Catholics reminded: Don’t forget donations

MANILA, Philippines (Corrected 5:07 p.m.) — Just like any other institution affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, the Catholic Church is also experiencing financial losses as it continues to provide assistance during the COVID-19 crisis.

The Sangguniang Laiko ng Pilipinas, an organization accredited by the Catholic Church, reminded the faithful yesterday not to neglect their church as it appealed for continued regular sending of donations.

Laiko president Rouquel Ponte noted that the regular collections in the Catholic Church also stopped when the government implemented the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

“As a result, collections and various offerings to our churches have also stopped. As members of the Church, we know that all the services and duties (of) our parishes and diocese require our continued contributions,” Ponte said.

“Therefore, we must not forget and neglect this important and fundamental duty,” he said.

Ponte called on the leaders of the diocesan councils of the laity, national lay organizations and parish pastoral councils to help the church promote programs for those who are in need during the pandemic.

He said that church-accredited organizations may ask permission from their bishops and parish priests if they could post their announcements calling on constituents, supporters and parishioners for their assistance.

“Let us remind them to make regular offerings and contributions. Assign lay people to instruct and remind parishioners on how to send money through banks, money delivery, Cebuana, GCash, among others,” he added.

In a seven-page protocol, Manila Auxiliary Bishop and apostolic administrator of the Archdiocese of Manila Broderick Pabillo urged parish priests in the archdiocese to inform their donors of the Church’s response to COVID-19.

Pabillo added that the parish priests and other church officials should also “maintain good relationships” with barangay leaders, local government officials and donors.

“We expect our revenues to fall. People have no money and we have to do a lot of charitable work. Thus, let us minimize our expenses, especially our capital expenses,” Pabillo said.

Pabillo said that the church can also organize more online collections, talks and bible studies to reach more people during the time of pandemic.

If things get worse for the Archdiocese of Manila, Pabillo said they will be compelled to “retool or reschedule our personnel to take on new jobs” that should be done according to law and charity.

The cities of Manila, Mandaluyong, Makati, Pasay and San Juan are under the jurisdiction of the Archdiocese of Manila.

(Editor's note: An earlier version of this article reffered to Laiko president Rouquel Ponte as "Rouquela Ponte". This has been corrected.)