New Pastoral Area Finance Committee, May 2017
A new Finance Committee has been set up by Fr John Gilligan (Moderator). This was announced in the newsletter of 7th May, here (p.2). Renovation projects for our churches were announced in the newsletter of 4th June, here (p.1).
The Parish Finance Committee
The finance committee advises the parish priest in relation to financial matters.
It also oversees many of the financial aspects of the parish including the analysis and review of the annual audit statement, monthly income, expenditure and liability requirements and coordination of all parish fund-raising programs in accordance with Diocesan rules.
The Weekly Family-Giving Programme / Envelope Collection The Family Offering is our most important source of income and we appreciate the generosity of all our contributors. This money covers the day-to-day running of the church which includes utility bills, insurance, small repairs and maintenance.
While we are pleased to receive money in any form, we have a preference for Standing Orders as it reduces the administrative burden on the Parish. The form is available from the Sacristies of the Churches or the Parish Office.
The weekly total contributions to the Family Offering are included in the parish newsletter.
The First Collection at Mass
The first collection at mass supports the local priests and the retired and sick priests of the diocese.
The Second Collection at Mass The second collection at mass unless otherwise stated is the Share collection. Share was originally set up in the 1970s to provide funding to meet the needs of new and developing parishes. In more recent years, however, as the need for new churches diminished, Share has been used to refurbish parish churches, build parish pastoral centers and fund the diocesan administration of central services. The share collection is replaced by 7 special collections during the year.
Raise the Roof Campaign
The Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary is 160 years old this year (2009). Our beautiful church is in need of extensive repair and restoration. Much great work in raising funds to meet this project has already been undertaken. However, substantial funding is still required to begin the project itself. Any contribution that you can give will be most appreciated and used to ensure that the Church building continues for another 160 years and beyond. The parish has charitable status through the Archdiocese of Dublin Chy No 7424.
Tax Relief Under the finance act, there is a scheme of tax relief on donations to eligible charities. Through this scheme it is possible for the parish to claim PAYE back on contributions greater than €250 made by a parishioner in a calendar year. This scheme, of great financial benefit to the parish, will not cost you anything extra, all that is required being your signature of consent. If you have paid Income Tax in the last calendar year and you are agreeable to co-operate with this scheme of reclaiming the tax for the benefit of the parish, please contact the parish office. Many thanks.
