Mite Boxes In The Episcopal Church: A Tradition of Giving and Faith

By Deacon Mary Delancey

The mite box has long been a symbol of faith, charity, and community spirit in the Episcopal

Church. Rooted in the story of the Widow's Mite in the Gospels of Mark and Luke, the mite box tradition goes back to the alms boxes found in churches since the Middle Ages.

In the early 1900s Episcopal Church leaders saw the mite box as an effective way to engage congregations in the act of giving as a spiritual discipline during Lent. Mite boxes encourage individuals, especially children, to set aside small amounts of money regularly, representing their personal sacrifices and devotion.

Through their history mite boxes have been a testament to the power of small acts of generosity and a reminder of the church's commitment to giving and community. For many years Grace children and their families have donated to our community using Lenten mite boxes. In recent years, adults asked to be included so we have added an adult mite box collection of food and supplies for Interfaith Emergency Services and CASA Marion. Mite boxes for children and families are available at the back of the church. They have a calendar attached to them for guidance on how they can be used as a spiritual practice. We also have an adult mite box calendar that you can use as a guide for collecting donations.