The US bishops' conference sponsored several collections for causes such as the Catholic Communications Campaign, the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, and Catholic University. Then there was the Peter's Pence collection, a few special appeals for the missions, and an occasional emergency drive to aid the victims of some natural disaster. On Sunday mornings in a typical parish, the second collection was again the rule rather than the exception. But the proliferation of special collections makes it difficult for the layman to know, from week to week, whether or not he should reach for his checkbook. For active Catholics, besieged by fundraising appeals from scores of different charitable organizations, these are not idle questions.
Wise investors scrutinize every possibility before making a commitment.
It is impossible to gather the relevant information about a charitable cause in the time it takes the ushers to pass through the congregation with the collection baskets. Over the years CWR has published several stories calling attention to CCHD grants that have fallen into the hands of radical activists promoting legalized abortion and homosexual marriage. As active citizens, Catholics should contribute to the political causes they find most compelling. They should also be generous in their support for missionary works, evangelical efforts, and humanitarian projects. But they should choose their favorite charities carefully, ensuring that their money will be used wisely.