THE good news about this year’s appeal for the Church Times Train-A-Priest (TAP) Fund is that donations made this Lent have averaged £100 each.

The bad news is that there have so far been only 30 of them.

Our heartfelt thanks to those who have donated already. It is true that Lent has a few weeks to go yet, but we urge readers to match their admiration for the Fund and the way in which it helps struggling ordinands with action.

Fortunately, donations given to TAP since we closed the appeal last year have boosted this year’s total to £15,073.60. But, in the past, readers have given eight times this amount. Even in these times of economic uncertainty, we believe that readers would like to see this year’s total rise substantially.

Will you help? Many of our readers will have experienced the relief that comes when a financial burden is lifted. Every penny given to TAP goes to help people training for the priesthood who experience unexpected hardship.
 

How to give:

GIVING online is the easiest means of donating to TAP, and saves us time in processing payments. Simply visit www.churchtimes.co.uk/train-a-priest-fund. The instructions there are clear, and there is a link to a secure page for donations. There is also a downloadable leaflet about TAP, to print and distribute in your church.

Otherwise, we 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 stamped addressed envelope. UK taxpayers: please boost your donation by making a Gift Aid declaration. Again, this can be done online.