This past week, like many other weeks, I received two requests from two worthy organizations to conduct a fundraiser for their causes at our weekend Masses.  I always feel an inner conflict when faced with these requests.  On the one hand, I am moved by the appeal and believe all of you would be too.  On the other hand, I know already how often and by how many you are asked to give.  As your pastor, one of the things I can influence is the access that organizations have to our whole congregation on a weekend.  It is a daunting responsibility, and one that I want to be careful with as needs grow in our challenging economy.

Our parish staff, at one of our last staff meetings, encouraged me not to overload our parishioners with any extra appeals beyond our second collections and standing fundraisers.  For this reason, I need to ask every organization to think twice before launching a fund raiser or collection, and to clear it with me before proceeding.  Sometimes our parishioners and visitors may already feel as if they are running the gauntlet between earnest solicitors before and after Mass.

Lest you think I am overstating the case, in addition to their regular donations to the parish, I know that our parishioners are asked and generously respond to the following regular appeals in the course of the year, either through second collections or extra requests:  Parish Debt Reduction, Building Faith’s Future, Project Faith (for diocesan ministries), Catholic Schools, Eastern Europe, Catholic Relief Services, the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, Peter’s Pence (for the Holy Father’s charitable works), Latin America, Communications, Black and Native American Catholics, Lepers, Catholic University, the Foreign Missions, Home Missions, Retired Religious, the Bishop’s Annual Appeal (for seminarians, retired priests, inner city Catholic education, and Catholic Charities), Operation Rice Bowl, the Youth Ministry’s Souper Bowl and the Little Sisters of the Poor.  On top of this, we collect food, clothing, coats and other items regularly.

Obviously, this represents our parish’s extensive involvement in charity, and no one can say that St. Philip’s is unaware of or inattentive to the least of Jesus’ brothers and sisters. In addition to all of these, organizations have asked for additional opportunities to present other needs, and often these opportunities have been granted.

However, I am convinced that if we try to do too much, we run the risk of dissipating our energy and effectiveness.  In assessing this already extensive program of outreach, the staff has recommended, and I agree, that additional requests for solicitation not be granted except for extraordinary circumstances.  I will try to honor this directive, and ask that organizations try to find ways to raise funds other than direct appeals at Masses.  I think most will understand the need for such a policy.  If any organization feels that it is worthy of an exception, I ask its leadership to please feel free to discuss it with me.

Sincerely,

Fr. Paul