At a meeting in December of the St. Brigid’s deanery, which includes the parishes of Newry, Saval and Donaghmore we discussed the financial state of the parishes post Covid. We also took into account the cost required to heat churches for the different celebrations, weddings, funerals, baptisms.
For the use of all the Churches in this deanery the clergy and the representatives of the finance committee in each parish decided that for a couple getting married there will be a charge of £400.00. This includes the administration at parish level prior to the wedding, the heat and light required for the wedding and the stipend for the priest. The fee will be paid when a couple comes to get the papers filled in for the wedding.
A suggested donation of £20.00 for baptism was agreed.
A collection will be taken up during the First Communion and Confirmation ceremonies.
It is believed that these charges are necessary as the weekly collections have fallen dramatically since Covid and with the current income that parishes are unable to make ends meet if we are to keep all the Churches open. It would be a very sad day if we couldn’t maintain all the Churches. Parishioners will see for themselves once we publish the 2022 accounts. They will be published as soon as they are available. We appreciate your understanding and your ongoing support.