₦airaland Forum

When Did ‘Pay Your Tithe’ Enter the Catholic Church? We are gradually Pentecostalizing the Catholic Church

Look closely at this picture “OFFERTORY AND TITHE ACCOUNT.” This raises a serious question: Are we quietly importing Pentecostal practices into Catholicism?

The Catholic Church has always encouraged the faithful to support the Church, her mission, the poor, evangelization, and parish projects through freewill offerings and donations. But “tithing” as a religious obligation is not the standard language or universal practice of the Catholic Church.

Yet, in some Nigerian Catholic parishes today, we are beginning to see “tithe Sundays,” designated tithe accounts, and even special blessings for tithers.

Why?

Perhaps because some Catholics who feel guilty about not paying tithes now pay them in Pentecostal churches, and some priests, seeing this trend, have adopted tithing into Catholic parishes in order to receive those tithes.

I am a Catholic priest, and I was never taught during my formation that the Catholic faithful must have a “tithe Sunday” or that a priest should organize special blessings specifically for those who pay tithes. This is not a universal Catholic standard binding on every parish.

Let us give generously, let us support the Church, let us care for the poor and sustain the mission of Christ.

But above all, let our giving flow from love, faith, gratitude, and freedom, not fear, pressure, competition, or the expectation of buying God's favor.

To the Claretians, this is not meant as an attack, but as a sincere fraternal observation. If a Catholic institution publicly displays “Offertory and Tithe Account” with an account number, it is understandable that Catholics may begin to wonder whether tithing is now being presented as an official Catholic obligation.

Perhaps it would be worth reconsidering the terminology. If the intention is simply to encourage the faithful to support the Church, the mission, the poor, and evangelization, terms such as “Offertory,” “Church Support,” “Mission Fund,” “Charity,” or “Parish Development” may communicate the Catholic understanding of giving more clearly.

The Church should certainly encourage generosity, but we must also be careful about what our words and public notices teach the faithful.

Let us encourage Catholics to give generously without making them feel that God is waiting for their 10% before He can bless them. Let us build a culture of generosity without turning the Catholic offertory into a tithe system.

And for you Catholics, let no one pressure you into paying tithes. You are not obliged to do so. If you attend Mass and they invite tithers to come forward to give their tithes and receive a special blessing, and you do not have anything to give, simply remain peacefully in your seat. The Holy Mass you have attended already carries the greatest blessing.

When you have the means, support the Church’s mission. When you do not, do not worry yourself or feel guilty. The Church is open and welcoming to everyone, regardless of their financial situation.

Remember, tithing is not a Catholic obligation. Give when you can, give freely, and give from the heart, not out of fear, pressure, or the expectation of receiving a special blessing.

Rev fr Prince Chidi Philip

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