Parish plan under discussion
A draft development plan for Kilcullen Parish over the next three years is being prepared by the Parish Finance Committee.
It is hoped to have it completed and published for consultation with parishioners in the coming months.
A report in December noted that parish income needed to be 'significantly' increased, to pay for extra staff to support the priests and address the pastoral needs of a rapidly growing parish. Various tax efficient methods of achieving this are being examined and will be included in the Parish Development Plan.
The parish budget for the current financial year is set at 209,772 euros. In the year ending last 30 June the parish showed a deficit of 8,062 euros on a spend of 199,483 euros. If the parish income stayed at the 2006/2007 level, it would mean the deficit would increase to 20,534 euros.
Also at the end of the year the parish debt was 398,195 euros, a significant part of it in respect of a ten year term loan for the development of the Parish Centre. Half of the repayments on the term loan are paid by the Diocesan SHARE Fund.
A parish website has been set up. It will include a registration form to facilitate improving the parish data base of Catholics living in the area.
Brian Byrne.
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