Our parish wasn’t doing financially great, and as a young ministry leader I was confused what it had to do with me. As a staff we had a long conversation about our debt and financial practices, and while we had to tighten up our spending, we also discussed how to increase giving. Looking back, I take joy in the fact that our conversation was spiritually based. To increase giving we started by looking at our own habits, and we studied what the Church and Scripture taught about the subject.
That moment gave me confidence and awareness. I began to see the responsibility parishes have to teach the importance of tithing and worship offerings while being good stewards with the possessions God has entrusted to us.
At the time, I didn’t realize how unique this situation was. Over the years, I’ve received countless questions from clients about budgeting, fundraising, and parish finances that make me wonder: Why aren’t we talking more about the financial responsibilities of parishes?
When we look at the state of giving in the Catholic Church, it’s humbling. While parishes are reporting an increase in giving since the pandemic, it hasn’t kept up with inflation and the rising costs of ministry. This isn’t unique to us—religion’s share of all U.S. charitable giving has dropped from around 60% in the 1980s to just 24% in 2023 (See reports here). Families are still generous, but the portion directed toward churches has been shrinking.
Historically, Catholic households give on average about $9–$10 a week in offertory (See findings HERE). That’s not nothing, but it pales in comparison to the costs of running vibrant parishes that offer strong catechesis, excellent liturgy, and outreach to the community. And with fewer people attending Mass weekly, the gap between need and resources keeps growing.
One could point to the difficulty many families are facing when it comes to finances—but the truth is, people are still spending money.
Families spend an average of $1,016 per year per child on youth sports, click HERE for more.
The average household pays $69 a month for streaming services according to Variety.
Add in vacations, concerts, gym memberships, and other extras, and it’s clear that generosity toward the parish is competing with many other priorities.
None of these things are bad. But if we don’t name the reality, we can’t challenge people to see their parish as a place worth investing in at least as much as they invest in extracurriculars.
Encourage recurring online giving. Since the pandemic, Catholic parishes have seen steady growth in online giving—up about 4.6% in 2023 according to this report. It may feel less tangible than dropping an envelope in the basket, but recurring online gifts provide consistent support that helps parishes budget confidently.
Talk openly about where the money goes. Yes, finances are personal. But when parishioners see the “cost of doing business” — from utilities and salaries to bread and wine for the Eucharist — it changes their perspective. Opening up the budget isn’t about defending every line item; it’s about helping people ask themselves, “How am I financially supporting this place I call my spiritual home?”
Teach stewardship as mission, not maintenance. People give to causes when they see value and impact. If parish giving is framed as “keeping the lights on,” enthusiasm wanes. But when people see their offering fueling catechesis, worship, and outreach, giving becomes part of the mission. As Jesus reminds us: “Where your treasure is, there also will your heart be” (Matt. 6:21).
The reason we need to talk more about this subject is because giving is part of discipleship. Scripture mentions money and possessions more than 2,000 times—not because God cares about dollar signs, but because He cares about our hearts. Our relationship with money deeply impacts our relationship with Him.
You might feel like, “Well, I’m not the pastor,” or “They barely covered this in seminary.” But you still have a voice, and it’s not too late. Start by looking at your own relationship with money: Do I honor God with the way I manage my finances? Then, sit down with financial experts or parishioners who live stewardship well and let them guide you.
Jesus said, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much” (Luke 16:10). The more confident you become in managing your own wealth with faith, the more confident you’ll feel leading your ministry in the same direction.