Organizational Impacts from Failure to Meet Weekly Collection Goals in the Archdiocese of Kansas City - KS
Document Type Article
Abstract
(Zech, 2020) recognized that one of the most visible signs of the pandemic for Catholic parishes was decreased attendance at Mass and decreases in weekly collections. This research was completed to add to the understanding of the reasons behind the failure of the Catholic parishes to meet weekly collection goals and its effect on the ability to support schools and religious education programs. The study included 22 participants from five different parish organizations. The data was collected through semi-structured interviews, documents available from the participating organizations, and visual materials such as church bulletins. The following seven themes emerged from the research study: (1) importance of contributing financially, (2) Catholic schools and religious education should be supported by all parishioners, (3) personal situation drives the amount contributed, (4) perceived need influence giving, (5) Mass attendance is important for parishes to meet their financial goals, (6) clergy appeal is important in influencing financial contributions by parishioners, and (7) priest leadership style is a factor that influences financial contributions by parishioners. The findings of the study and recommendations for further study added to the body of knowledge. Additionally, the findings expanded the strategies available to influence financial contribution to parishes and specific church ministries.
