Anyone rattled by tariffs, job losses, or other looming question marks in the world economy?

As economic uncertainty deepens for many families, parishes should be reflecting: how can we respond in ways that help? The instinct to give—money, gift cards—is understandable and sometimes absolutely necessary. But outside of direct financial support, we can offer more. We can offer solidarity, creativity, new ways of living, and a commitment to walk alongside one another with dignity.

Here are 10 creative ways churches can serve people in times of economic challenge–and as a bonus, this does not cost money (or much of it) to implement. After all, churches may be struggling too.

1. Create a monthly “buy nothing” Saturday. Open up the school gym or gathering area or parking lot and encourage people to come with a blanket put out things they are open to giving away. In the meantime, they can look for things they would otherwise buy as well. Beyond a concrete help, this is a way to get people to think about what they need and how they get it. It’s a first, easy step toward a culture of mutual aid.
2. Bring in courses or speakers about tackling debt and budgeting well from a Christian perspective. Of course, a lot of people know of Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University, and that course can be offered and taught by volunteers (people do need to purchase the course). But there are other options too, such as Catholic Compass Ministries. There may be local parishioners who do financial coaching. Look for options–there are many.
3. Host some easy potluck community meals where all are welcome. This isn’t a soup kitchen…this is a potluck with a focus on community building. People can bring anything. Parish provides paper plates, utensils, and ice water. This can be a good meal when people don’t want to admit they have to stretch what they have to eat. It could also just be fun!
4. Open a free mini-“farmers market.” Encourage your gardeners to share the bounty of their harvests by setting Saturday mornings in July through September. Your choice as to whether to make it open to the public or more in-house…you know your community (and how many have gardens). If it’s public, make it fun and celebratory, get someone to play guitar, and practice radical hospitality. Hand out zucchini recipes….
5. Offer some free fun for young families. Rent a community ball park and play softball together. If you have outdoor space, show an old movie on an outdoor screen and get bags of popcorn. Have musicians? Have a free concert (unless they volunteer their time, pay the musicians!).
6. Organize a group service project. One way to get your mind off of your own economic challenge is to serve others. There are so many options–community clean up day, serving the elderly day, a Habitat for Humanity work day, create an inspirational mural day, bring in a food pack for people living in famines, etc. Gather everyone at the church, receive instructions and a blessing, and come back at the end of the day for a simple meal.
7. Build up your prayer groups. When times are hard, people know in a new way that they need God, and they need each other. Prayer groups–especially groups dedicated to praying for the community’s needs–help to fill both needs.
8. Increase the parish benevolence fund. Now is the time to have a little more on hand. Be clear to people that they can donate to that fund specifically. Need a fundraiser? Consider creating a “low cost cooking” cookbook.
9. Create a back-to-school clothes closet. If you have the space to have some good quality clothes stored for pick up–this can be a real help. Another free closet option? First communion clothing in very good condition.
10. Ask benefactors to consider sacrificial donating to the Catholic school’s scholarship fund. You could underline this is a time of deeper need. If many or all the young people go to public schools, consider receiving donations to be used for back to school items (backpacks, pencils, notebooks, calculators, etc.).

Thinking first and foremost about how we can serve others is living out our Christian vocation. Times may call for creative parish-based approaches, but there is a lot that we can do for each other. Let this list be a brainstorming opportunity for your parish leadership or service groups about how to serve in 2025.

What can your parish do to respond to people suffering in the economic uncertainties throughout your community?