Collection Counters Ministry: Ensuring Good Stewardship of Our Parish Treasure

We all have gifts we can use to glorify our Lord. Some of us have obvious gifts to aid in the Mass, whether we have been blessed with a strong singing voice or speaking voice. Others have talents that can help behind the scenes — and our parish's Collection Counters Ministry serves as a perfect example.

Five to seven volunteers gather each week to count, organize, and calculate the collections from all the Masses at St. Benedict Cathedral Parish. As we all know, it takes the gift of treasure, large or small, to keep our parish operating. Likewise, it’s an important ministry to accurately count the offering.

The COVID-19 pandemic has meant that our counters are working in smaller groups. Some members have chosen to be cautious and take a break from this ministry for the time being.

Jeff Marx will be the first to admit he wouldn’t be a good fit for many ministries at St. Benedict Cathedral Parish, but with his accounting background, counting the collection is a perfect role to take on.

“We want to make sure potential members have some accounting background, and also the ability to be confidential about the collection,” Jeff says.

There are four teams of counters, each operating a little differently on timing. Jeff’s group starts 30 minutes before the last Mass ends. Depending on the collection size, they are done in about an hour. Team leads all do things a bit differently, as well. Jeff’s team usually has two people counting loose change, two opening envelopes, and one running the adding machine.

Historically, new counters have been chosen bu the pastor. Jeff says it’s really important to take confidentiality seriously as part of this work.

“I am all about the processing," he says. "I don’t care whose name is on it. I just want to make sure it is all added correctly."

As a member of St. Benedict Cathedral his entire life, Jeff's connection to the parish extends back for generations. Jeff used to fill in as a counter when he was a teenager if his father’s group needed another member. He says he’s been doing this ministry for so long, it’s "second nature" and he still really enjoys having this opportunity to use his gifts serving our Lord.

All parishioners are encouraged to consider using their talents to glorify the Lord. After all, that is what stewardship is all about!

Anyone who is interested in learning more about the Collection Counters Ministry may contact Jeff Marx at 812-430-5622.

A Collection Counter team gathers recently to count the collection following Mass — (from left) Roger Emge, Amy Samm, Susie Emge, Suzanne Seibert and Kathy Wuertz.