The Association for the Propagation of the Faith exists to supply spiritual and material aid, mainly for the peoples of the Third World. The principal source of income is provided by the red mission collecting boxes. Only one in five of the families in the parish have a mission box. This is not because they are lacking in the generosity for which the Parish is well-known. The reasons are
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The majority of parishioners prefer to contribute to CAFOD, under the impression that the aid provided by the APF is spiritual rather than material. The truth is that the bulk of the money collected is spent on material projects such as the digging of wells, sanitation, health and the raising of better food crops. The joy, and comfort and truth of the Faith is also brought to the communities concerned, but not forced upon them, and not as a condition of the material aid provided.
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Parishioners think that having a mission box will be another major commitment, whereas, although some Members are extremely generous, the average amount collected from each Member each year is only £16.62. It is literally a case of every little helping. The whole idea is that the box should be placed in a prominent position so that from time to time family members can relieve the weight in their pockets or purses by getting rid of surplus copper coins or the irritating 5p piece, plus an occasional larger coin for a variety of reasons. Some members, for example, keep the box by their telephone, to encourage users to contribute to the cost of their calls and ease their consciences.
To join what Pope John Paul declares to be his favourite charity, and help save lives and prevent blindness in the Third World, speak to Dennis Wilson after the 10.30 Mass on Sundays, or contact the Parish Office (details below) and we will put you in touch with him.
The APF has a web site: www.missio.org.uk