Where Does
the Money Come From?
According to
our Canons (church laws), every parish is to set aside money for “such pious
and charitable uses as the Rector… shall determine”. St. Andrew’s budgets $900 per year for the
Rector’s Discretionary Fund. If I
receive a check for conducting a funeral or baptism, I put that money into the
discretionary fund. Couples getting
married at St. Andrew’s are encouraged to make a gift to the discretionary fund
as an act of gratitude to God for the blessing of their mutual joy. Parishioners occasionally make individual
gifts to the discretionary fund, as well.
Where Does
the Money Go?
Discretionary
funds may only be spent to help people experiencing financial hardship. Sometimes the money helps parishioners; other
times it helps community members or folks in other parts of the world. Thus far in 2019, I have allocated discretionary
money for Food Lion gift cards for a family whose primary breadwinner was
injured and unable to work; for travel assistance for stranded asylum seekers
in California; for transportation and housing for victims of a violent crime;
for Bibles; and for assistance with utility bills. I also contributed to the discretionary fund
of a sister priest on the Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota when her
people were overwhelmed by floods, and I donated to the newly-formed pension
fund for Cuban Episcopal priests, who make about $50 per month and have no
other retirement plan.
Every time I
authorize a disbursement from the discretionary fund, I am reminded of the
communal nature of ministry. The only
way that I am able to assist people in such difficult circumstances is through
the generosity of this parish and the individuals who contribute to the
fund. In God’s name and with each
other’s collaboration, we are able to make a tangible difference in the lives
of many people in some of their darkest hours.
It is a joy and a privilege, as well as a holy responsibility, to be in
charge of the Rector’s Discretionary Fund.
Anne+
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