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The other day, a priest whom I know asked me, "How does your congregation make a living?" I mentioned several ways to overcome financial problems. Among them is receiving donations and offerings.
As fewer vocations enter the congregation, the number of religious sisters is decreasing more and more these days. As a result, the convent has more empty rooms. In European countries, many monasteries and convents have turned into museums, shops or hotels.
How can the religious sisters pay all the expenses of living in society? Truly, for religious sisters, each day is a marvelous miracle and a gift from God. Our livelihood is sustained by many offerings and donations provided by generous donors, benefactors, and cooperators with goodwill.
When I dined in the main congregation of the Daughters of Saint Paul in Boston, I noticed that each meal is well made. Especially, serving various vegetables and fruits, among others. It certainly drew my attention. I really enjoyed a healthy diet. And I heard that most of the food ingredients are donated by big markets.
The culture of donations, tips, and paying taxes honestly is deeply rooted in the American mind. The United States is truly a generous, abundant and prosperous country.
There is the children's picture book called "The Giving Tree" by Shel Silverstein, which was first published in 1964. Being a steady seller up to now, "The Giving Tree" still attracts lots of readers all over the world.
"Once there was a tree… and she loved a little boy. And every day the boy would come and he would gather her leaves and make them into crowns and play king of the forest. He would climb up her trunk and swing from her branches and eat apples … And the boy loved the tree very much. And the tree was happy. But time went by. And the boy grew older. And the tree was often alone."
… "I am too big to climb and play. I want to buy things and have fun. I want some money. Can you give me some money?" … "Take my apples, Boy, and sell them in the city. Then you will have money and you will be happy."
"I want a house to keep me warm. I want a wife and I want children, and so I need a house. Can you give me a house?" … "You may cut off my branches and build a house. Then you will be happy."
"I want a boat that will take me far away from here. Can you give me a boat?" "Cut down my trunk and make a boat. Then you can sail away… and be happy."
"Now I just need a quiet place to sit and rest. I am very tired." "Well, well, an old stump is good for sitting and resting. Come, Boy, sit down. Sit down and rest."
"God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:7). Truly, God loves a willing giver. Cheerful givers are always blessed and rewarded. The more we give, the more blessings and rewards are bestowed upon us.
"Give and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap. For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you." (Luke 6:38).
The author is a member of the Daughters of St. Paul. When available, please feel free to visit her blog "A piece of sunshine" at mtorchid88.blogspot.com.
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