Beggars outside OLGC after Mass? (Alexandria, Fairfax: appointed, houses, weddings)

[CAVA1990]

Originally Posted by Flamingo13

I've had people ask me for money to buy a sandwich - I offer to buy them a sandwich but say I won't give them money....they walk away.

Ah yes, alms only for the worthy poor. I'm sure that argument will fly on Judgement Day.

[Alltheusernamesaretaken]

Originally Posted by CAVA1990

Better yet, why don't you tell the priest how you feel about that during your next confession? If I were he I'd probably give you a nice lecture on the thief in the night parable and about 100 Hail Marys for penance.

Add another 100 Acts of Contrition.

While I do go to Confession, I believe priests are in no position to do any lecturing,
considering what so many let slide for so many years.

Getting rid of beggars in the parking lot should be a walk in the park in comparison.

I do hope you feel better after having gotten your own lecture in, under the guise of what you think a priest should say.

[Alltheusernamesaretaken]

Originally Posted by CAVA1990

Ah yes, alms only for the worthy poor. I'm sure that argument will fly on Judgement Day.

Thessalonians:
"10-13For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.."

Hope this helps.

[Yankeesfan]

Originally Posted by VTHokieFan

Solid chance that any money you give to them potentially funds any addiction they might have.

That is the problem, unfortunately. The pastor could refer them to Catholic Charities, which the parishioners are contributing to right now through the Bishop's Lenten Appeal. The diocese also has programs for immigrants and refugees, funded by donations. The parishes also have food drives, clothing drives, school supplies drives, and other assistance programs.

[Yankeesfan]

Originally Posted by CAVA1990

Better yet, why don't you tell the priest how you feel about that during your next confession? If I were he I'd probably give you a nice lecture on the thief in the night parable and about 100 Hail Marys for penance.

Add another 100 Acts of Contrition.

Interesting comment, coming CAVA1990,who wrote last week on another thread about his area: "Beyond that, nothing's going to get much better until they figure out how to disperse the concentration of low rent housing and low income residents all along Route 1. It still feels like you're in the third world when venturing out onto it. Would be nice if the rest of the region would absorb some of that."

[vermonter16]

I've offered to buy meals for folks and they've been happy to accept. But, I understand about feeding the whole addiction thing. If they really need money - alert your priest and ask them to come and talk to these folks and hook them up with Catholic Charities.

Funny how people are upset about beggars outside of a church though... Seems a bit contradictory to me.

[CAVA1990]

Originally Posted by Yankeesfan

Interesting comment, coming CAVA1990,who wrote last week on another thread about his area: "Beyond that, nothing's going to get much better until they figure out how to disperse the concentration of low rent housing and low income residents all along Route 1. It still feels like you're in the third world when venturing out onto it. Would be nice if the rest of the region would absorb some of that."

What's wrong with advocating for income diversity in all parts of the county?

I would love to see the headline "Church Bans Beggars".

[mlv311]

Originally Posted by Yankeesfan

That is the problem, unfortunately. The pastor could refer them to Catholic Charities, which the parishioners are contributing to right now through the Bishop's Lenten Appeal. The diocese also has programs for immigrants and refugees, funded by donations. The parishes also have food drives, clothing drives, school supplies drives, and other assistance programs.

One time when we came out of Mass there was a family of 4 with a baby outside the church. One of the ushers and the priest brought them inside the parish and talked to them about the resources available to help. I've never seen them outside with a sign again. The reality is that if a family is going through hard times, continuous short-term help while they get back on their feet is going to be more useful than gathering a few donations by panhandling outside the church (and that's making the assumption that some people are hurting and may not be panhandling to feed an addiction, which is a completely different story).

[CAVA1990]

Put $10 in the poor box and say hello to them on the way out. Bases covered.

[VTHokieFan]

Originally Posted by CAVA1990

Ah yes, alms only for the worthy poor. I'm sure that argument will fly on Judgement Day.

I'm not sure you quite understand. Nothing in the bible about throwing cash at poor people. It says feed the hungry, house the homeless, give drink to the thirsty, and clothe the naked not "give an irrevocable cash donation to beggars."