Decline in parish income

SHANNON parish saw its income decline in 2011 but ended up in the black for the 12-month period.
The pastoral council published its financial statement in the parish newsletter, showing receipts of €238,551.93 last year compared to €280,006.41 in 2010. It had net expenditure of €203,842.38 compared to €295,390.87 the year before.
A statement from Pascal Hynds of the finance committee and parish priest Fr Tom Ryan said, “The Parish Financial Statement published this week for 2011 continues to reflect the financial position of parishioners at this time in our history. For the third year in succession, our Sunday collections, which is the main source of income for the parish, continues to decline. Since 2008, our Sunday collections have declined by €29,000.
This is in line with the life experiences of our ­parishioners at the present time, where income has been reduced.
“However, we do want to thank all parishioners and those who choose Shannon as their place of worship for your continued generosity in support of the parish.
“As we celebrate this month, the golden jubilee of the opening of St Senan’s School, the first Catholic school in the parish, we can look back with great pride and gratitude on all that has been achieved in making our parish a vibrant community of faith and welcome and see all that has been achieved over the past 50 years by the generosity and hard work of parishioners.
“The tax rebate on parishioners has, in the three years of our participation, brought in €95,000.
“This has helped ease the pain in the decrease in collections.
“In addition to the usual routine of parish expenditure, the past year saw a new toilet block extension to Mary Immaculate Church and the complete painting, interior and exterior, of Ss John & Paul Church.”
Taxpayers who contribute to the parish can take part in the Tax Rebate Scheme. This allows the parish to get a rebate on participants’ parish contributions for the year.
Speaking to The Clare Champion, Father Ryan said, “The reality is that the income is in line with people’s livelihoods and people are still very generous.
“We also have some very generous volunteers, who give of their time and talents freely and without them, the financial situation would be much worse.”