And of course I had thought about that scenario before. I just told myself
A) I wouldn’t tell anyone else not to give, this would be for my particular case only
B) The place was doing well before I ever got there, so it doesn’t really need my assistance
C) Of course in the situation where my assistance WOULD really impact the place remaining in operation, then yes I would give
But yes, I grant that you’re right and I’m wrong about this
I've considered those justifications/rationalizations myself. However, this exact argument could be applied to stealing from a physical store. Let me rephrase your statements slightly, to apply to physical theft:
"I wouldn't promote shoplifting to anyone else"
"The store is doing great; they won't go under just because I'm stealing $500 of goods per month"
"If the store would go out of business due to my theft, I wouldn't do it"
See how it's the exact same argument?
Another way of looking at it: why should all the parishioners (minus you) support the chapel, instead of ALL of you, or all of you minus ANOTHER parishioner? Why do YOU get to keep your money, while the other parishioners carry the place? After all, you all receive the same "goods" or benefit from the chapel. See the justice issues here? "A laborer is worthy of his hire."
PS. Of course, all normal rules apply as to how much you should contribute. For purposes of this discussion, let's say each parishioner should contribute "100% of what THEY should, before God, given THEIR specific circuмstances" In other words, let's pass over the issue of "how much should I contribute". That's why I'm keeping it generic "your contribution". We're talking principles here, not dollars and cents.