The Parish Finance Committee met during the week. Among the items discussed was a list of works carried out so far this year including work on trees in the church grounds and between the Parochial House and the new O’Growney National School, provision of the new Cross in St James’ Cemetery, improvements to lighting in Rathmore, Rathcairn & Athboy Churches, repainting of the church railings and doors in Athboy, provision of toilet facilities in Rathcairn Church.

All of this work is possible because of your generous support of the basket collection at Mass and of the Parish Envelopes/Standing Orders.

As previously announced, the heating system in Athboy Church is in need of major repairs which will involve significant expenditure. Although the parish does not have sufficient funds at present for this work, the Finance Committee have agreed to proceed immediately and we hope that all work will be carried out during July and August and completed when heat is needed in the autumn. To finance the work, it has been agreed to ask parishioners for Interest-Free Loans and to supplement this with a Credit Union Loan. Fund-raising events in the autumn and again in the spring will be organised to cover all necessary costs.

Parishioners willing to offer an Interest-Free loan will receive a written letter of receipt and guarantee from the Parish Priest and all loans will be confidential between Fr Padraig and the parishioner. If you are in a position to help, please contact Fr Padraig directly.