The Catholic Church has not formally pronounced on financially supporting Shriners hospitals, although we can apply Catholic principles to the question, given that the Shriners are a philanthropic endeavor of the Masons.
As the Masons note well on their official website,all Shriners are Masons, andShriners hospitals are one of their big service projects.
The Church has repeatedly pronounced that Catholics may not become Shriners or otherwise members of Masonic societies, under pain of excommunication. Freemasonryis at odds with Catholicism in key ways, and one of Masonry’s prime adjectives, particularly as it has existed in certain European countries, has been to destroy the Catholic Church. See ourpresentation on Freemasonry.
In that light, we can apply Catholic principles to giving financial support to a Shriners hospital. One should never give to Masonic endeavor because it advances the mission of Masonry per se. Support for any Masonic endeavor to advance the fundamental mission of Masonry would be formal cooperation in an intrinsic moral evil (see CCC 1868), which would be, objectively, a mortal sin (see CCC 1857–1863). It would be similar to voting for a pro-abortion politician precisely because he favors the legalized killing of unborn children (see CCC 2272). This is why formally joining the Masons is an excommunicable offense.
A Catholic might counter that he’d give financially to a Shriners hospital only to support the Masons’ care of disabled children, and that any support of the Shriners otherwise would be an unintended side-effect. Here one should consider the Church’s teaching on the principle of double effect. We can never choose evil that good may come from it (CCC 1756).
In addition, as an application on the principle of double effect, one should consider whether such financial support is necessary to treat seriously disabled children in a given geographical area. If there are good Catholic hospitals that provide such care, then you should direct your funds there because, in doing so, you can expect that the care the children receive is sound medically and spiritually, and you’ll also be supporting the Church’s mission in general. However, if a Shriners hospital is the only means of serving seriously disabled children care in the area, then it can be a good thing for a Catholic to give money specifically to support the Shriners’ care of seriously disabled children.
FAQs
Approximately 85 percent of all funds spent by Shriners Children's each year is dedicated to patient care, research, and education. We work hard to make sure your gifts are used in the most efficient and effective manner.
Can Catholics donate to Shriners Hospitals? ›
However, if a Shriners hospital is the only means of serving seriously disabled children care in the area, then it can be a good thing for a Catholic to give money specifically to support the Shriners' care of seriously disabled children.
How does Shriners Hospital make money? ›
Where does the money come from to operate Shriners Hospitals for Children? As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Shriners Hospitals for Children relies on the generosity of Shriners, corporations and the general public to carry out its mission and improve the lives of children every day.
What makes Shriners Hospital different? ›
Our compassionate, patient-centered atmosphere immediately sets a tone of hope for the families who come to us. At Shriners Children's, we strive to help each patient achieve the best possible outcome. Our commitment to research helps us find new and improved treatments and contribute to the world's medical knowledge.
What is the Shriners Hospital controversy? ›
Shriners International—which has about 200 local chapters across the U.S.—is stuck in the dark ages, with programs and policies that promote animal abuse, are sexist, and have been accused of cultural appropriation.
Is Shriners Hospital in financial trouble? ›
Shriners Hospitals for Children, an organization where the practice of medicine has long been unfazed by finances, is struggling with a money crunch and may close some of its hospitals.
What is the difference between St Jude's and Shriners? ›
St. Jude is for treating children with all kinds of cancer. Shriner Hospital treats and habilitates childen with musculoskeletal issues and missing limbs, etc.
Who is the biggest donor to Shriners Hospital? ›
Shriners Hospitals for Children — a Tampa, Florida-based healthcare system — has announced a $60 million gift from the estate of Kansas oil tycoon A.B. Hudson, the St. Louis Business Journal reports. The largest gift in the healthcare system's ninety-year history will be added to its $6 billion endowment.
What is the religion of the Shriners Hospital? ›
Despite its Arabic theme, the Shrine is in no way connected to Islam. It is a men's fraternity rather than a religion or religious group. Its only religious requirement is indirect: all Shriners must be Masons, and petitioners to Freemasonry must profess a belief in a Supreme Being.
Is St. Jude's hoarding money? ›
Jude claims it costs 2 billion dollars annually to run the organization. However, recently it has come to light that the non-profit organization has been hoarding billions of dollars in profits from its donations while its patients receive very little of that critical funding. Parents of children treated at St.
The 22 hospitals in the United States, Canada and Mexico provide advanced care for children with orthopaedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate. Philadelphia Unit - Rajah's special interest.
Who owns Shriners? ›
Headquartered in Tampa, Florida, the hospitals are owned and operated by Shriners International, formally known as the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, a Freemasonry-related organization whose members are known as Shriners.
What is Shriners' syndrome? ›
Osteogenesis Imperfecta or brittle bone disease: In this disorder, the bone forming cells have a genetic abnormality and produce low-quality bone that is too brittle and fractures easily.
Are Shriners Christians? ›
There is no requirement for religion, race or relationship to a Shriner.
What happened to Alec from Shriners hospital? ›
Story Summary
He now plays wheelchair sports, appears on television and attends college. He embodies the hope and confidence families and children find at Shriners Hospitals for Children.
How much actually goes to St. Jude's? ›
Your gift will help save kids' lives and help drive the research to cure childhood cancer. We're proud that 82 cents of every dollar received goes to support the treatment, research and future needs of St. Jude.
What is the controversy with St. Jude's money? ›
Jude's Unspent Billions. Financial disclosures newly released by St. Jude, however, show $886 million of the hospital's record $2 billion-plus in revenues last fiscal year went unspent. Those surplus dollars instead flowed to the hospital's reserve fund, which helped it grow to $7.6 billion by the end of June 2021.
What charities have the highest percentage going to cause? ›
| Charity Name | Percentage of funds that go directly to the cause, versus administrative or fundraising costs |
|---|
| Christian Blind Mission International | 99.20% |
| Midwest Food Bank, NFP | 99.20% |
| World Medical Relief | 99.20% |
| Feeding Tampa Bay | 99.10% |
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Rating Information
This charity's score is 99%, earning it a Four-Star rating. If this organization aligns with your passions and values, you can give with confidence.
