Letter from Bishop Denis Brennan, Bishop of Ferns
My brothers and sisters
I write to acknowledge the genuine fear and uncertainty that many of us now feel about our present situation and indeed what it may mean for our future.
We find ourselves in the midst of a rapidly changing national and international scenario, the likes of which we have not experienced in our lifetimes.
Many people feel a sense of helplessness, a sense that in the face of the global forces now impacting on us, there is nothing we can do.
This is understandable, especially in the wake of the surprising developments of recent weeks.
We have all been shocked by the rapid decline in our fortunes.
The old Irish adage – “we live in each other’s shelter” – is very true and very relevant at this time.
At times such as we are now going through, we need to shelter each other, to help each other, as much as we can.
The parish, local clubs, groups and organisations can play a vital role here, creating community and providing a sense of belonging.
One of the groups that does sterling work in this area is the St Vincent de Paul Society.
On the weekend of 11th and 12th December, the annual collection for the St. Vincent de Paul will be taken up at our Churches.
In the past two years, the annual financial demand placed on the Society in Co. Wexford has increased by over 120% (i.e. well over doubled), no doubt in response to a downturn in the economic fortunes of the country.
The St. Vincent de Paul collection is our opportunity to offer “hope through help” at the local level this Christmas. Your support – as is possible in these straitened times – is invited for this most worthy cause.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the members of the various Conferences within the diocese for the work that they undertake, so diligently and respectfully, in the name of the Gospel.
I also thank you for your great generosity in all collections over the past year
I thank you for your kind attention.
Yours sincerely
+ Denis Brennan, Bishop of Ferns
