John Patrick Berend, Upington – It’s almost seems as if Sheldon Vandrey and I discussed his proposal in the article “Getting our parishes in the black” (January 18) over tea because I shared the same sentiments or proposals to our previous parish priest.
Issues of concern or sustainability of the following:
- Fundraising events that only concentrate on the normal churchgoers.
- People who are involved in the active organisations in the parish.
I made a proposal of a “Green Collection” for everyone attending Sunday Mass. This proposal makes it possible for the poor, the needy and pensioners to value their contributions as being equal to the other congregants.
The proposal does also not imply that those who can afford to give more shouldn’t do so.
The result of this proposal was that our Sunday collection, normally at the average of between R1000-R2000, rose to R18000.
Mr Vandrey’s proposal is workable and sustainable, but it needs a committed group of people who are the sole custodians of it.
It should basically be the parish’s own assessment of the economic challenges in the parish.
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