A bishop in Scotland has high hopes for his diocese as a new fundraising initiative was recently launched at his cathedral.Bishop John Keenan is encouraging the faithful of the Diocese of Paisley to become ‘Friends’ of certain diocesan projects in a bid to combat a £3 million (€3.5 million) deficit.
Bishop Keenan explained in a letter read out at all Masses in St Mirin’s Cathedral that the cause for the deficit is not surprising.
“It is the same deadly combination of rising costs and falling income that you know all too well from your own home finances.”
The bishop emphasised that a change in culture is needed. In his letter, he tells the lay faithful that he would rather put his trust in his own people than in professional fundraisers.
If his desire for a deficit-free diocese is to be realised, then annual savings worth £300,000 must be found.
He added that the “bulk of our efforts to eradicate the deficit will come from fundraising.”
He has appointed Fr Oliver Freney, administrator of St Mirin’s Cathedral, as the new diocesan Director of Fundraising and has challenged him to raise £100,000 annually. He said that the ‘Friends Project’ will be the “heart and soul of his fundraising campaign.”
Fr Freney was joined by several young people from the diocese for the launch at St Mirin’s.
His fellow priests will be launching it in their parishes over the coming weeks.
He said after the launch: “If every member of our diocese signed up to give just £5 a year, we would be in surplus.”
He added that he encourages parishioners to “think about our situation and give thoughtfully and generously.”
The diocesan treasurer attended the launch. Fr Stephen Bailey explained that the faithful could opt to become ‘Friends’ of particular projects like ‘vocations’, ‘education’ and ‘youth’.
He added that Bishop Keenan wants to let people know how their money is being spent.
Bishop Keenan recently led the diocesan community through a synod, during which the important role of the lay faithful within the Church was highlighted.