THE Bishop of Oxford, Dr Steven Croft, has praised the “wonderful generosity” of the many Church Times readers who have contributed to the Train-a-Priest (TAP) Fund.

In a letter to the editor, Dr Croft, who chairs the C of E’s Ministry Council, writes: “As I come towards the end of my appointment as Chair of the Ministry Council and pass on responsibility to the Bishop of St Edmundsbury & Ipswich, I will remember with enormous gratitude the contribution they have made to supporting many ordinands during this period and in the years before.

“At a time when we are seeking to increase substantially the number of those offering for ordination, it is a major encouragement for those with families in particular to know that help and support are at hand in time of need. Last year, you raised with your readers the wonderful sum of £65,325. I am sure that your readers will aim to match and exceed that in Lent 2017, for which, on behalf of the Church of England and its Ministry Council, I am very grateful.”

Watch this space next week for examples of how your money has answered the prayers of ordinands in training.

We hope that Dr Croft’s encouraging words inspire many to give generously this year.

How to give

GIVING online is easiest for many donors, and for us. Simply visit www.hymnsam.co.uk/train-a-priest.aspx. This is a secure page with clear instructions.

We also accept cheques, postal orders, cash, and charity cheques, which should be sent to: TAP Fund, Church Times, 13a Hellesdon Park Road, Norwich NR6 5DR.

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.