FINANCE

Supporting the Parish financially
Parish Finance Committee
Parish Finance Figures
Expense Form

From Time, Talent and Treasure programme
Treasure (in other words Money)

Talk by Nick Williams given at weekend Masses 3th/4th February 2024

As part of the time, talent and treasure programme, and because I chair the finance committee and also look after Gift Aid I’ve been asked to talk about treasure, in other words money

Let me say from the outset that we are solvent and we pay our way so please relax while I talk a little about the finances

Last Sunday, Father Denis talked about the Church 60 years ago, and about how it used to be, which sent me thinking about the church in Wymondham 

We have a growing number of new parishioners among us who may not know the history. Our parish church was built in 1952. It was the vision of a priest to build as a memorial to the Far East Prisoners of war and on those foundations we have expanded with the narthex and meeting rooms, and replaced our old prefabricated church hall with a modern building. We have maintained the presbytery, and also the adjoining cottage which we rent out.

These things were achieved by much hard work, and fundraising and the generosity of gifts from parishioners who are part of the community today, and whom we thank – and from legacies of deceased parishioners

Today, our finance committee meet regularly to manage a budget of approximately £100,000, and support Father Denis in the prudent financial operation of parish life. We are in maintain mode but with an eye to the future and to projects that will enhance parish life and the wider community. Income is from several sources.  The offertory of course, income from the church hall, gift, aid, and rental from the cottage. 

We can rely those income streams, and then we are lucky enough to have Father Denis in prison! His salary is directly contributed to the parish, and so we’d like to see him inside for a very long time!

So, we do not need to ask you for more increased hard cash to sustain us, but we do need you to contribute 

There are four ways in which you could do so as part of the time talent and treasure programme 

Firstly, if you have financial or business experience that could be useful to the finance committee we would love to hear from you.

Secondly, please think about booking the hall for social and business functions and increase income from that source 

Next, we would again like to emphasise how important gift aid is. We have a number of new parishioners among us and you may not yet have got round to completing a gift aid declaration. Indeed there may be long standing parishioners.    Can I emphasise that if you are a taxpayer you do not need to make regular contributions for us to receive 25p for every pound you give. We just need you to either use a giving envelope which we will provide for your contributions, or to make a regular standing order and complete a gift aid form. It does not commit you for a long-term. You can start and stop whenever you choose. Just see me afterwards or leave your details with Father and I will be in touch. 

Finally, a more long-term way to is to consider making a legacy to the parish in your will. This needs some thought of course and again I can provide advice and guidance.

Please see the Finance section of our website for more details of how you can support the Parish by clink on the link https://www.wymondhamrcchurch.org.uk/finance-supporting-the-parish

Thanks for your patience, and for your generosity 

Nick Williams

Chair Finance Committee