An Irish bishop is appealing to the faithful not to shortchange charities and the church when the single European currency becomes legal tender in January, his spokesman said today.
In a brochure to his 96,000 parishioners, the Bishop of Ferns, Brendan Comiskey, warned the transition to euro notes and coins could hit collections that bring in IR£1.5 million (€1.9 million) a year in his diocese.
Ireland is the only euro-zone country in which the single currency will be worth less than the existing basic unit, with one euro worth 0.79 punt.
There is concern that if people simply switch from donating a punt coin to giving a euro coin in collections, it will mean a 21 per cent drop in income.
"The brochure explains the changeover will require a certain amount of management so that there is no loss," spokesman Father John Carroll said.
About 80 per cent of the money collected stays in Ferns' 40 parishes and 90 churches, and the rest goes to central funds or is distributed to causes like charities or agencies to help Irish emigrants.
"Things are already run on a shoestring. Sometimes one punt in the church can achieve what it takes maybe five punts from the state because there is so much voluntary labour and goodwill involved."
The possibility of falling incomes has been discussed by bishops in the country's 27 dioceses. But Ferns is the first to take an initiative with its own campaign.
Fr Carroll said a big drop in income was not a major fear.
"Maybe it is complacency, but the people have always been there and they have never been found wanting."
AFP