Fr Toby and Fr John are very grateful for the efforts of parishioners

BISHOP Crean, in a letter publicised before Christmas, has said: ‘ The pandemic poses difficulty for practically everybody ... psychologically, socially and financially’ and this continues to be the case.

For parishes, not having a congregation at Sunday Mass has meant no regular weekly collections for the upkeep of the churches of the parish, while the regular bills of the parishes still have to be paid. However, many parishioners, who are in a position to do so, have still been making their offerings to the parish, and in parishes where envelopes are used, including Kanturk/ Lismire, many parishioners have continued using them to contribute regularly.

All such offerings, and those for the priests, are very much appreciated and hereby acknowledged, as are all the contributions people have made down the years.

If you are in a position to keep up your regular weekly contributions (via your envelope of other means), it would be deeply appreciated if you could do so. To facilitate this, the following is in place:

• A collection box (for envelopes or any other offerings for both parishes) is now in place inside the back (car-park) entrance to Twohig’s SuperValu, Kanturk, accessible during the supermarket opening hours. It is located on the wall between the basket station and the noticeboard.

We are very grateful to Michael and Noreen Twohig for facilitating this.

• A collection box at the back of the church in Kanturk (private prayer section) is available during church opening hours for envelopes or any other offerings. Collection boxes are also available in Lismire and Castlemagner churches. All boxes are emptied regularly.

• You can drop envelopes etc. (for both parishes) through Fr. Toby or Fr. John’s letterboxes at any time.

• You can contact the parish office during opening times to drop envelopes or offerings in there.

• Lastly, many parishes receive regular contributions via standing order, and many find this very convenient. If you would like to use this method please contact the parish office.

Not just the financial contribution, but the extra effort that is required to make this contribution while being unable to come together for public Masses in the absence of congregations, is gratefully acknowledged and deeply appreciated.

We thank you in anticipation of your response to support your parish at this critical time.