I’d agree there is more to this picture than merely financial assistance if the person insists on a public display while avoiding assistance. What I might do personally may not be what is best for your community of faith.

Thanks for the post and comments.

Someone emailed me to ask what the parish response was to her. Several people talked with her following mass and gave some money. I spoke with her briefly and told her that I was certain our pastor would not have given her permission to make the announcement, to which she then responded she had spoken to a deacon who had offered assistance through means other than begging at the church door, but she refused this kind of help. She wanted to return to our next liturgy and I let her know that would not be appropriate.

Your question, Steve, of what would I have done differently had I recognized the lie earlier is a good one. Usually when someone needs assistance I speak with them about what they need and try to direct them to the ways we as a community can meet that need. Many times people will not agree to this. Our pastor noted that this woman has done the same to him on several occasions and he asked her to stick around so that they could talk and she always disappears. I have no doubt that we could help her with legitimate needs if we could find out what those are. It is a generous parish.

I also recognize the need as a pastor to be a shepherd who guards against those who would take advantage of the generosity of people who are trying to live the Gospel and this is one reason I was bothered by this particular event. In the end though I would rather make the “mistake” of giving to someone who lied to me, than to refuse someone who is truly in need.