IF YOU have not given to the Church Times Train-A-Priest (TAP) Fund, please consider a donation. All the money given goes towards the 2017 total. Every penny from readers is passed to the Ministry Division for disbursement to those in training for the priesthood.

The TAP Fund provides crucial support to ordinands hit by unexpected financial crisis. Many have told us how they were on the brink of giving up training, and a TAP grant made all the difference.

In March, shortly before standing down as Chair of the C of E Ministry Council, the Bishop of Oxford, Dr Steven Croft, said: “At a time when we are seeking to increase substantially the number of those offering for ordination, it [TAP] is a major encouragement for those with families in particular to know that help and support are at hand in time of need.”

We still take cheques, postal orders, cash, and charity cheques. But 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.

Please send other donations to: TAP Fund, Church Times, 13a Hellesdon Park Road, Norwich NR6 5DR. UK taxpayers can boost their gift by making a Gift Aid declaration.