RESPONDING to a vocation to the priesthood in the Church of England often entails sacrifice, such as giving up a salary, or moving away from family and friends. But for some the financial struggles are particularly acute.

This is where the Train-a-Priest (TAP) Fund comes in. It provides a basic TAP grant to many candidates in residential training. But our readers’ donations also help to build up the TAP Special Hardship Fund. Any ordinand who experiences unforeseen money troubles that put his or her training at risk, whatever the mode of training, can apply for assistance.

At the Church Times, we see the good done by past donations. Several recent contributors to our columns have asked for their fee to be given to TAP out of gratitude for the help that they themselves received.

As the Church seeks to increase the number of ordinands, the need for the TAP Fund will be greater than ever — especially for those who lack a financial “cushion”.

Please give to TAP this year, and continue the good work with the next generation of priests. Every penny is for ministry.

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. 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 completing the form in the TAP information leaflet.

Spread the word

PLEASE encourage other people to give to TAP, too. 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.

Download the 2017 TAP information leaflet