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5 Steps for Choosing a Catholic Charity

5 Steps for Choosing a Catholic Charity

With so many charities to choose from, it’s useful to have a Catholic perspective on how to discern where to direct our support. Here are 5 steps to help facilitate the process:

STEP 1. Dispose our hearts to charitable giving

God sees the heart of the giver, not just the amount given, and
Woman in the Templeeven a small amount in the world's eyes may be seen differently by our Lord.


Remember that Jesus commended the widow’s Temple donation of two small coins, knowing that she was giving to God out of her poverty, not her surplus.

Let us pray that God first disposes our hearts towards charitable giving, and only afterwards that we be shown where and how much we ought to give.

STEP 2. Meditate on the Works of Mercy

Catechism of the Catholic Church"Instructing, advising, consoling, comforting are spiritual works of mercy, as are forgiving and bearing wrongs patiently. The corporal works of mercy consist especially in feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and imprisoned, and burying the dead. Among all these, giving alms to the poor is one of the chief witnesses to fraternal charity: it is also a work of justice pleasing to God." (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2447)

STEP 3. Determine your inclination
 
Even though we personally may not perform each work of mercy,The Works of Mercy we can always support an organization that ministers in areas we feel inclined toward! Are you disposed towards: 

Take these examples as a moment to discover what you are most passionate about.

STEP 4. Choose ministries which include the Works

Sister with ChildrenAs Catholics, we believe that “Love for the poor[…] extends not only to material poverty but also to the many forms of cultural and religious poverty.” (Catechism, 2444)

As you begin your research, keep an eye for ministries that not only care for bodily needs, but also teach the faith and share God’s love.

STEP 5. Discern how best to give

Nun with ChildrenOnce you’ve found a ministry you want to support, ask God’s help in discerning how you might contribute your time, talent, or treasure.

Remember: always direct your focus on the Lord, and His love will flow from you wherever He wishes it to go!

(This article originally appeared in Parish Neighbors of Brookfield Magazine.)