Every priest and deacon serving in the Diocese was once a man in formation. The Clergy Education and Training Fund pays for that formation, and for the ongoing training of clergy already in ministry.
What the Fund supports
- Seminarian formation. Around six years of study and pastoral preparation. Roughly £30,000 a year per man, or about £80 a day.
- Permanent Deacon training. Roughly £4,000 a year per candidate.
- Ongoing clergy training. Continuing professional development, retreats, courses, and specialist study for priests and deacons in ministry.
- Lay formation in some cases, such as Eucharistic Ministers and other parish leadership roles.
Why it needs your help
At a time when vocations to the priesthood are precious, the Diocese is blessed to have men in seminary and others discerning the call. Their training is expensive, and the Fund is what makes saying yes to a vocation possible from the Diocese's side. Every gift goes directly toward the cost of forming the next generation of clergy.
Ways to give
Online. Donate to the Fund via the diocesan giving page. Tick the Gift Aid box if you pay UK tax.
Standing Order or cheque. Email the Planned Giving Office for a Standing Order mandate, or send a cheque payable to Clergy Education and Training Fund to:
Planned Giving and Gift Aid Service
Diocese of Shrewsbury
Curial Offices
2 Park Road South
Prenton
CH43 4UX
The annual collection. A Special Collection is held in churches across the Diocese every November. Cash given on the day cannot be Gift Aided unless it goes through an envelope or you donate online with a Gift Aid declaration.
Get in touch
For more information, including the Fund's leaflet with Gift Aid Declaration and Standing Order Form, contact the Planned Giving Office: pg@dioceseofshrewsbury.org.
