Collectors/
Counting Team

Collectors in the Catholic Church play a crucial role in gathering the financial offerings of the faithful during Mass. Their responsibilities involve ensuring the smooth and respectful collection of monetary contributions that support the parish's financial needs. 

Preparation for the Collection:
Arrival Before Mass: Arrive at the church early to prepare for the collection.
Retrieve Collection Baskets: Obtain collection baskets or bags from a designated storage area.

Coordinated Effort:
Coordination with Ushers: Collaborate with ushers to ensure a coordinated approach to collecting offerings.
Communication with the Celebrant: Communicate with the celebrant or presider to be aware of any special instructions or announcements related to the collection.

Reverent Collection:
Approach with Reverence: Approach the collection with a sense of reverence and respect for the sacredness of the offering.
Silent Collection: Conduct the collection quietly and unobtrusively to minimize distractions during Mass.

Timely and Efficient Collection:
Timely Start: Begin the collection at the appropriate time, typically after the Offertory and the presentation of the gifts.
Efficient Collection: Move through the congregation efficiently, collecting offerings in an organized manner.

Collection in an Orderly Manner:
Organized Movement: Collect offerings in an orderly manner, moving systematically through the rows or sections of the church.
Assistance with Offertory Procession: Assist with the offertory procession by collecting financial offerings as the gifts are presented.

Security and Accountability:
Ensure Security: Safeguard the collected offerings to prevent loss or mishandling.
Accountability: Be accountable for the offerings collected and hand them over to the designated person or place for counting and recording.

Understanding of Church Policies:
Familiarity with Collection Procedures: Be familiar with the parish's policies and procedures regarding the collection of offerings.
Adherence to Guidelines: Adhere to any guidelines or instructions provided by the pastor or finance council.

Handling Special Collections:
Special Collections: Manage special collections for specific purposes, such as diocesan appeals or charitable initiatives.
Communication with Parishioners: Briefly inform parishioners about the nature and purpose of special collections.

Communication with Ushers and Other Ministers:
Coordinate with Ushers: Communicate effectively with ushers to ensure a smooth overall flow of the Mass.
Collaborate with Other Liturgical Ministers: Collaborate with other liturgical ministers, such as ushers, lectors, and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion.

Confidentiality and Integrity:
Maintain Confidentiality: Respect the confidentiality of individuals making contributions.
Integrity in Handling Finances: Handle financial contributions with integrity and transparency.

Counting and Recording Contributions:
Handover to Counters: Ensure the timely and secure handover of collected offerings to those responsible for counting.
Recordkeeping: Assist in maintaining accurate records of collections for financial reporting and accountability.

Training and Ongoing Formation:
Participate in Training: Attend training sessions provided by the parish on proper collection procedures, security measures, and parish financial policies.
Ongoing Formation: Engage in ongoing formation to stay informed about any updates or changes in procedures.

Collectors in the Catholic Church contribute to the financial well-being of the parish by collecting the monetary offerings of the faithful with reverence, integrity, and efficiency. Their role is essential in supporting the various ministries and activities that sustain the parish community.