After reading Frank Wessling’s editorial that appeared in the Jan. 7 Catholic Messenger, I have to tell you how offended I was. It’s enough that I feel guilt letting “the basket” pass me by at Mass without having a columnist tell me that “Offering is not optional.”
It so happens that for many years (ever since our parish instituted the option) I have had my tithing taken from my bank account once a month and I can assure you that my contribution amounts to many, many times more than the $1s or $5s I see dropped in the basket by some (not all) Mass attendees on a Sunday morning.
I think Mr. Wessling might have taken that into account when he wrote his column, which I’m sure offended more persons than myself.
Margaret Mielenhausen
Bettendorf
