WHIT SUNDAY draws near, which means the close of this year's
Church Times Train-A-Priest (TAP) Fund appeal. The grand
total, including Gift Aid due, is £57,829.
This is a substantial fall from last year's figure of £71,709,
but still a splendid effort in times of economic hardship. Our
thanks go to all our readers and their friends who have given
generously in support of this year's appeal - particularly to those
who have promoted TAP in their congregations.
Remember, too, that any donations that arrive from now on will
be added to the opening total for next year's appeal; so if, for
example, anyone who would have liked to make a thankoffering for
the ordination of the C of E's first women priests but missed the
opportunity while the appeal was open, is still able to do so
before the 20th-anniversary year ends.
In the 60 years since the TAP Fund was launched by Rosamund
Essex, its beneficiaries have our readers past and present to thank
for help to the tune of more than £9 million if it is translated
into current values. Most of this year's donations will be used to
support candidates who are in residential training for the
priesthood; but some are earmarked for the TAP Special Hardship
Fund, which stands ready to help all candidates, whatever their
mode of training, if they experience a financial crisis that
jeopardises their future ministry.
As ever, nothing is deducted to cover the costs of the appeal or
of administering the grants, which are not allocated by the
Church Times, but by the Ministry Division of the
Archbishops' Council. Every penny is for ministry.
The online giving page, hymnsam.co.uk/trainapriest.aspx, remains open;
and cheques can continue to be sent to TAP Fund, Church
Times, 13a Hellesdon Park Road, Norwich NR6 5DR. If you wish
to earmark a donation for the Special Hardship Fund, please enclose
a covering note.
Don't forget to mention TAP when you make or alter your will.
Every bequest has a lasting legacy in ministry in the parishes.