Next Sunday, we will take up the Annual Peter’s Pence Collection. It is a worldwide collection that supports the activities of the Holy See and the Pope’s charity, especially to assist the victims of war, oppression, natural disasters and others most in need.

Peter’s Pence derives its name from a ninth-century English custom started by King Alfred the Great. He collected money from landowners to help support the pope. Early Peter’s Pence collections also included special taxes to fund the Crusades. Over the centuries the practice declined, especially after the French Revolution.

In 1870, with the unification of Italy, the Vatican lost significant land and assets. Under Pope Pius IX, the Vatican began to encourage a revival of Peter’s Pence throughout the Catholic world. It was known in Italian as Obolo di San Pietro (“offerings from the faithful”), and the collection was to be used not only for charities but also for the Vatican’s daily operating expenses.

The collection teaches us we are a “catholic” Church, a church that is universal and we are charged by Christ Himself to take care of the less fortunate of our brothers and sisters throughout the world.

So, please be generous as you can. There will be a second basket on the table to receive your collection next week.

Today is Super Bowl Sunday. Religion and sports have had a long, complicated relationship, dating back at least to the ancient Olympics, which were bound up with Greek gods and religious mythology related to Mount Olympus. Sadly, more Americans will watch the Super Bowl today than go to Church.

Statistics tell us that at least 28 percent of men and women spend at least 5 hours a week watching professional football games (college football was counted). Five hours is a lot of time spent in one sitting. The typical church service lasts only about one hour, and the best estimates are that less than 20 percent of American adults go to Church.

Enjoy the game, after of course, you went to Church.

And for all the boyfriends and husbands: Don’t forget, next Sunday is Valentine’s Day.