CINCINNATI — For generations of Roman Catholics in the United States, the ritual of attending Mass on Sundays has been intertwined with slipping a numbered envelope into the collection basket.
But in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, churchgoers are letting the basket pass them by in favor of donating online, part of an effort to meld time-tested fund-raising with 21st-century technology.
8 comments:
The church takes it slow joining the 21st c.
I think it's fine.
It is true that young people may not even use a checkbook and don't always have cash.
To many church goers the weekly donation
is like any other bill worked into their
monthly budget.
It is good to have choices.
This is a good way for the church to receive more money.Also, by allowing donations to be made online they reach more people. Perhaps those that support the chruch but do not like to attend every Sunday can cut corners by skipping mass and compensate by donating online.
Angelina
I don't really approve of this new online method of giving donations to the church. I don't agree that giving money back to the church is part of the worship service. My family occasionally donates to the church but I don't believe that it is done as an obligation. The comment talking about how "20-somethings" give the change in their pockets was a bit harsh and took away the whole meaning of giving. There should be no price to tag to the worship and faith of a religion. I understand that this new online method of payment makes things easier and more convenient for some people but it takes away traditional practices and makes the act of giving seem like an obligation.
Sometimes I feel some people donate to show that they are able to donate.
So I wonder if that method will catch on so soon. Some people may think, "I am STILL able to follow tradition." And soon technology controversies shall happen.
But it is nice to see the church trying to keep up to date.
I find this interesting, but I'm not surprised. You can do just about everything online, and people might feel safer donating online rather than putting it in a basket that circles around the church. However, those that do not have access to computers or credit cards will not be able to donate if this method replaces the traditional method. It is easy and convenient, but might not be the best idea for the church.
This is an effective method for it allows for consistent giving as told by Mr. Vanderburgh. Many of us do online banking and by donating money online, it is easier for church goers to see how much money they are giving away, so its an effective way of tracking where your money is going.
I think it's a good idea. The Red Cross and other non profit organizations have online donations so why not our churches? Money is imaginary so it doesn't really matter if we see it or not as long as everyone believes its there :]. SO BELIEVE THAT I HAVE 23784293479234^29348234 DOLLARS!
In terms of donating monetary support, ann, the online method just makes it easier for those that want to pay to be able to pay, its not really part of the worship service. It is actually better if it were just online instead of going to church and seeing someone NOT put money in the basket.
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