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Father Tom’s Mailbag,
Oblates Magazine
9480 North De Mazenod Drive
Belleville IL 62223.
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Dear Fr. Tom,

I am a Catholic and I am interested in supporting the work of Catholic ministries and charities. However, I receive so many fund-raising letters in the mail. I don’t know who to give to! How do I choose without feeling guilty? With so many choices, how do I decide? Mary

Dear Mary,

Thank you for your letter. I want to answer this question because I have received many letters and comments like this. Of course, I could jokingly say you should always choose to give your support to the Oblates, but I don’t think that’s the only answer you’re looking for!

Sometimes, I know it can be hard to think beyond ourselves and our own needs, but as Americans I think the poor have a special call on our resources. I often remind myself that everything we have is a gift. Our rich resources are all gifts from God, so when we have so much, it only seems right to share with those who need it.

Back to your question, I think discerning who and what you should give to comes down to three criteria: proximity, need, and affection or attraction.

Proximity simply means how physically close something or someone is to you – your own family, friends, etc… It makes sense to help your family, neighbors, and local community because they are closely linked to you.

Need is a personal measurement of how important you think a charity’s work is. I know different people measure need differently, but I think it is important to support places where the need is greatest.

Affection or attraction, the last criterion, can be the strongest. What it means is this: Whose message reaches out and grabs you? What ministry truly touches your heart? When you can identify something like this, I think you have found your answer.

Thank you again for your question, Mary. I hope this is some help to you.

Fr. Tom