Readings for the Day: NM 21:4-9, PS 102:2-3, 16-21, JN 8:21-30

Unfortunately, I’ve begun to receive word from a few friends who work for other parishes across the country, that they have received their last paychecks and are now unemployed. These messages are disturbing on two levels.

It breaks my heart for them and their communities.

The fact is, most people who work in Catholic parishes could find higher paying jobs elsewhere, but they (and their families) happily have made the sacrifice to help the Catholic Church thrive. I’ve worked for St. Anthony of Padua, St. Stanislaus, Our Lady Queen of Angels, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, and Our Lady of Joy. (Mary seems to like me.) In those parishes, I’ve worked with many people who could’ve lived much more comfortable lives—if only they’d worked outside of the Church. But they love God and His Church. Now, they are being forced into unemployment.

Then, I think of the parish communities who will lose these talented staff members—even after Masses are restored. (After all, they will have to do what they will have to do to provide for their families.) There are children who will no longer get the formation beyond Mass and the home. There are the Masses where the dedicated musicians will have moved on. There are the Parish Missions and the ongoing adult education that will be pieced together by volunteers. The pastor will become less accessible as he has to coordinate volunteers for virtually everything, organize communication efforts, deal with vendors, and so much more, all while still doing his best to remain focused on the sacraments. The list goes on. The point is, many of the services these parishes have provided in the past will cease to exist for some time as parishes slowly financially recover.

These aren’t scare tactics. These are facts. I’ve worked in parishes for over 20 years. I know what the parish staff does. I know what will happen if they disappear. Even for a time.

What can be done? It’s simple. 1. Give if you can. 2. Spread the word.

Give if you can. Reach out to your parish and find out how you can continue to give. Is online giving possible? (It is at Our Lady of Joy - https://www.ezekielgiving.com/App/Giving/oloj) Can checks still be dropped off at the parish office or mailed in? Are you in a position to give a bit extra in the form of a one-time gift? I am not advocating being irresponsible with the gifts God has entrusted to you. I am merely asking you to prayerfully consider what you can do for your Church in this time of crisis.

Spread the word. Refer people to this article and/or this issue. Cut and paste it with abandon. Share the message in your own words. It is right and just to support local businesses during this time of economic calamity, but please don’t forget your church.

 

David is the Director of Faith Formation at Our Lady of Joy.

If you have comments or questions, send your emails to dlins@oloj.org.

As we have lost our weekly collection income, we can only maintain our current staff for a limited time without your help. Please spread the word and sign up for auto-pay or make whatever donation you can at https://www.ezekielgiving.com/App/Giving/oloj

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