The passing of the basket is easy to overlook — yet St. Paul himself organized a Sunday collection. Dr. Brant Pitre shows why giving belongs at the heart of the Mass.
The Collection at Mass: Almsgiving, the Sunday Collection, and the Offertory
This session takes up the Collection — the money and gifts brought for the poor and the Church (GIRM 73) — and shows that it is far older than modern parish envelopes. Dr. Pitre draws the line from Melchizedek's offering and Abraham's tithe (Genesis 14), through the tithes of Deuteronomy 14 and Jesus' teaching on almsgiving in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6:2-4), to St. Paul's explicit instruction about the first-day-of-the-week contribution "for the saints" (1 Corinthians 16:1-3; 2 Corinthians 9:7). He then turns to the early Church: St. Justin Martyr describing gifts gathered for orphans, widows, and prisoners, and St. John Chrysostom on the power of almsgiving to fortify a Christian home. The Catechism frames it all — the fifth precept of the Church (CCC 2043) and the collection as an imitation of Christ who "became poor to make us rich" (CCC 1351). The video explores where this practice comes from and how it relates to the sacrifice; it leaves the synthesis for the session itself.
Key passages & sources examined: GIRM 73; Genesis 14:18-20; Deuteronomy 14:28; Matthew 6:2-4; 1 Corinthians 16:1-3; 2 Corinthians 9:7; CCC 1351; CCC 2043; St. Justin Martyr, 1 Apology 65-67; St. John Chrysostom, On Repentance and Almsgiving
Why is there a collection at Mass? Because Christians have brought gifts for the poor and the Church from the very beginning (CCC 1351). This session traces that custom from Scripture through the early Church.
Where in the Bible is the Sunday collection? St. Paul directs the Corinthians to set something aside "on the first day of every week" (1 Cor 16:1-3). Dr. Pitre unpacks the context in the video.
Is the collection part of the sacrifice of the Mass? The session explores how the gathering of gifts relates to the presentation of the bread and wine — watch for the connection Dr. Pitre draws.
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I told him I do not know what I would do without all the knowledge I have gained from this program. Period. Dr. Grant Pitre is phenomenal and an excellent teacher.
This video series helped me to more deeply enter into Mass. Understanding the biblical and historical context brings me attention back to the altar, even when the kiddos are at their most distracting!
This supported by doctrine study illuminates a personal struggle and provides the necessary coping mechanisms to overcome adversity. Doctor Brant has an exquisite methodology of presenting the material in an informative manner that keeps you engaged in the discussion.
Love this subscription. Dr Pitre’s explanations are so understandable and helpful. Michael in customer service is always available and quickly answers any questions I might have.
I told him I do not know what I would do without all the knowledge I have gained from this program. Period. Dr. Grant Pitre is phenomenal and an excellent teacher.
This video series helped me to more deeply enter into Mass. Understanding the biblical and historical context brings me attention back to the altar, even when the kiddos are at their most distracting!
This supported by doctrine study illuminates a personal struggle and provides the necessary coping mechanisms to overcome adversity. Doctor Brant has an exquisite methodology of presenting the material in an informative manner that keeps you engaged in the discussion.
Love this subscription. Dr Pitre’s explanations are so understandable and helpful. Michael in customer service is always available and quickly answers any questions I might have.
