30^th April 2021.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I hope this finds you and your families well.

When I wrote to you on 31^st December 2020, I asked for your financial support for the Diocese in the year ahead, particularly in regard to the care of the clergy. A small number of people responded very generously at the time and £20,000 was donated. I thank those who made these significant contributions. Through the month of May, the special collection in our parishes is for the same purpose, more precisely for Sick and Retired Priests, and I seek the support of the whole Diocesan community – contributions can be made in the churches or through Payacharity (box for Sick and Retired Priests) on the Diocesan website – www.rcdom.org.uk. I thank you in advance for your offerings, and ask your prayers also for our elderly clergy, particularly those in residential care.

As Bishop President of SCIAF I  also wish to thank all you have responded to this year’s “Wee Box” Appeal. Some priests have told me of the generous response through the collections in their parishes and it is very edifying to hear of your kindness to the poor in South Sudan in the midst of our own difficulties. As Catholics we do respond willingly when we hear of the needs of our poorer brothers and sisters in other parts of the world and it is uplifting to hear that we do not  forget or ignore them at present. The deadline for making contributions to this year’s SCIAF Lenten is May 11^th – any monies received before that day will be doubled through the Aid Match Scheme.

With my prayers and best wishes to you and your families,

Yours in Christ

+ Joseph Toal