The bishop of Ferns, Dr Denis Brennan, has disclosed that diocesan finances have been rescued from the brink last year thanks to contributions of over half a million euro.
Meanwhile priests in the diocese have also helped turn around the finances by dipping into their own pockets to the tune of €60,000.
Last year, the diocese balanced its budget, with running costs at €557,817 and income at €547,139.
In a letter read at Masses, Bishop Brennan thanked all those who contributed for their “continued support and generosity in what are, and have been, very straitened times.”
The bishop said that, apart from supporting the diocese to the tune of a half million euro, the people of Ferns gave a similar amount to the Trócaire, between its Easter collection and campaigns for Haiti and Pakistan.
“Your generosity to the St Vincent de Paul annual collection, and indeed to the many other voluntary and charitable groups who seek your assistance, is exemplary,” he added.
“I readily appreciate the economic uncertainty and difficulties being faced by many at present. Your continued support of your local parish and diocese signifies a resolve and a commitment that deserves particular mention.”
The bishop’s request for a €1,000 donation to the diocese from each priest gave rise to controversy when he made it, as it was sought to help pay a mortgage on the Bishop’s House, in the wake of €8.4 million in payouts to victims of clerical sexual abuse in the diocese.
The mortgage costs €120,000 a year over twenty years and half of that comes from rental income associated with the former diocesan seminary, St Peter’s College.
Diocese spokesperson Fr. John Carroll confirmed that seventy Ferns priests had contributed to The Friends of the Diocese of Ferns fund, which was set up last year to raise funds to pay the mortgage.
Priests received letters and asked to make a standing order contribution of €1,000 to repay the mortgage.
While it was hoped to raise €92,000 from the 92 priests in active ministry, the figure of €1,000 per head was “in the air,” said Fr Carroll.
He said some priests paid €1,000 in one lump sum, while others set up standing orders but “some fellows are in difficult circumstances, and it was really left to the priests themselves.” It’s a work in progress.”
Meanwhile, the Ferns Finance Officer, Mr Eugene Doyle said the diocese now owes €1.6m but is “up to date with the bank repayments.”
The diocese has now completed fifty-two settlements with victims of sex abuse at a cost of €8,400,000, it was revealed, while costs of counselling initiatives to safeguard children amounted to €865,000.
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