Following much prayer, consideration and consultation between clergy and laity it was decided to embark on a special fundraising initiative, which has been underway since 2021.

The Closer to Christ Campaign provides us with a unique opportunity to realise our mission of bringing people closer to Jesus Christ through His Church. This exciting initiative will build upon our Diocesan mission, enabling us to continue our journey to become ever more outward facing and evangelistic, while supporting our local parishes, who are the backbone of our Church.​

The campaign is seeking to raise £13.5million. With the immense generosity and goodwill of our Diocesan family in mind, over £11million has already been pledged. 62 parishes have completed this endeavour with 75% of those taking part exceeding the goal that they set out to raise. So far the campaign has engaged over 20,000 households.

Assisting our men in training for the priesthood

The seminarian must be open to hearing the Lord’s call in his life and be eager to respond to it. Seminary is a place to study but is (more importantly) where men test and formally discern their vocation to the priesthood, with the help of the Church.

The Diocese currently has 12 men in formation for the priesthood. Seminary formation takes between six and seven years to priestly ordination, at a cost of £30,000 per annum.

As the current cohort of priests age, the demand for more young men to come forward and dedicate their lives to the mission and service of the Church will only increase and therefore so will the requirement to resource their formation financially.

Go, make disciples of all nations

Matthew 28: 19

Providing for our retired priests following a lifetime of ministry

While most priests retire at the age of 75, many remain very active, continuing to serve their communities, working in our parishes, schools and chaplaincies. We have a responsibility to our priests.

It is our duty to make certain that no priest is worried about meeting essential costs during their senior years, so they can enjoy their well-deserved retirement.

We have over 40 priests in retirement and  an additional 30 retirees expected over the next decade, it is critical that extra resources are provided.

He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood, lives in me, and I live in him. John 6:55-56