10 June 2020
Dear Parishioners of the Catholic Archdiocese of Johannesburg,
Safety and good health be with you all at this unprecedented and very difficult time in our lives.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that churches may resume religious services as long as these are limited to 50 people or less, which after two months of our churches being closed, is a positive step. Your parish will keep you informed of the decisions they make regarding Masses.
We are very pleased how our parishes have responded during this lockdown period with video masses on the YouTube channel, keeping other activities in the life of a Parish going as best as possible, and regular parish communications.
I write this note with a specific focus on our Archdiocese finances.
As you are well aware our primary source of funding at the Archdiocese level comes from contributions from the parishes. The Archdiocese through your contributions have numerous financial obligations, especially financially supporting parishes in need and parish and other religious and community projects. We are well aware that without Masses, and regular contact, receiving donations is difficult, so I implore you to please continue with your donations to your parish and during these difficult times if you can donate more than your normal amount, this will be appreciated and will help with the efforts we are making to assist the needy at this time. The list of needy is growing rapidly on a daily basis and our church cannot ignore this.
Your goodness and your generosity will not go unnoticed.
2 Corinthians 9:6-8 Remember this:
Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
All parishes have bank accounts where you can deposit donations directly from your bank account and many parishes also have additional payment methods like Snapscan / Zapper and any other channels your parish may have to accept donations.
If you do wish to also make donations directly to the Archdiocese, this can be done to;
- Catholic Archdiocese of Johannesburg,
- Standard Bank,
- Account number: 002125757
- Branch Code: 051001.
May the temporary loss of the Mass and meeting in church face to face instill a deep solidarity, create greater appreciation for each other and for the priesthood, and inspire a deep hunger within us for the return to attending Mass and a greater appreciation for what it really is.
God bless you and thank you all for your assistance and contributions.
Most Rev.
Archbishop Buti Tihagale
OMI
c.c
Auxiliary Bishop Duncan Tsoke
Fr. Paul Beukes OMI, Vicar General
Catholic Archdiocese of Johannesburg
