ON THE letters page this week, we carry a thank-you note from the Ordinands’ Association in gratitude for readers’ contributions to the Church Times Train-A-Priest (TAP) Fund.

They write: “At a time when many continue to feel financial pressures, ordinands from across the Church of England are very grateful for the magnanimous gestures of kindness from all who have supported the fund over the past year.”

Every ordinand in full-time training receives a TAP grant, but at least as valuable is the knowledge that, if financial pressures come on unexpectedly, the TAP Special Hardship Fund is there to help out.

Please give to TAP during Lent. Nothing is deducted for administrative costs, which means that every penny you give goes to support the next generation of priests.

How to give

WE STILL take cheques, postal orders, cash, and charity cheques. But giving online is easiest for donors and for us. Simply visit www.hymnsam.co.uk/train-a-priest. This is a secure page with clear instructions.

Please send other donations to: TAP Fund, Church Times, 13a Hellesdon Park Road, Norwich NR6 5DR. If you would like an acknowledgement, please enclose a SAE. To earmark all or part of a donation for the Special Hardship Fund, please use a covering note.

UK taxpayers can boost their gift by making a Gift Aid declaration. Please do this on our online donations page, or by enclosing the form on page 16 with your donation.

Spread the word

PLEASE encourage other people to give to TAP, too. A colour leaflet can be downloaded from the Church Times website; and we encourage churches to hold a special collection or fund-raising effort. Please let us know about your support, and your stories if you are doing so: we like to mention them in the Church Times.