From the Office of the Chancellor – Special Collections

Our Diocesan Directives for many years have included this provision:

“No priest of the Diocese or visiting missionary is to take up any collection personally during a liturgical celebration. No special collection by visiting priests, sisters, brothers, or representatives of Catholic projects may be taken up without a letter of approval by the Bishop.  Similarly, the pulpit is not to be used for any appeal for support, financial or otherwise, for any other project aside from a local parish project without the approval of the Bishop.”

Consequently, pastors should negotiate in advance a set stipend with anyone preaching a parish mission. Any collection or “freewill offering” during a parish mission goes to the parish.

Thanks for your assistance with this matter. Please contact Deacon Rick Wells, Chancellor for Canonical Affairs, if you have any questions.

__________
Vol. 30: No. 3 ~ Jan 20, 2015