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YOUTH EVENTS
In accordance with Bishop Michael’s priorities,
the young people of our parish have a central place in the life of this community. There is a semi-regular programme of events
to cater for most ages and tastes and we are always looking for ideas and volunteers to expand and enhance this facet of parish
life. We have a volunteer Youth Co-ordinator in Liz Ball who attends our youth functions and assists the parish priest, but
any other volunteers, if prepared to be subject to background checks, would be welcome.
FLOCKWATCH
As
mentioned earlier the parish has an occasional meeting of those willing to keep an eye on parishioners in potential need and
on those who may be new to the area. For this reason the parish is divided into five zones, the town of Diss itself, and then
four quadrants which are divided by the river Waveney (N/S) and the main Norwich - Ipswich railway line (E/W). It is hoped
that regular House Masses and other more social gatherings will help to foster a sense of belonging and mutual care and concern.
CAFOD
The
parish co-operates fully with the major Catholic Charity CAFOD to help develop awareness of, and relive poverty in, the Third
World. This is done by having the mandatory second collections on the two Family Fast Days and by a weekly collecting box
in the wooden trunk at the back of the church. There is always an opportunity to respond to any crises that arise due to natural
or man-made disasters as well. If there is anyone who would like to be part of a more active group that focuses on issues
pertaining to Third World debt and justice and peace, then please speak to Fr. Simon.
THE GIFT-AID SCHEME
Formerly
known as the ‘Covenant’ scheme, this is an arrangement that almost all charities have with the Inland Revenue
whereby the income tax that contributors have already paid is refunded directly to the charity. All that is needed is credible
evidence that contributions have been made and a record of their name and address and National Insurance number. To this end,
many parishioners give to the parish by Standing Order directly into the parish bank account. This simplifies our administration
to a great degree and is much encouraged! Others use the weekly envelopes that are pre-printed. The whole scheme is administered
on behalf of the parish by Mr. Brian Johnson (our GAD co-ordinator) who liaises with the Diocesan Finance Office to make sure
that all the revenues that are owed to us are collected. If you would like to take part in the scheme, then please contact
Brian directly on 01379 251263 to get details and a form.
COLLECTION COUNTERS
In accordance
with Charity Commission requirements, the cash that is received into the parish via the Sunday Collections and the coin boxes
in the church is counted, recorded and banked by lay volunteers under the supervision of the Parish Treasurer and the parish
priest. This usually takes place in the presbytery after Mass on Monday morning and there is a four week rota of two counters
per week running at the moment. If you would like to volunteer for this duty, then please speak to Fr. Simon or to Susan Penswick,
the Parish Treasurer.
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