Parish closures and reduced giving during the pandemic have caused a serious shortfall for Catholic charities, with many warning they face a difficult and uncertain future.
Jo Kitterick, head of fundraising at Cafod, told The Tablet that its Family Fast Day income reduced by two thirds over the lockdown period. The Lent Fast Day collection took place just as churches and schools were closing in March.
“We saw a dramatic reduction in the number of parishes sending donations to us,” she said, adding that “difficult decisions” were made on how best to steward reduced resources.
“We have a number of supporters who commit to monthly gifts and these regular donations have been a lifeline for us at this time and we rely on them more than ever,” she added. A Coronavirus Appeal, launched at the end of April, has raised more than £1 million. “With Catholic churches and schools slowly reopening and the financial challenges our churches are managing, further down the line we know that our income will be affected,” Ms Kitterick said. “Our Harvest Fast Day takes place on 11 October,” she added, “and we will do our best to make it a Harvest Fast Day like no other.”
The Cardinal Hume Centre and its clients also fear having to “face an uncertain future”, chief executive George O’Neill said. “We have been touched by the backing we have received from many individuals in recent weeks; it has helped to ensure we have been able to maintain the bulk of the support we provide,” he said.
Emergency funding has been available, including some from the government, but the centre is worried about the long term. “We have to persuade people to support our work not just now, but in the months and years ahead, to give us the confidence to focus on what we do best, when it is needed most,” said Mr O’Neill.
The Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS UK) reported a very positive response in giving from supporters, in particular to the Refugee Friends’ Hardship Fund appeal. Grants for Covid- specific work has enabled JRS to continue providing support over the phone, financial hardship grants, and emergency food and toiletry deliveries. “I am hugely grateful to our supporters and donors,” said Sarah Teather, director of JRS UK. “As we move into the ‘new reality’, our refugee friends will suffer from the unpredictability of changing public health guidance and precarious housing situations. And like many other charities, we currently face a significant financial shortfall for next year.”
The Catholic Children’s Society (CCS) has also felt the impact of church and school closures. Chief executive Rosemary Keenan said that individual supporters and organisations, such as the Albert Gubay Charitable Foundation, had ensured funds were there to support CCS’ work, adding: “Demand for our services has never been greater.”
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