What is a Penny Worth Today?

Several years ago at St. Mary’s Church on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, the liturgy committee was searching for a way to draw attention to Stewardship Sunday. They found their answer in the gospel text “Jesus said to them, ‘Give to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s’ ” (Mark 12:17).

The committee exchanged ten dollars from church funds for a thousand pennies and at every Mass on Stewardship Sunday the committee gave a penny to each person who came into the church. The pastor, Monsignor Neil Connelly, drew out the message in his homily. “Take this penny,” he said, “and put it someplace where you can see it often. Let it remind you to give back to God for all that God has given you.” The church was investing in them, he explained, just as God had done. He asked that they respond by sharing their own time, talent, and treasure.

The message did not go unheeded. St. Mary’s saw results spiritually as parishioners tried to deepen their prayer lives. Others became more interested and involved in parish activities or they joined a small Christian community. Collections increased. As one visitor to the parish explained, “There are many poor people here. Many of them live in subsidized housing. A coin is a potent symbol. I saw many smiles that day and I think the penny made them keep on thinking about God and their church, too.”

She continued, “As for me, that liturgy changed the way I look at a penny. It’s the least of our coins, but for me the penny has become a reminder to pray.”

Click here for Four Steps to Planning a Penny Sunday for your parish.



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