETH WELLS is a writer living in Omaha, Nebraska.