Thursday, June 23, 2011

Ferns fundraising well on target

Ferns Bishop Denis Brennan has praised priests and people of the diocese who have come forward to plug a funding shortfall. 

Last year, the decision was made to remortgage the bishop's house for €1.8m in a bid to increase cashflow.

In a letter to parishioners read at Masses at the weekend, Dr Brennan revealed that the 2010 day-to-day running costs of the diocese was €557,817 and the income for the year was €547,139, a shortfall of some €10,678.

Bishop Brennan said he was ''heartened'' by the reponse of priests and people. 

''Through the generosity of the priests of the diocese - and some individuals who have come forward the target set in April 2010, has been reached.

Rental income

''€60,000 has been contributed from The Friends of the Diocese of Ferns and €60,000 has also come from the rental income associated with St Peter's College,'' he said.

At the same time the diocese raised €542,000 for Trócaire's vital overseas aid work. 

Dr Brennan also revealed that the diocese has spent €8.4m settling abuse claims and the treatment of offenders.