Thrifty Priests

Why do we need priests that are thrifty?

In my days, I have come across a number of priests with a very good business sense and a number who just can't handle money prudently to save their lives. Which one is better?

Firstly, it's important to note that there is a difference between being cheap and being thrifty. Being cheap is almost like money hoarding as opposed to being thrifty which is being careful with where and if you should spend money. Thriftiness is a way in which we live out the virtue of prudence. It is prudent to make good investments just as it is prudent to save money.

A parish near my home was once in over a million dollars worth of debt. When the 7 digit mark was reached, the local bishop immediately proceeded to put a new pastor in charge of the parish. This pastor had taken his previous parish out of debt and on a road to a healthy future. The bishop expected this priest to do the same.

Luckily, with this priest's good business sense, his ability to discern his priorities as well as his abilities to find ways to save money the parish is now on a road to recovery from debt and into the black.

But isn't it a non-profit organization? Yes, but in order for any organization to stay afloat and continue to provide its services it needs to at least break even in the end and in order for it to improve upon itself it needs to make some sort of money to afford those improvements.

Christ founded His Church 2000 years ago. Since then, it has extended everywhere from the catacombs to the palaces of great kings and queens. In the wake of the post-council  chaos, the faithful have abandoned the Church in droves. Such is not good for keeping the organization afloat. Seminaries closed, churches closed, and effects of this are still felt today.

Christ entrusted his Church with the care of his people. In order for the Church to better bring  the people back to Christ she must, with the help of the people, build beautiful environments in which to celebrate the sacraments.. Everything about our churches should direct our attention to Our Lord, in his presence as our Father, in his physical presence in the Eucharist, and in presence in the Grace he gives to us.  This is why we improve our churches. New sound systems, shrines, statues, re-facing, restorations, new artwork all help reveal to us the God who is ultimate beauty.

So why do we need thrifty priests? To keep the Church alive and well so she can minister to the people of God until the end of time.