By Fr. Jerry Pokorsky, Catholic Culture, Nov 11, 2024
Fr. Jerry Pokorsky is a priest of the Diocese of Arlington who has also served as a financial administrator in the Diocese of Lincoln. Trained in business and accounting, he also holds a Master of Divinity and a Master’s in moral theology. Father Pokorsky co-founded both CREDO and Adoremus, two organizations deeply engaged in authentic liturgical renewal. He writes regularly for a number of Catholic websites and magazines.
In the 1944 movie classic It’s a Wonderful Life, Clarence, the angel sent to save George Bailey, explains why he can’t help pay George’s savings and loan debt. He says, “We don’t use money in heaven.” George mutters, “Comes in pretty handy down here, bub.” He has a point.
Individuals and organizations need money to survive. Even Jesus entrusted Judas with the cash box. But many Catholics resent priests making fundraising appeals and add “All he ever talks about is money” to the list of all the things he ever talks about. So many priests avoid the subject. But the generosity of the poor widow in the Gospel validates the conversation and the proper use of money. …