I am writing to you today about Share, the Diocesan Development Fund, the second collection at Sunday
Mass, which depends wholly on the generosity of parishioners across the Archdiocese. Contributions to Share have not fully recovered since COVID-19. I appeal to you today to consider increasing your contribution throughout the year to this important fund which reflects practically our solidarity, support and care for each other as Church across the Archdiocese.
At this time in the Archdiocese, through the Building Hope initiative, we are learning to renew parish life by engaging in conversation, listening to each other, and working together in partnerships of parishes. The recently published Building Hope Pastoral Strategic Planning Resource 2025–2027 provides us with a real possibility of looking together at new ways of expressing our cherished Catholic tradition, vision and way of life.
Through your contributions to Share, essential support for these significant parish and partnership
conversations, and planning for the future, is offered from our diocesan offices. As well as day-to-day
support, and the provision of important governance policies and guidelines, the personnel in these offices
are available for consultation, training, formation and guidance concerning local pastoral, education, strategic leadership, safeguarding and communications initiatives, and in meeting statuary obligations in administrative and operational matters such as finance and fundraising, property, health and safety, and data protection.
The Mission & Ministry team provides continuing pastoral development support for our parishes and
partnerships of parishes. They accompany teams, offering training and formation opportunities, and support the development of voluntary ministries in parishes across the Archdiocese.
While the purpose of the Share collection has evolved over the years, it is a significant source of funding and encouragement in the Archdiocese, strengthening parish life and ministry.
Importantly, Share also provides much needed financial support to disadvantaged parishes where alternative funding cannot be secured. It is necessary for all of us to become more aware of the challenges faced in different parishes in our Diocese. Through Share we show practical support for parishes beyond our own parish partnership, particularly those in most need.
Scripture today rejoices in those who give generously from the little they have (Mark 12:41–44): ‘Jar of meal shall not be spent; jug of oil shall not be emptied’ (1 Kings 17:14). What a difference we can make to others when we share what we have with them. We may never fully know the value and impact of our generosity to others.
Thank you in anticipation for giving what you can on this Share Appeal Sunday, and for your continued
support for Share at the second collection every Sunday throughout the year, as together we seek to build up and renew the Church locally.
Mary, Mother of the Church, pray for us,
+Dermot Farrell
Archbishop of Dublin
