THE passing of the collection basket at mass may have been stopped due to Covid-19, but that hasn’t prevented local parishes from being right on the button when it comes to facilitating donations. Both the Ennis parish and Doora-Barefield parish websites have included a ‘donate’ button in which contributions can be made to the parishes online in a safe and secure way.
Fr Jerry Carey of Doora-Barefield parish explains that contributions to the parish are “vital” to the ongoing funding of services. The new online facility has three sections where parishioners can donate an individual amount or choose an ongoing payment option.
Donations can be made to Parish Funds for the day to day running of the parish which supplements the weekly basket and development fund collections. There are also Priests’ Collections, funds which go to paying the priest with the surplus going to pastoral care in the Diocese. There are four of these collections annually. While Other Collections sees funds go to eight individual groups including Trocaire, Lourdes Invalid Fund and Mission Sunday. 
This is just one of a number of innovations which are being carried out by local parishes in response to Covid-19. Webcams have been installed to allow ceremonies be broadcast to audiences worldwide.
Fr Carey outlined that his parish is now focussing on getting “back to some normality” with the first step being last May’s opening of churches for private prayer. “To comply with HSE requirements we installed sanitiser facilities and signage to remind us all of our need to care for each other. On July 20 it is expected to begin celebrating mass with people present – social distancing will apply. Christenings with small numbers present may also be reintroduced. While it is a challenge we are working on having both Holy Communion and Confirmation Ceremonies rearranged.”
He has expressed appreciation to all who have continued to contribute to the parish. As well as the online facility, contributions can be made directly to the Parish Office at 3 The Woods, Cappahard, Tulla Road, by using Development Fund envelopes or an ordinary envelope with your name/s and address.
“These are extremely challenging times for us all and while we are now asked to stay apart with social distancing we are a very strong community which is evidenced by the wonderful voluntary contribution and support of our Parish Clubs, Societies, and individuals.  To all of you I say a very special thank you. Together we will see this through and be stronger and better people.”
Meanwhile Ennis Parish has launched its own contribution facility on its website in response to requests looking for an opportunity to donate online. Parishioners can chose to make a once-off donation, or weekly, monthly, quarterly or annual contribution towards the development fund or the priests’ collection. Parishioners who would like to give their weekly contribution to the parish through the Parish Bank Account can still do so at: Bank of Ireland, Bank Place, Ennis. Ennis Parish Development Fund Account. IBAN: IE87 BOFI 9042 1030 1780 10 BIC: BOFIIE2D.