Smoking and Bingo stir up controversy

The latest controversy over the relationship between the game and fund-raising for Catholic education began in 1994 as state and federal laws prohibited smoking in school buildings and on school grounds, the very places where Catholic schools and parishes hosted profitable Bingos that provided -- on a national level -- up to 30 percent of the revenue needed to operate the schools.

Last week, the controversy flared in the wake of Rensselaer County's enforcement of those laws, forcing the Bingo offered by Catholic Central High School to close there and move to a church in Cohoes, where members of the Knights of Columbus charged it interfered with their long-standing Bingo.

In an effort to sort out the issues involved, The Evangelist has compiled the following facts on smoking and Bingo:

The Law

The law is enforced by the Department of Health and county boards of health. Schools found in violation of the law can face fines on the county, state and federal level ranging from $500 to $2,000 per violation.

The Effect

Others opted to host smoke-free Bingos, which were found to be less profitable. For example, at Holy Spirit School in East Greenbush, proceeds from a smoke-free Bingo are down $12,000 a year since the law was enacted. Prior to the smoking ban, Bingo generated $30,000 a year for the school.

Three years ago at St. Joseph's/St. John's Academy in Rensselaer, Bingo generated between $60,000 and $65,000 a year. Last year, according to principal Sister Kathleen Pritty, at best it brought in $30,000.

The Controversy

Earlier this month, the Rensselaer County Legislature hosted a forum to get public opinion and suggestions in order to remedy the problem, according to Jack Madden, assistant to the county executive (and a former member of the Sacred Heart School Board in Troy).

"There were a lot of good suggestions," he said. "The main solution was to level the playing field." But the county realized that its hands are tied in the matter. "The law is confusing in that it's state law and federal law," he said. "If any type of action takes place, it will be in Albany. The change has to come from the state."

According to Mr. Madden the law has caused some consternation in the county. "Nobody wanted this to happen," he said. "On a county level, we received a complaint, so we had to do something. We risked federal aid to schools and a law suit."

The County Legislature will not be voting on the issue. Rather, it is working with the offices of State Senator Joseph Bruno, Assemblyman Ronald Canestrari and Assemblyman Pat Casale, to get relief on the state level.

Catholic school position

Sister Ann McCarthy, CSJ, superintendent of diocesan schools, made it clear that the Catholic schools are not seeking any reversal on the smoking laws, saying: "We don't want to reinstate smoking." But, she explained, Catholic schools in Rensselaer County do want to level the playing field. There are children's organizations in the county that run Bingo in their buildings despite the fact that children use the buildings.

The point of the no-smoking laws is to provide children with a smoke-free environment and for adults to model no-smoking behavior in order to prevent children from taking up the habit, explained Karen Snyder, principal of Our Lady of Victory School in Troy. She added that as educators, "we put time and energy into promoting healthy lifestyles." Reversal of the no-smoking law would not send the right message to the children.

But, she continued, problems arise in that the law doesn't affect all organizations that work with children. In Lansingburgh, for example, the Boys and Girls Club runs a smoking Bingo despite the fact that the building is used by children. "We're looking for equity," she said.

While her school has never offered Bingo, she does sympathize with her colleagues that rely on it. As part of her school's effort to promote positive, healthy lifestyles, the school bazaar last year did not offer gambling or alcohol. They were replaced by family-friendly activities. Although the revenue generated was half of previous years, Mrs. Snyder was pleased by the healthier event. She reported there were fewer fights and gangs of people hanging around. This year, they will intensify their family-friendly approach.

Fundraisers without smoking, gambling and alcohol are possible she said, noting: "It's do-able, but it's a challenge."

Gambling and the Church

According to the New York State Catholic Conference, "Games of chance or wagers are not in themselves contrary to social justice. However, the Catechism of the Catholic Church also recognizes that the passion for gambling can become an enslavement and that gambling becomes morally unacceptable when it deprives someone of what is necessary to provide for his needs and those of others."

Some of the Catholic school principals who run Bingo games say they do not see people whose Bingo playing is out of control. "It's a social thing," said Sister Kathleen. "It's seniors. They come an hour-and-a-half early, and bring cookies and candy to share. It's social. They have an evening out for $7."

Sister Maureen Moffitt, principal of Holy Spirit School, agreed. "It's a social event for a variety of people. They come for dinner and enjoy themselves," she said. "It's entertainment and socialization for people living alone. It's fun for them."

Health First

"We never asked for a waiver because the health of our children is the first priority," said Sister Maureen.

In an ideal world, the principals said, they would not rely on Bingo. According to Sister Kathleen, whose school has offered Bingo for 23 years, the game ties up parish facilities two nights a week and is a challenge to run in that finding volunteers to staff the games is difficult.

"I don't think anyone who runs it likes Bingo," she said. "I'd like to not have it."

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