An international fundraising agency was employed by three Catholic dioceses recently to raise funds for parish administration, refurbishment of the cathedral in each diocese, and care of elderly clergy.
The CCS agency (Community Counselling Service), based at Fifth Avenue in New York has offices in Dublin from where staff have assisted the Archdiocese of Armagh, as well as the Diocese of Down and Connor and the Diocese of Achonry, to raise funds. The managing director of CCS in Ireland is away.
The Bishop of Achonry, Dr Thomas Flynn, said last night the firm was helping the diocese to raise €2.25 million for care and support of clergy, parish and ministry development, and restoration of the cathedral. He emphasised that none of the money raised was for the Stewardship Trust. However, he declined to discuss the Achonry contribution to that trust or how it was funded.
According to documents seen by The Irish Times, in Achonry CCS is citing, in detail, the reliefs on charitable donations available under Section 41 of the 2001 Finance Act to encourage individuals, PAYE earners, those on self assessment, and companies, to contribute to its campaign there.
On March 8th Minister for Finance Brian Cowen told the Dáil that the Stewardship Trust too had applied for and was granted charitable tax exemption status eight years ago by the Revenue Commissioners.
