THE Church Times Train-A-Priest (TAP) Fund appeal for
2013 closes this week, having brought TAP past the £4.5-million
mark.
This year's grand total, boosted by a substantial legacy and
including Gift Aid due, is £71,709. This is slightly less than last
year's grand total of £74,076, but still a splendid effort in times
of economic hardship, and just nudges our total since the Fund
began past a new milestone.
Our thanks go to all our readers and their friends who have
given so generously in support of this year's appeal - particularly
to those who have promoted TAP in their congregations.
In the 60 years since the TAP Fund was launched by Rosamund
Essex, its beneficiaries have our readers past and present to thank
for help to the tune of more than £9 million if it is translated
into current values.
Most of this year's donations will be used to support candidates
who are in residential training for the priesthood; but some are
earmarked for the TAP Special Hardship Fund, which stands ready to
help all candidates, whatever their mode of training, if they
experience a financial crisis that jeopardises their future
ministry.
As ever, nothing is deducted to cover the costs of the appeal or
of administering the grants, which are not allocated by the
Church Times, but by the Ministry Division of the
Archbishops' Council. Every penny is for ministry.
Any late donations will be used to give our Lenten appeal next
year a flying start. The online giving page,
www.hymnsam.co.uk/train-a-priest.aspx, remains open; and cheques
can continue to be sent to TAP Fund, Church Times, 13a
Hellesdon Park Road, Norwich NR6 5DR. If you wish to earmark a
donation for the Special Hardship Fund, please enclose a covering
note.
Don't forget to mention TAP when you make or alter your will.
Every bequest has a lasting legacy in ministry in the parishes.
