Joyful Generosity: Almsgiving and Tithing Renewed in Parishes

Joy is at the heart of Christian generosity. When we give freely, whether through almsgiving, tithing, or offering our time, we participate in something far greater than ourselves: a life rooted in faith, hope, and love. These acts of charity are more than spiritual disciplines. They are visible signs of a living, joyful Church. Encouragingly, recent findings from the 2025 State of Church Giving Report indicate a resurgence in generosity across Catholic parishes, igniting a message of joy, hope, and renewed commitment among the faithful.

Amid widespread uncertainty in recent years, the report provides inspiring evidence of resilience and generosity within Catholic communities. In 2024, 51% of churches surveyed reported increased giving. The most common growth in giving ranged between 4-7%, a statistic signaling more than just financial support—it signifies a parish community’s recommitment to its mission of charity, outreach, and service. This generous spirit uplifts more than the bottom line. It empowers parishes to expand outreach, care for the vulnerable, and remain a vital presence in their communities. And perhaps it points to the interior transformation of hearts opened by grace.

Today’s faithful are continually embracing digital channels for donations, a prominent shift highlighted in the 2025 report. Catholic parishes noted a 4.45% year-over-year rise in digital giving, reflecting parishioners’ growing comfort and preference for electronic contributions.

The prevalence of recurring giving among Catholic communities is striking. Accounting for 76% of their digital donations, more than double the rate observed in Protestant churches, this finding underlines how effective technology and easy-to-use platforms encourage consistent giving. Additionally, automated giving provides convenience and continuity, allowing parishioners to remain faithful to their commitments throughout the liturgical year.

A nuanced understanding of each parish’s demographic profile offers insight into fostering generosity year-round. While the 45-74 age bracket constitutes a significant 74% of parish donations, highlighting their crucial financial role, there’s still a clear opportunity to cultivate greater engagement among younger parishioners. Only 16% of parishes report increased giving from the 18-29 demographic. Addressing this trend, reflective of broader shifts in generational participation, requires strategic initiatives tailored to resonate with younger members and inspire their active involvement.

According to some reports, a majority of baby boomers (57%) attended religious services weekly during their childhood, a stark contrast to the minority of millennials (45%) and Gen Zers (40%) who report the same. Still, closing this generational gap is crucial, and parishes that have introduced modern giving and engagement methods, such as digital wallets and mobile apps, have witnessed increased participation from younger members.

Here are actionable strategies to amplify generosity during celebratory periods like the Lenten and Easter seasons and beyond:

1. Transparent Communication: Clear, frequent updates on parish financial health and direct explanations of how contributions support specific initiatives build trust and motivate parishioners to give generously.
2. Encouraging Recurring Donations: Promoting recurring giving options can ensure a steady, predictable income stream, allowing parish leaders to better plan and sustain ministries and charitable outreach programs.
3. Personalized Outreach: Tailoring communication through personalized letters, emails, or messages strengthens individual connections and emphasizes each parishioner’s unique value to the community’s mission.
4. Leveraging Technology: Integrating intuitive and accessible digital giving tools encourages wider participation, simplifies the giving process, and overcomes common barriers such as technological unfamiliarity or security concerns.

When thoughtfully applied, these strategies can transform parish giving from occasional donations into an enduring, joyful practice deeply rooted in faith and fostering spiritual poverty.

Central to the success of almsgiving and tithing is “cheerful giving,” a concept deeply rooted in Scripture and Tradition. St. Paul reminds us, “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Cor. 9:7), emphasizing that genuine generosity stems from joy rather than obligation. The current upward trajectory in parish giving powerfully illustrates how cheerful generosity can flourish when supported by clear communication, modern conveniences, and a sense of communal purpose.

This renewed sense of joyful generosity strengthens parish financial health and, more importantly, parishioners’ spiritual well-being. Almsgiving and tithing are not mere “Christian obligations”; they are tangible expressions of faith, solidarity, and love for God and neighbor.

Through recommitment to fasting, prayer, and almsgiving, the Lenten season reminds us that life in Christ is abundant, even (and especially) when we intentionally deprive ourselves of material things. With this reminder of graceful abundance comes the reminder that the Lord’s gifts to us are meant to be shared.

So, as we rejoice in the Resurrection, we are called to reflect that joy through lives of generosity and grace. We can take hope that our parishes’ growing spirit of giving is more than a trend; it’s a testament to the living Faith of the Catholic Church.

Let us move forward with hearts full of gratitude and hands ready to serve. Through joyful almsgiving and tithing, we help those around us encounter the Risen Christ by embodying His limitless love for them.

---

Author’s Note: At Ministry Brands, we recognize that strong stewardship is rooted in understanding the communities we serve. Our organization conducts this annual research and reporting in order to provide parishes and dioceses with credible, actionable insights grounded in real-world data. With contributions from thousands of Church leaders and analysis of billions in donations, the State of Church Giving Report helps Catholic ministries make informed decisions that deepen community engagement and sustain their mission-driven impact.

Photo by Josh Appel on Unsplash