Today I am using Bitey’s blog to vent my own frustrations.  (The views here are the author’s alone.  Bitey Dog does not necessarily agree with the opinions expressed in this rant.)

The local parish decided to start their Lenten appeal by bringing in a speaker to address three reasons why everyone should give more money.  With the first reason, I could find no fault.  They discussed building repairs and maintenance.  Every building needs maintenance.  In the past several years I have seen no extravagant building expenses: no problem there.

The second point they addressed was the neighboring county where 75% of parishes closed due to parishoners “not giving enough money”, therefore we need to give more money.  What?!?  (I need a needle-on-record screeching sound.)  I am sure you are familiar with the diocese next to ours.  It has made the news many times in the past two years for sex abuse scandals.  The reason those churches closed was that parishoners’ money was used to pay lawsuits and legal fees for church leaders doing horrible, illegal things.  Don’t put the blame for closings on members for not giving enough money.

Lastly members are supposed to pay for an expensive private school in the area.  Reportedly attendance has declined by 50% over the last 30 years, yet costs are something like 4X what they used to be per student.  I know that there is a tech element that was not present 30 years ago, but surely school administrators can find a way to adjust education costs to keep them more reasonable rather than expect others to pay the bill.  Home schooling is very, very popular in this area.  It is done on a shoe string budget, but the kids come out with superior educations.  Why not learn from their example?

I realize that this isn’t my problem and that I shouldn’t care.  I am not a member of the parish.  Whatever they choose to do with their funds and resources is their own business.  The boys and I support the church because we like to visit the outside.

So, little church, we trust that you will be well in other’s hands.  The boys and I will still pray for you.

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