I love it!!
You know, there have been times when I've had no cash or checks and wished I could use my credit card...

You jest, but I almost wish this product were real (minus the noises and flashing lights). The collection basket is the only time I ever use cash anymore!

Some parishes have actually initiated a credit/debit-based system for collecting the financial contributions of the parish. It is set up automatically, so nothing is actually done with the basket!

Our parish collection baskets are more often than not filled by the children of the parish - simply because the parents do the auto withdrawal thing.

God Bless the money counters rolling all that change!

On a related, but somewhat more serious note, does having the automatic withdrawal set up do a diservice to our children? The parents are saying, "tithe, give up a portion of your hard earned allowance", but they aren't seeing mom and dad put THEIR hard earned money in the basket?

Oh my word! I can't stand it!! That is too funny. I really hope it never comes into action. That would just send me rolling.

The funny thing is that I've heard of non-Catholic churches with ATMs in their vestibules. I'll have to look into that in the future. The parish will get the tithe plus $2 ATM service charge.

Jennifer,

We do not do that here (that I know of) but I see your point regarding the children. It might be explained that mom and dad do in fact contribute but in another way!

Along the same line, some will argue that the sign value of the offeretory is destroyed if nobody places anything in the plate!

Father, I agree that the sign value is destroyed through the use of automatic withdrawal. Not only that, there is something good for the soul in the discipline of physically handing over to God a token of His own gifts every week.

Giving cash, or even writing a check, is much more painful to me than using a credit card or having automatic withdrawal, which seems almost theoretical. Even though it's the same money.

I am suggesting that the pain is *good*; a more tangible reminder of why we are giving.